APRIL. 127 



Conservatory and S/iotc-Ziouse. — As there can be no want of flowering 

 plants for decorating at this season, be scrupulously attentive with 

 regard to cleanliness ; dead leaves and dead flowers, if not removed, will 

 mar the effect of the finest display of flowers. Cinerarias will now be 

 gay ; also some of the Azaleas that have been forwarded with a little 

 heat. Tropseolums, when well done, are good objects for the conserva- 

 tory ; Roses ought now to be very fine. Genistas, Epacrises, Choro- 

 zemas, Pultenteas, Hoveas, Acacias, Boronias, Leschenaultias, &c., will 

 now add to the display and give greater variety. Give plenty of air 

 and water freely. 



Cucumbers. — Attend to the directions given in previous Calendars. 

 Dahlias. — Repot all tliat are struck, and grow them on in a gentle 

 bottom heat until well established. When established, repot into a 

 size larger pot, and place them in a cold pit, free from slugs or snails. 

 Cover the pits or frames up during frosty nights. Sow seed in shallow 

 pans, placing them in a hotbed having a brisk lieat. When a sufficient 

 number of cuttings has been obtained, divide the roots ; they will 

 make several strong plants each, which are best adapted for planting in 

 the most exposed situations. 



Floicer Garden. — No time should be lost in getting the beds in 

 readiness for the summer plants. The soil should be frequently turned 

 over ; do not on any account make it over-rich, as this will give more 

 foliage than flowers. Look often over the stock of plants for the beds, 

 and endeavour to have sufficient to fill each and every bed with its 

 proper colour. Harden off spring-struck cuttings ; bring forward 

 annuals. Roll the grass frequently before mowing, you will afterwards 

 see the benefit of it. Prune Roses. 



Forcing Hardy Shrubs. — Keep up a moist atmosphere ; syringe 

 freely, and give plenty of air. As you remove plants in flower, fiU up 

 with others. Attend to previous directions. 



Forcing Ground. — Keep up a succession of French Beans. Bring 

 forward Tomatoes and Capsicums, also Cucumbers for ridges. Prick 

 out into boxes or frames, on a little heat, Sweet Marjoram and Basil ; 

 also Celery. Sow Mustard and Cress. 



Fruit {Hard)/). — Attend to the protection of Peach, Nectarines, and 

 Apricot trees until towards the end of the month, when, if the weather 

 be mild and fair, they may be dispensed vdth. Uncover Fig-trees. 

 Apricots will be set now, and should often be gone over, thinning a few 

 at a time. Finish grafting. 



Greenhouse ; Hard -wooded Plants. — Pay the greatest attention to 

 the watering of all newly-potted plants, but more particularly slow- 

 growing plants. Give air freely on fine days, but shut up early ; 

 syringe occasionally. Keep everything clean and tidy, and look out 

 for insects. Soft-wooded. — Stop, and pinch off the end of the shoots of 

 Cupheas, Heliotropes, Salvias, &c., if large specimens are required. 

 Shift the strongest plants into larger pots. 



Hollyhocks. — Repot spring struck plants ; they will make greater 

 progress in pots if good rich soil is used than if planted out before the 

 weather is settled. Strong plants may be planted out at once, giving 

 each plant a few spits of rotten manure. 



