96 
THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 
Greenhouse—continued. 
small trees of an ornamental character, well adapted 
for intérmixing in Greenhouses as permanent decorative 
subjects, and a large proportion may be cultivated in 
comparatively small pots. When any require larger sizes, 
they should be shifted in spring or early autumn, and, 
if possible, kept a little closer for a few days after- 
wards. Examples of hard-wooded flowering plants are: 
Acacia, Azalea, Boronia, Camellia, Epacris, Erica, and 
Soft-wooded Section. This includes all that have stems 
and leaves of a more or less sappy growth, and are mostly_ 
propagated from cuttings in that state, or from seeds. 
A large number of florists’ flowers are included in this 
section, and, as many of them are growing throughout 
the winter months, a position where all possible light is 
obtainable, should be allotted them. Many soft-wooded 
subjects are easily cultivated; but they are very sensitive 
to improper treatment, such as allowing too close an 
atmosphere, or too much heat or shade. A number of 
beantiful Greenhouse plants are annually raised from 
seed, and good strains or selections of such varieties as 
_ Calceolarias, Celosias, Cinerarias, Mignonette, Primulas, 
Rhodanthes, &c., should be secured. These should be sown 
at different periods, in order to prolong the flowering 
season. Immunity from insects, and a continued growth 
without check, are important conditions in the successful 
cultivation of all. Other plants of a soft-wooded nature, 
but which become somewhat hard with age, are either 
propagated each year, or, in some cases, treated as peren- 
nials, Examples of these are: Chrysanthemums, Eupa- 
-toriums, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and Salvias. A selection 
from each is indispensable for Greenhouse decoration, and 
all are easily cultivated where space admits. An open 
and somewhat rich soil is a general requirement, and 
‘plenty of air and water in summer, after the plants are 
become established. Lilies of the Valley, Solomon’s Seal, 
Deutzia gracilis, Dicentra spectabilis, &c., are amongst 
the most attractive and useful subjects for forcing. 
Greenhouse Bulbous Plants. Amongst these, a great 
diversity and selection are available for cultivation, and 
numerous beautiful plants are included. Apart from the 
value of Dutch bulbs for forcing and spring decoration, 
nearly all the various species from the Cape succeed under 
Greenhouse treatment, and are highly ornamental when in 
flower. The majority may be grown in a sandy soil, and 
in comparatively small pots. Most Cape bulbs should be 
encouraged to make their growth in a moderately warm 
house or pit, and then be allowed a season of rest in a 
cooler place before flowering. In addition to Hyacinths, 
_ Tulips, &c., the following are amongst the best of Green- 
` house plants generally termed “ bulbous,” but some of them 
_ are in reality not so: Babianas, Begonias (of the tuberons 
Section), several Crinums, Cyclamens, Freesias, Gladioli, 
Ixias, Lachenalias, Liliums, Narcissi, Nerines, &e. ‘Fhe 
_ foregoing, with many others, are well adapted for pot 
— —— well repay for any special attention devoted’ 
Arrangement of Flowering Plants, &e. In Greenhouses 
retained more for the exhibition of plants than for their 
cultivation, a method of arrangement should be adopted 
by which the whole may be rendered attractive, and, at the 
same time, sufficient Space allowed each plant to enable 
it to be properly seen. In span-roof houses, there are 
usually side stages, and, if large enough, a central one, 
or otherwise a bed, nearly level with the floor, forms”the 
centre. The latter position, in either case, should be 
devoted to the taller-growing plants and evergreen 
shrubs, interspersed with a few in flower, according to 
the _ stock at command. Formal arrangement should 
specially be avoided, the flowering subjects being evenly 
dispersed throughout, and, so far as practicable, plenty 
of plants with green foliage intermixed. Araucarias, 
Cordylines, Cyperus, Ferns, &c., are especially useful 
Greenhouse — continued. 
for the purpose. Small groups of dwarf plants are 
frequently more effective than when the same are dis- 
tributed as single specimens. The side stages should 
be about 3ft. above the ground, and, if any of the 
plants are very dwarf, they should be raised on pots or 
suspended from the roof. 
Climbers and Pillar Plants. These are important and 
attractive additions to Greenhouse embellishment. Many 
are, however, rather unusually susceptible to the attacks 
of insects, and, if the latter are allowed a footing, con- ` 
siderable injury is caused to plants underneath. If taken 
down from the wires each winter, thoroughly washed, 
and occasionally examined and sponged afterwards during 
summer, the majority of climbers may be kept. tolerably - 
clean; but, if this is neglected, the plants soon become 
an eyesore, and faii to succeed. Climbers should be 
planted out so soon as they are large enough to establish 
themselves, but good specimens should first be prepared in 
pots, They have, of necessity, to be placed near the side 
walls, and, as the hot-water pipes are often there, suit- 
able provision is rarely made for roof-covering plants. If 
such is the case, they can hardly be expected to grow 
and flower well. An open compost of sandy peat and 
loam is best, and any special soil may be placed round 
particular plants requiring it. Copious supplies of water 
are necessary in summer, but only a little should be 
applied during the resting period of winter. One or 
two wires fixed near each rafter, and the plants limited 
to covering them separately, is the best arrangement, 
as exclusion of light from plants underneath must be 
avoided. Fuchsias are amongst the best of subjects, 
either for pillars or rafters. Tea and Noisette Roses 
should always be included, and a light position selected 
for them. Bougainvillea glabra, Cestrums, Kennedyas, 
Passifloras, Swainsonas, and Tacsonias, amongst many 
others, may be planted where there is space for them to 
develop. 
Airing and Temperatures. A confined, close atmo- 
sphere should always be avoided in a Greenhouse devoted 
to the general cultivation of plants. Cold draughts and | 
improper airing are equally to be condemned. When 
proper means of ventilation are provided in span-roofed 
houses, air may be admitted on the opposite side to that 
from which the wind blows. In pits, or houses of other 
shapes, the admission of air is an important matter that 
can only be practised properly after experience is gained. 
Young and tender growths are frequently much injured 
through injudicious airing in spring. During warm summer 
weather, too much can scarcely be given to ‘plants in 
flower, but with those making their growth its admission 
should be carefully regulated. A little ventilation at the 
apex, especially if the house is closely glazed, is advisable 
whenever the weather is mild. All Greenhouse shrubs 
permanently employed, and the majority of spring and 
summer-flowering subjects, should be allowed to rest 
during winter, by keeping a rather low temperature and 
a dry atmosphere, A temperature ranging from 45deg. 
to 50deg. should be a maximum, and 10deg. less will 
do no injury. In summer, fire heat should be withheld, 
and the house kept as cool as possible, for preserving the 
flowers, 
Watering. Although a large proportion of cool-house 
Planta require plenty of water, its application indis- 
criminately would end in destruction with many others. 
As a rule, those having the finest roots require the 
least amount of moisture, and as these are invariably- 
hard - wooded, careful watering becomes one of their 
special requirements. Rules for watering plants are fre- 
quently given, but the knowledge can only be properly 
obtained by experience. Soft - wooded plants require a 
much larger amount, as their sappy growths are rarely 
bent pos and the roots should never be allowed to get 
