THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 155 



main-crops of summer and autumn vegetables and the sowing of 

 successional supplies. Indoors, the disbudding of fruit-trees, tliia- 

 ning of grapes, the repotting of hard-wooded plants and the shifting 

 of soit-vvooded plants for the conservatory will require the most 

 immediate attention. 



Flower G-aeden. — The most important work in this depart- 

 ment just now is to thin the annuals sown last month, and then 

 take up primulas, polyanthuses, daisies, and other spring flowering 

 plants from the beds, dividing and planting in the reserve border 

 for next year. A partially shaded position is best for these subjects 

 through the summer. Plant in rows, a foot apart, and sis inches 

 from plant to plant in the rows. Asters, stocks, zinnias, and 

 other hardy and half-hardy annuals, can be sown in the open 

 ground now. Harden off those sown under glass, and plant as soon 

 as possible. All the ordinary bedding-stuff ought to be in cradles 

 out of doors. Plants of a tender constitution, intended for the 

 decoration of the flower garden, must have free exposure to the air, 

 to fit them for going out next month. Thin the buds of pinks, 

 picotees, and carnations, and shade those intended for exhibition. 

 Remove auriculas to a shady position, if not already done. ISTip off" 

 the flower trasses as the flowers fade, unless it is intended to save 

 seed, for seed-bearing weakens the plants. Trim up the grass 

 verges, and mow and roll the lawn, to promote a close bottom, and 

 give everything a fresh and bright appearance. The end of the month 

 will be soon enough to begin bedding out. 



GEEENnousE. — Amongst the most attractive subjects available 

 for the embellishment of this structure and the conservatory during 

 the month are azaleas, aphelexis, chorozemas, ericas, show and fancy 

 pelargoniums, and statices. Now that the frames are clear of the 

 bedding-plants with which they have been filled through the winter, 

 all small soft-wooded stuff should be removed to them ; hard- 

 wooded plants must have more light and air now they are growing 

 freely. Azaleas and camellias require a warm, moist atmosphere 

 ■when making their growth, and to have plenty of air directly it is 

 made. Freely ventilate New Holland plants of every description, 

 and attend carefully to the watering, and be particular that each 

 has sufficient to moisten every particle of the soil in the pot. 

 Shift and stop fuchsias and petunias ; water them with liquid 

 manure as they become pot-bound. Expose pelargoniums for a 

 week or so after they go out of flower, and then cut back and shake 

 out, and repot as soon as they are nicely started into growth. 



Stove. — A considerable proportion of the orchidaceous plants 

 are now in flower, and every means, consistent with the health of 

 the plants, must be adopted to preserve the freshness and 

 beauty of the flowers as long as possible. A cool, dry atmosphere 

 is necessary for this purpose. Shift those in the hottest house into 

 the cool liouse, and those from the cool house into the greenhouse, 

 where they can be shaded and kept close ; for on no account 

 must the plants be exposed to currents of air. Plenty of moisture 

 at the roots and in the atmosphere will be necessary for growing 

 plants. Put in cuttings of the ordinary stove plants, and shift on 



May. 



