308 THE GARDENER. [July 



FLOWER-GAEDEN. 



There will now be abundance of work pegging young growths into 

 their positions. Trim any which are out of bounds, and pick off decay- 

 ing flowers which have served their purpose. No weeds should find a 

 place in either beds or borders. Surface-stirring may be done freely ; 

 it is more advantageous than some believe. Good soakings of water 

 may be given when necessary ; dribbling on surface is worse than use- 

 less. Smooth firm walks often rolled, especially after being softened 

 by rain, well -mown grass, and neatly -cut edgings, are some of the 

 items which make gardens pleasant-looking. At end of month is a 

 good time to begin propagating any scarce plants, a stock of which is 

 desirable. Verbenas when established early stand the winter well. 

 Dahlias and Hollyhocks require staking and thinning. Hollyhocks for 

 competition should be kept thin of stalks and flowers. Gladioli and 

 all tall herbaceous plants should be neatly staked ; and Roses now 

 require frequent attention. Dead flowers, suckers, and insects must 

 be dealt with in a summary manner. Give soakings of manure-water. 

 Budding may be commenced as soon as stocks are ready. 



PLANT-STRUCTURES. 



It is often a difficult matter at this season to get all plants requiring 

 |) )tting attended at the proper time. There should, if possible, be no 

 time lost in placing well-rooted plants into pots large enough to meet 

 their requirements. When balls have to be reduced to allow fresh ma- 

 tarial without increasing size of pots, careful cutting of old roots should 

 take place. Plants such as Azaleas, Heaths, and other subjects often 

 require reducing. They must be dealt with carefully ; cutting too deep 

 into the ball might ruin them. A firm surfacing with suitable soil may 

 ba all that is needful by some. But when potting is done, let the 

 soil be firmly packed between sides of pots and roots. Careful potting 

 and watering are indispensable with hard- wood plants which grow 

 slowly, and are easily killed : a large proportion of peat is necessary for 

 these i3lants. 



Cinerarias, Primulas, and early Calceolarias may require shifting. 

 They do well in turfy loam and well-rotted leaf-mould mixed with 

 a little sand : keep them cool and in a shady position. More Calceolaria 

 seed may be sown for main late batch. Old plants kept for stock do 

 not answer so well as seedlings. Cinerarias to be divided for cuttings 

 must not suffer from want of water, or be left a prey to vermin. 

 Chrysanthemums must be kept growing freely by being shifted to 

 larger pots as they become ready . When stunted at roots by want 

 of water or pot-room, their lower leaves are sure to become rusty 

 and drop off. Stake them carefully. Flowering and foliage plants to 

 koep the conservatory gay during autumn should now be well advanced 

 and growing freely. Fuchsias drop their flowers readily when stunted 

 by want of pot-room. Plants must be taken carefully from heat to 



