Garden Notes - Waterlilies

Growing Water-Lilies in a Tub

It is possible to grow Water Lilies in a tub sunk into the ground as illustrated. If several tubs are available, they should be placed on a slope, and a gentle flow of water arranged from the highest to the lowest. The smaller varieties of Lilies should be used (Nymphae oderate, N. caroliniana, & c). and may be planted March-June in baskets of loam covered with turf, sunk into the water. Another plan is to fill the tub to within about a foot of the top with soil, then plant the tubers, and fill with water.

Staking Runner Beans

Two methods of training Runner Beans; (A) Pairs of stakes 8 to 10 feet in length are set at intervals of a foot, each pair crossed about six feet from the ground, and secured by twine to a horizontal stake placed along the forks as shown; or, erect a T shaped support at each end of the row, connecting these by three strands of wire, one at either end of the crosspiece, and one at the bottom. Twine is tied to the wires at Intervals as shown at B.

Home-made Propagating Frame

This simple propagating frame is constructed in two parts. The lower portion (A) is about 3 ft. by 2 ft. by 1 foot deep, provided with ventilation holes, and a door (B). frame is covered with stout sheet zinc (D). Upper frame (C) fits over (A), and has a sloping glass cover. It contains a thick layer of moistened cocoanut fiber (B) mixed with charcoal, on which the pots, &c., are placed. Insert a plate of sheet iron between lamp and roof, to diffuse the heat.

Budding Roses

This operation can only be practiced between July and September. A plump healthy bud should be selected, neither too small nor too old. Then, commencing half an inch below, make a clean upward cut so as to remove the bud, with about an inch of woody "shield" attached. On the stock a T-shaped cut about an inch long is made through the bark. The bark is then raised on each side and the bud inserted; after which the bark is pressed back and the bud secured firmly with raffia. Standard briers are budded at W, and Bush briers at B, just below ground level.

Mistake of Planting too near Trees

Herbaceous plants set too near trees and large shrubs will not thrive. Not only do big trees shade the plants and so rob them of sunlight and rain, but the spreading roots fill the ground and monopolize the food material in the soil. Some trees (e.g., bleach) impoverish the soil to a much greater extent that others, and even grass cannot be grown successfully. Beneath an Oak, on the other hand, plants may sometimes be grown right up to the bole.