JANUARY. 31 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — Cover the pits or frames with mats of Frigi Domo during 

 severe frosty weather. The plants should remain tolerably dry during 

 the present month, after which time the water-pot must be used more 

 freely. Remove dead foliage as it appears. 



Azaleas. — Remove all decayed leaves from the plants. Keep the 

 pots perfectly clean, water very sparingly, and give air at all favourable 

 occasions. If there is the slightest appearance of thrips, cause the 

 infected plants to be frequently fumigated with tobacco, until the 

 troublesome pests are quite removed. 



Bedding Plants. — Those plants that were lifted lately from the beds 

 or borders cannot be well established for some time; they must be 

 watered very carefully, and if possible kept in a situation quite free 

 from damp. All decayed foliage must be removed. Those that were 

 struck from cuttings in autumn .and wintered in cold frames must be 

 strictly attended to, and aired at all favourable times. 



Carnations and Picotees will now require a general cleaning, cutting 

 away all dead foliage, and gently stirring the surface of the soil. Water 

 but very sparingly for another month ; cold will have but little effect on 

 them unless they are kept too wet. 



Cinerarias. — As the Cinerarias will be growing very fast this month, 

 care should be taken that plenty of room is given to the plants, parti- 

 cularly if dwarf specimens are required. 



Cold Frames. — Our remarks on bedding plants are also suitable for 

 cold frames. Cleanliness is the principal feature in this department ; 

 the glass must be kept perfectly clean and in good repair ; the bottom of 

 the pits or frames free from all decayed matters, and a coating of sifted 

 ashes firmly pressed down would be desirable. 



Dahlias. — Roots that are not keeping well, or choice kinds, should 

 now be put to work, if a large increase is required. The ground intended 

 for Dahlias next season should now be trenched. 



Ericas. — Give air in mild and favourable weather, and water with 

 caution. Dry up all dampness that passes from the pot, and avoid 

 making fires if possible ; a few degrees above freezing is sufficient, and 

 if this temperature can be maintained by any contrivance in covering the 

 ends or exposed sides of the houses, it is preferable to much fire heat. 



Flowers, forcing. — Bring on all kinds of bulbs in a mild bottom 

 heat ; also Lily of the Valley in pots and in boxes for cut flowers. 

 Well-established plants that will force, such as Roses, Lilacs, Deutzias, 

 &c., &c., should be forwarded in bottom heat if possible, previous to 

 being removed to the increased heat of the forcing-houses or stove, 

 where they will expand their flowers. 



Flower Garden. — Cleanliness in this department is the most that 

 can be attended to at present. Frequently sweep the turf and edgings. 

 Make up any hollows in the walks with fresh gravel, and cause them to 

 be rolled after frost or rain. All vacant ground must be neatly levelled 

 with the rake, and in severe weather protect any half hardy plants that 

 may be in the open borders or against walls. Use sawdust or some such 

 dry material to preserve the roots of tender plants or bulbs. 



