Evening Star Newspaper, May 1, 1926, Page 15

REAL ESTATE. Gardening in Washington AND ITS ENVIRONS CHESTER J. HUNN, Garden Editor, The Star. THE GLADIOLUS Having, as 1 hope, by my article of last week, aroused interest in the gladiolus, a plant well known but not cultivated as extensively as it de- serves, it now seems desirable to glve » bit uf Information on its culture. As to detalls T know of no better way to present this than to submit a condensed copy of the cuitural notes as compiled by the American Gladiolus Boclety, as follows: When oulbs arrive, open package at once to admit air. If not wanted to plant soon, store in cool, dry place. Plant when the trees native to your vielnity are unfolding their leave Then all dangers of damaging frosts are past. From then until last of Tune. Plant in beds,’ rows, borders, etc. and among other light-rooted plants. Plant in open sunny places not too near buildings nor close to founda- tions. A sandy loan is best, as it works freeiy, retains moisture and is pro- Auctive. Any good garden soil will do, but some require more work to leep loose, to keep weeds down, etc. At planting time, use only well rotted manures or commercial fer- tilizers. Spade not less than eight or 10 inches deep. Pulverize manures and soil thoroughly. Open rows or trenches six inches deep. 18 or 20 inches apart. Set large bulbs in trenches the width of the bulbs apart. Farther apart if you care to but no closer. Smaller bulbs not set so deep. Deep planting slows appearance of sprout through ground but protects ‘rom late frosts, heavy winds and ex- treme hot or rainy weather. Cover bulbs with an inch of soil, then sprinkle liberally with sheep fertilizer or hone meal. Fill in rest of trench with sofl and firm down. Keep soil loose and free from weeds. 17se plenty of sheep fertilizer, tankage or bone meal. Bone meal is good but slow. TIf nitrates and ammonias are 1sed, be careful. They are strong #nd stimuates more than food. Cut Aower spike when first bud is open. Tu cutting spike, leave four to six leaves on plant to mature bulbs. Dig the bulbs when foliage turns brown but always before freezing weather. Cut off follage close to bulb. Dry in open air a few days but keep from frost. Remember that good bulbs, plenty of sun, food. water and cultivating is 21l you need to raise prize winning £l CHAS. E. ¥. GERSDORFF. Vice President, American Gladiolus Society. | TIMELY HINTS The early plantings of vegetables should be promptly thinned while the plants are small. This gives each plant a sufficlent space in which to develop. With root crops like beets this thinning can be gradual, using the tops for greens, or in the case of carrots the baby roots can be used as a creamed dish. If you are growing rhubarb. watch the plants when harvesting is over. Remove the seed stalk as soon as it begins to shoot upward, and save the energies of the plant for root growth for the 1927 crop. Another sowing of spinach and one of lettuce are now in order. Remem- ber to keep up a succession of crops to obtain the finest in quality of home- grown vegetable: be sown in a shel the southern 178107010 9\ TQYR) part of the garden, where the sun will warm up the soil. Diseases and insect pests are liable to be causing trouble in the garden and among the fruits. Secure the United States Department of Agricul- ture Farmers’ Bulletins on these sub- jects and be ready to use the proper control measures at the proper time. One should begin dusting roses now that the leaves are coming out, using the dust at intervals of a week or ten days to control mildew, hlack spot and insects. The best formula calls for nine parts of sulphur mixed with one part of dry arsenate of lead. If aphis are present, add one or two parts of nicotine sulphate powder. Do not tr to use one remedy for all plant tro bles. Are you planning arape clusters this year? ~ Bagging insures perfect, luscious clusters, with the minimum of poor berries and none of them punctured by wasps or hor- nets. It is a_simple operation—jus the drawing of a paper bag over the selected clusters after the berries have set and have attained the size of small | currants. Close the mouth of the bag about the upper part of the stem of the grape cluster. Clean up last year's foliage from about the hollyhocks and Canterbury bells to stop the spread of blights. To aid in the control of these diseases, spray the plants when a few inches high with a solutic of Bordeaux. Tt is now a goo ' time to set out the “pips” (crown b and roots) of the lily of the vallo . Set the top of the pip even with e ground. Watch for aphids. Spro+ with a nicotine wash or sulpho-toh cco We have :.arned ing of earl” Spring blooming shrubs up to now. It is hoped that this warn- ing has p evented you from cutting away the ‘lowering shoots. Now that the forsy hia or golden bell has fin- ished blooming, one should not hesi- tate in vruning. Cut away the older branches which gave the fewest flow- ers this Spring and throw the strength of the plant into bud formation on the younger shoots. Ants may_be effectively eradicated in lawns and gardens by the use of a teaspoonful of carbon bisulphid dropped into a hole made with the handle of a rake or hoe in the center of an ant hill. (Note: Handle and store carbon bisulphid with the same precautions that are used in handling gasoline.) to “bag” any Water when properly applied is of great value in the flower and vege- table garden and in maintaining a good lawn. Analyses of the various vegetables show that they are largely composed of water. shows that with vegetables like peas. celel lettuce, caulifiower, tomatoes and others their yield will be increased by at least one-third when water is abundantly used. Flowers make larger blooms and these last longer when given plenty of water. The wa- tered lawn is almost always the most attractive. With the exception of roses, water can be applied to plants in the morn- ing or evening. On roses, however, it <hould be used in the morning, for the combination of moisture and the cool- ness of the nights are factors in the prevalence of rose mildew. Water has two uses in the garden. Its main use is to dissolve the plant foods in the soil and to transport these foods through the roots to the plants. Most plant roots are a few inches un- der the surface of the soil, and then extend downward for some distance, depending upon the type of plant and Experience also | THE EVENING plied so that it may soak into the ground for several inches. In water- ing the garden shallow trenches are sometimes made between the rows, taking care not to injure the roots. and the water is allowed to soak into the ground from these trenches. After the soll has dried, it Is cultivated to form a dust mulch so that the mois- ture may be retained in the soll. Sprinkling is used occasionally to wash the dust off of the breathing pores of the leaves. Sprinkling alone simply dampens the upper surface of the soil and induces the formation of surface roots, which endangers the well being of the plants during extend- ed periods of dry weather. The rule for watering is to water thoroughly, so that the upper few inches of sofl are completely soaked, and then to desist until the plants need water again. | WINDOW GARDENS II A window garden is a source of more satisfaction to many people thar a walk on Sunday through a public park. Further, the intimate care re- quired of even a single window box is a daily reminder of the beauties of nature. Soil for window boxes Is today's topie. Outdoors our plants usually have sufficient room, but in the win- dow box there is more or less cramp- ing of roots. Hence it 1s necessary to make the soil richer than that required in_the flower garden. Window box soils should be so prepared that they possess the following characteristic They should not pack hard like clay nor should they contract when to dry, but instead should remain porous and springy. The potting soil used by florists is perhaps the easlest ob. tainable, and many of these firms will often sell it by the bushel. It would | take at least a year for the average person to secure suitable compost of his own making. After the roots of the plants have filled the soil in the window box, it will be best to add a little fertility from time to time. A handful of sheep anure sprinkled over the soil of the box at intervals of three weeks apart will usually be sufficient. This can be worked into the soil by scratching the surface with a kitchen fork. A lot of the plant food will naturally leak out of the surface area in watering and be carried downward so that the plant food may be used by the roots of the plants. Instead of using the dry sheep manure, some people prefer to use a weak manure liquid made from this same material Next week this column will take up the subject of window box plants, to be followed by one on planting and care. | { Cannas, like other showy tropical perennials, are used as an annual In this part of the world to give color to the landscape near the house or in parks. Being tender and treated as an annual, they belong to that group of plants called “bedding plants” and are set out after all danger of frost is past. Great improvements have been made during the past few vears, in size and markings and colors of the flowers. The tropical effect of a large | bed of cannas, of one color or judici- | ously mixed, is not surpassed by any | other plant. | While cannas can be raised from | seed, they are generally grown from | division of the roots. If early plants are wanted, the roots are planted in | the hot bed or warm house in early | April. About the middle of May, the | plants can be set out, for the ground is then somewhat warm and there is fittle danger of frosts. After frost has injured the tops, the roots may be dug, preferably when the soll is somewhat dry. The roots are stored in a warm, dry place and covered with soil or sand to exc]ude; the drying air. “annas grow from three to seven | et high. For dense mass effects the STAR. WASHINGTO plants are set from 12 to 18 Inr‘hes[mblluh them. Near Washington this apart, but for individual effects or fo best bloom they should be given more room. Often fine clumps may be se. cured by planting out the entire old root without any divison. Cannas re. quire a rich, warm soil and a sunny place and need plenty of water. Parsnips and salsify are two crops which require a long season in which to grow, and which may be dug and stored in the Fall or left in the open nd and dug during the early Spring months. The quality of both is improved by fi The plants, like other root e prepared, rich, loamy soil. Hard clay or a soil filled with rocks will usually produce stunted or divided roots. The seed of the parsnip should be shown as soon as the soil can be pre- pared, and in rows 18 inches apart. The seed must be fresh, for it looses it germinating powers in the second year. To aid in germination, the seed shoultl be covered with sifted compost and since the seed are slow in grow- ing, a few radish seeds My be placed in the drill so that the rows are read- ily seen. The plants should be thinned to stand 3 inches apart in the row. Cultivation must be continuous through the growing season. Saleify grows more readily, otherwise the culture is the same. The roots should be harvested promptly in the Spring, before new growth starts, otherwise they become woody and useless as food. AIMS OF THE A. H. S The American Horticultural Society is a_national organization, with head quarters in V Its object is to promote horticulture in all its branches. Co-operation with organi zatlons that are already promoting some line of horticulture is regarded as of paramount importance. In addi- tion, special efforts are being made to stimulate horticultural interests not being fostered by any special group. Publications by the soclety are con sidered essential. The subject matter for these publications is so selected that it is believed interest will tind something of valu In order to arouse local Interest, it is felt that local organizations holdin community meetings. fostering neigh horhood improvement, or promoting local exhibitions, should be encour aged. It is the purpose of this society to render any stimulus and assistance practicable to such organizations, and especiallv _to persons desiring to es. *7,950L 22nd and Douglas N.E. 5 rooms, bath, Oak Floors; H..-W.H.; Tile floor in bath; built-in tub. Linoleum in kitchen. B.- 1. Refrigerator, iced out- side. Gold plated elec- tric fixtures. Last word in convenience and labor- saving devices. Go South on 24th to Douglas, turm right to 22nd and Douglas 7= BIEN 3118 11th N.W. Col. 9636 A. 6140 INC. CHEVY CHASE KT e 104 Thornapple Ha ioul the NE of the most amazing home values we have ever had the privilege of offer- A new, wonderfully con- ing! West It @ square West of Connect- t Ave—two squares above Chevy Chase Cluh. v horticultural , D. €. SATURDAY. MAY 1. 1926. REAI. ESTATE. W. T. Adams of Kansas City can be done by personal contact, and in case of flower shows by the loan of vases, but farther away it must be by correspondence, and later by pub- lications that are now being planned The American Horticultural Society is providing monthly lectures which are open to the public. Furthermore, flower shows of more than community scope are conducted. Two of these have been held, and a third is sched uled for peony time this year. Other lines of work will be taken | up as the present endeavors become he garden editor well established and the the public’s |attention to the wonde support of the society demonstrates |pansies in front of the Administrati that it is filling a public need. The | Building of the Agricultural D present membership of the American | ment and to the by Horticultural Soclety is nearlyy 400, |located about the scattered through three-fourths of the | tulip beds offer an id and several foreign countries. | amateur lener 1o varieties for this Fall's planting. CLUB NOTES | —_— | <hort wave of warm weather gre stimulated the flowering plant ing various kinds which ordi bloom weeks apaft burst, forth Indicative of the general interest in |most simultanecusly. This is the s this city in garden matters the of color in all the parks, and oy frequent talks given on various ph citizens should take of horticultural activity. On April 1 Mrs. Brown, wife of the Representa- |one. sin, addressed the| 'The Hyattsville Horticultoral fon of University |ciety will hold its annual flower Women on “My Garden in Wisconsin.” | vegetable show on May 28 and 29. Her aim has been to preserve and de- | At the regular April me velop the natural beauties, using na- | Takoma Horticultural Club, tive plants wherever pos e M Ithe Takoma Librar: April the Ameri and Their Need tion.” In her capaci the National Wild Flower tion Soclety active par F our native plants zine, “Wild Flower,” her socf information to the interested parties. Garden, kening interest A weekly v is sponsc hools and othe wishes to ca grounds. The held . Dr, Chevy Chase, Md. 14 Aspen Street N.W. One-half Square West of Conn. Ave., a Dutch Colonial That Will Be ldeal for the June Bride. ed colonial residence contains £ix rooms book cases, @ cioak closet and a beau ple. French doors connect with: the well of this is a ful ipped Kitchen 1s and a white led-in kpare and pane com. This_thoroughly modern d There fs a living room with built tiful colonial manteled fireplace. Doy lighted, large dining room. In back On the second floor are three bed: tub and shower. Commodious cl plete the details of the sleeping quar Double-screened side porches, one a sleeping porch, add to this complete home. Frame construction. Ga- T strictly rage to match house. < eleven-room, Washington. Granite Price $12,500 left city ing porch) and entirely newly for your inspection Sunday Owner has and must sel pen for Your Inspection Sun- 713 14th St. Furnished (by Dulin & Martin) Mo., spoke before the recent Daughters of i Revolution Congress on the subject of “Wild Flowers in the of Protec- as director of Preserva Mrs. Adams is taking an in aga- | red by v as a means of distributing 1 ful display of is of Darwin tulips [ence, as several 1 opportunity | sucn as trillinm, 1 select The | informs tly mak ily |invited advantage of the wonderful opportunities offered every | So nd | ting of the in E 1813 Varnum Street eminence adjacent to Rock Creek retaining Thoroughly modern, with two g Attractively Reasonable T. Wherry, the principal speaker, dis ed the garden value of various wild flowers, emphasizing his remarks | with beautiful colored slides showing | the flowers growing in their natural habitat. Dr. Wherry pointed out the | necessity of studying the soil require. | ments of wild flowers before introduc- | ing them into the home garden. Some | weel require lime and some acld s en | Prevention w the degree of acidity important. | e b weak (o Many of the flov SRnihaye neam| Yy 1o seltiig asiads ih Ry el (ol grown successfully by Dr. Wherry in the purpose of reducing accidents to his own Chevy Chase. Too |a the association calls little attention d 1o na- |t tive Amer rhaps 100 | per cent of the accidents that occur much to those 4 1 Africa. | each v in the buflding industrs Keen interes shown by the audi- | could be eliminated if proper consider y have al-|ation were given to the strict applica alize wild flowers, | tion of safety measures on all con fea, violets, | struction wors ussed in an | It is estimated that he building interests $120.000,000 o |ACCIDENT PREVENTION WEEK STARTS MONDAY The ers’ 1 ation of Build ixchanges ssignated the beginning 1 3 Accident Kk in the building indu ational Assos has d minimum - ition to the fact that more than 80 e | r begzun to natu Mr. . ¥ accidents cost approximatels | ete garden. ‘apt. and Mrs. Chester Wells have | | members o the American | i | Horticultural - Society in the vieinity 1-|of Washington, and their fr visit their garden s Jones Mill road, Saturday, ccording to a statement of ) pm fax Commission. Of ti | . . 25,000 were brokers and 13,400 salesmen. With more stringent entrance test alin operation after April 1 the p« “midshipwoman™ in the Odessa Naval | sibilities are that the number of | Shool, aspires to become Russia’s first | censes issued in the future will not woman sea captain Ihe 1 . Many Realtors in New York. > 38,400 authori; reai New York May | Tatyana Kostinchin 18-vear-old | peasant girl, recently enrolled You Can’t Afford to Overlook These Home Values Chevy Chase, D. C. s 5610 Thirty-Second Street NW. Overlooking Beautiful Valley Near Connecticut Avenue \w of cight rooms (five bedrooms). two nd a complete bath on each floor. <pacious front living porch and \ corner semi-h ch are on the lavatory. glassed slecping porch. built-in garage. Unusually large, sunny roomis finish, hot-water heating system n rst floor, a Open stone fireplace, hardwood Large landscaped lot. Owner Must Sell Reduced Price $14,500 Capital Traction Bus stops in front of door. If you want a Real Bargain inspect " this home Sunday. modern home is located on a Park and overlookin: Ils support the landscaped downtown ter. sed-in porches (one a sleep. decorated. Built-in Open Pr Terms ced Main 2345 77207070000 g . structed, superbly situated resi- dence in the finest section of Chevy Chase, Maryland. Large " . grounds with great shade trees, roomy garage to match house, wide concrete front porch, seven spacious rooms, two complete tiled baths, automatic storage water heater, open fireplace, oak floors throughout, large storage attic, special electric fitments and a myriad of other modern refinements. The price is but $17,850 on low terms that will astound you! OPEN ALL DAY SUNDAY No. 3726 Livingston pivavig The Home at 2945 Cathedral Avenue Gives a clear picture of the charm, comfort and character which mark these homes apart from the ordinary level of values. 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A between {wo other bedrooms. charming new center hall Third Floor—Three bedrooms, bathroom, 5 5 linen cupboard, two extra closets. plan detached brick home with slate roof, seven fine rooms (in- cluding four bedchambers), two tiled baths (one with shower), three porches, oak floors through- out, cheery open fireplace, large basement with lavatory, laundry equipment, etc. An attractive side drive leads to the garage, which matches the house in appearance. The exceptionally large grounds contain numerous large oak trees and tastefully planted shrubbery. The price of this unusual home is strik- gly moderate, and convenient payment terms may be arranged} VISIT 1T ANY TIME SUNDAY. BOSBEHELP 1417 K Street—Main 9300 Member of Washington Real Estate Board Are Open Sunday and' Daily Until 9 P.M. Basement—Laundry with space as dry- ing room, instantaneous heater service, two-car garage, bathroom. Other Homes in Woodley Park, $16,500 to $30,000 Main 3830 1430 K Street N.W.