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THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
STRIPED VERBENA. 
The Flower Garden. 
Notes for the Month. 
September is the first month of our 
peautiful spring. It is the time when the 
patient gardener begins to see the results 
of his planning and plotting and 
planting. Failures of course there must 
be, but they only make the enjoyment of 
success more keen. 
— Lawns. — 
Where lawns of buffalo grass are to be 
be planted the present month is the best 
possible time for the operation. 
In preparing the soil, which is really 
the most important point, a good quantity 
of manure should be incorporated with it 
to a depth of 18 in., and the whole should 
pe trodden firmly before the surface is 
levelled, so that there may be no sub- 
sidence after the grass is planted. The 
roots of the grass may be either dibbled 
in at 4 in. apart or small trenches opened 
straight across the ground in which to 
The first method is the most 
expeditious, and if the roots are put in 
deep, leaving an inch of stem above the 
surface, there will be no fear of failure. 
In all cases the grass should receive one 
good watering as the work proceeds. 
— Bulbs. — 
Many kinds of bulbs are now at their 
lay them. 
best, and will need careful stapling to 
keep them in good condition as long as 
possible. Nothing is more unpleasing to 
the eye than seeing butbous plants ne- 
glected and laid down by the wind. 
Summer-flowering bulbs, including 
gladioli, tuberoses, lillies, and tigridias 
should be planted this month; and all 
require deep, rich soils. 
— Chrysanthemums, — 
Commence propagating chrysanthe- 
mums both by cuttings and a division of - 
the roots. If for pot culture two cuttings 
should be put in each 3-in pot, so that 
when rooted sufficiently to be put into 
September 1, 1909 
injury to the roots. 
often made too good, the result being 
that it is sometimes difficult to keep the: 
growth in due check, and the- plants. 
whether in pots or in the borders become 
overgrown ; the stems and foliage are out: 
of all due proportion to the flowers they 
produce. Too much water during the 
middle stages of growth is partly the 
cause of them becoming overgrown. A 
moderate supply of water until the buds: 
are fairly formed is best, after which 
plenty of water and liquid manure are- 
necessary for the production of first class 
flowers. 
— Roses. — 
The rose garden will require perticular’ 
attention during this month. Like many 
other plants, roses are much improved by 
disbudding, Any or all buds that form 
in the centre of the tree or bush should 
be rubbed off. This prevents crowding 
and throws all the strength of the plant 
into the roots that remain. 
are to be grown for exhibition purposes 
one bud only should be left on each strong 
shoot, and comparitively few flowers 
should be allowed to develop on each: 
When the flowers begin to open: 
plant. 
it is a good plan to tie thin white paper 
over each to protect them from bad 
weather, asthe least blemish in these 
flowers weakens the exhibit and the 
coloring is not in the least affected by 
being covered or protected for a few 
Should aphides appear on roses. 
they should be dealt with immediately by 
days. 
spraying; a solution of soapy water is 
effectual, and this is made by dissolving 
2 oz. of common soap in a gallon of hot 
water, and using it whilst at atemperature 
of 130 deg, Fah. All roses should now 
bemulched with short, well-decayed stable: 
manure, 
— Summer Annuals, — 
’ The main sowings of summer annuals. 
should be made early in the month. They: 
may be raised without artificial heat; the 
beds should be formed in frames, using a 
fine rich sandy soil, keeping the glass over 
them until the plants are up. A: 
Hardy annuals may be planted to the 
larger pots they may be separated without: 
These plants require: 
a soil of a fairly rich texture, but it is. 
Where roses: 
