144 



THE FLORIST. 



large permanent stake, and two small side-stakes, which will ulti- 

 mately have to be removed for larger ones. At first slugs must be 

 looked after, or considerable damage may be done, and it will ulti- 

 mately be found that the earlier in the season earwigs are trapped the 

 better. If mild, water the young plants over head every night after 

 the sun has left them, and stir the soil frequently about them. If a 

 succession of bloom is required till late, a few rows of young grow- 

 ing plants should be planted about the end of the third week of the 

 month. 



Fuchsias. Shade the plants in bloom and keep the bees out of 

 the house. This is effectually done by means of blinds made of Hay- 

 thorn's or Hall's Garden Netting ; No. 4 of the latter is best suited 

 for the purpose. We may here mention that Hall's netting is more 

 durable, and a better material for general use, such as shading for 

 greenhouses, protecting fruit-trees, &c. than that known as the Not- 

 tingham netting. There are several qualities of it ; 1, 2, and 3, are 

 suitable for shading, No. 4 for blinds, or very slight shading. 



Hollyhocks. These will now require plenty of water ; stake and 

 mulch all that have not been previously done ; look after slugs ; weak 

 plants are often injured by them past recovery. Towards the end of 

 the month side-shoots may be put in as cuttings. These are gene- 

 rally put in too long, the shorter they are the better, so that they 

 can be pressed firmly into the soil. A frame in a shady cool situa- 

 tion will be the best place for summer propagation. 



Pansies. Propagate freely before the cuttings become pipy. A 

 north border will be the best place to strike them with the least 

 trouble ; mark good seedlings while they are in good colour ; save 

 seed. 



Pinks. Give them water freely, liquid manure twice a week ; tie 

 them to neat short sticks for blooming, that shades may be more 

 easily placed over those required for exhibition. 



Pelargoniums. The sun during the last fortnight has brought 

 these into good colour; at the June exhibitions we expect to see 

 them in good character. Shading and watering, and keeping the 

 bees out of the house, is the principal work this month. Plants for 

 July may be placed in a cool pit or frame, with the lights off on all 

 favourable occasions. 



Roses. (See last month.) 



Tulips. These will be getting past their best ; let them have all 

 the weather, and take the canvass off as soon as they are out of 

 bloom. The beauty of the best bed depends upon the amount of 

 pains taken in making notes, corrections, &c, during the bloom ; 

 therefore, if this has not been done, let it be completed at once. 



