April! Even the word has a happy lifting sound! And in this country it is the month of opulent bloom.
Roses in border or hedge, on fence or trellis are doing their loveliest with a wealth of color and fragrance. Our only real rose-pest is aphids. That may be conquered by frequent and forceful baths from the garden hose. But let them be morning baths, only, or mildew may result.
The wildflower garden, too, is at its best. Vivid blue of Lupines mingles harmoniously with creamy-canary Tidy-tips, and the rich shining gold and orange of Eschscholtzias springing from their feathery foliage of sea-green. Seeds were sown soon after the first rain in autumn so that sturdy growth could be made throughout the winter. This informal patch of wildflowers, if allowed to do so, will re-seed for several seasons, and the Eschscholtzias are true perennials.
Iris are touching up the garden with a delicate orchid-like splendor. Though there were blooms on early sorts in February and March, and May will have later ones, the height of the Iris season is in April.
When the plants are budding it is very important to rid them of snails and slugs. If these creatures like any place better for setting up housekeeping than a fine husky Iris clump, I’d be glad to know just where it may be!
A good plan is to hand-pick for a few times, and then, as an extra precaution against the chewing of precious flower-buds, to drop a bit of snail-poison into the heart of each Iris clump. A little poison, however, is sufficient, and better than more . . . as it does not tend to build up the soil.
The Daffodil family, Freesias and other early-flowering bulbs are now ripening their foliage. This, although not attractive in appearance, must be left to give vigor to the bulbs so that they can produce flower buds for next year.
Chrysanthemums should all be in their permanent places this month. If rooted cuttings are used, sprinkle with slug poison or there may be nothing in sight the morning after . . . except nice clean bare ground. Good results can be had by planting rooted divisions from the old plants. This is especially true if Pompon, Button or Korean sorts are used instead of the varieties for giant blooms. Root divisions are much simpler to handle, and survival is surer.
April is the last spring month for transplanting, with ease, safety, and no set-backs, and without special care. This means that moving of large plants and shrubs should cease.
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