THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 151 



Merely stopping them will make matters worse, as it will put a stop 

 to the flowers, and, at the same time, encourage the production of 

 more wood. The beds should be in an opeu and sunny situation, as 

 much for the sake of the Bouvardiaa as for the Plumbagos, because 

 both require a liberal degree of warmth to do them justice. The 

 bed should also be raised a few inches above the general level, to 

 enable the soil to become warmed from the action of the sun on the 

 raised sides. The close-growing Antennaria tomentosa, or either 

 Sempervivum Galifomicum or Echeverla secunda glauca, planted on 

 the sloping sides will effectually keep the soil in its place. 



THE GAEDEN GUIDE FOE MAY. 



Flower Garden. — The annuals sown last month must be 

 thinned before they are spoilt from overcrowding. Take up pri- 

 mulas, polyanthuses, daisies, and other spring- flowering plants, from 

 the beds, as they go out of flower, and divide, and plant in reserve 

 border for next year. A partially-shaded position is best for these 

 subjects through the summer. Plant in rows, a foot apart, and six 

 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 get them planted as 

 speedily as possible. All the ordinary bedding stuff ought to have 

 been in cradles out of doors, or the lights drawn entirely off those 

 in frames, for the last fortnight at least. Subtropical 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. Eemove auriculas to a shady 

 position, if not already done. Nip off the flower trusses 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. 



Kitchen Garden. — As weeds grow with great rapidity at this 

 season of the year, every exertion must be made to keep them down, 

 or they will fill the ground with seeds. Thin out all permanent 

 seed-beds, such as onions, carrots, etc., and plant out broccoli, 

 cauliflowers, cabbage, kales, etc., for the whiter, as the plants grow 

 large enough to transplant, before they get too much crowded. 

 Sow scarlet-runners, dwarf French beans, beet, turnips, spinach, 

 endive, and lettuce; the last two should be sown where they are to 

 remain, to prevent their running to seed so quickly, as is the case 

 when sown in beds and transplanted. Also sow marrow peas, and 

 earth up and stick those already forward enough. Peas do best 

 sown in trenches through summer ; they should be made in much 

 the same manner as for celery, but rather broader, and not quite so 

 deep. Prick out the late sown celery, and make trenches, and 



