Ranunculus are charming, spring-flowering plants grown for their large range of exquisite colours, free-flowering habit, value as cut flowers and ease of cultivation.
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When mass planted as a spectacular border, in long drifts with poppies, stocks and anemones or grouped in containers they add flamboyance to the garden.
Natives of southern Europe and Asia these members of the buttercup family come in a range of colours in semi-double or double forms covering white, primrose, lemon/yellow, gold, deep orange, scarlet, crimson, pink, green and rose while there are flaked, striped, ruffled and picotee-edged varieties.
Their strong, straight stems and poppy-like flowers make them extremely popular for floral bouquets and bridal arrangements.
To pick for the home vase, cut the stem when the flower bud starts to show a hint of colour but has not opened.
Refresh the vase water daily for a prolonged display.
Ranunculus give their best performance in a well-drained soil which is well-dug-over, broken up and enriched with compost.
The plants respond greatly to a fortnightly watering of a soluble complete fertiliser.
These plants are very hardy and do best in an open situation and fairly sunny position.
Plant the corms with the roots facing downwards, one to two centimetres deep and about 15 to 20 centimetres apart.
A good idea is to make a little hole the required depth then place the corm in and sprinkle loose soil on top and pat firm.
While growing they need plenty of moisture but will not tolerate wet conditions, so a well-drained soil is necessary while in dry periods, careful attention must be paid to adequate watering.
When the plants wither and the leaves die down around October to November, the corms may be lifted.
Carefully allow to dry and after the soil has been shaken off, store in a cool, dry and airy place until replanting the following season. However, most gardeners prefer to purchase new corms each year.
Put the squeeze on lemons
Lemons are without a doubt the most useful and popular of the fruit trees grown in the home garden.
One of the most often-asked questions is how to harvest and store them correctly to take full advantage of their amazing crop.
Lemons should not be picked off the tree and used immediately, instead they need to be carefully clipped off with a pair of secateurs leaving a small stub of stem attached.
The fruit must be picked at the right stage, that is, turning yellow and not having turned yellow and must be handled with care so as not to bruise them.
To store, carefully place in a box lined with thick sheets of paper in a cool, dark place with good ventilation.
When stored properly lemons should mellow to a thin-skinned bag of lovely juice.
This mellowing may take longer in the winter months than in spring or summer.
Clip lemons off the tree at regular intervals to maintain tree health and to promote better crops.
Diary
April 13,14: Launceston Horticultural Society Autumn Show St Ailbes Hall, Margaret Street, Launceston. Saturday 2pm-5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. Floral art, specialist plant growers, begonias. Entry $3 adults.
April 14: North West group of the Australian Plant Society's annual plant sale at The Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenana at 10am-3pm.
April 16: Australian Plant Society meeting, Max Fry Hall. Gorge Road, Launceston, 7.30pm.
April 17: Launceston Horticultural Society meeting, Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston, 8pm.
Daily: Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, Burnie. Open 9am to 5pm. Tea room 10am - 4pm.