July 18, 1914 



HORTICULTURE 



69 



NOTES ON CULTURE OF FLORISTS^ STOCK 



CONDUCTED BY 



/"Y 



^Sh.Pa/iAi^ 



Questions by our readers In line with any of the topics presented oa thla page will be cordially received and promptly answered 

 by Mr. Farrell. Such communications should invariably be addressed to the otUce of HORTICULTURE. 



Care of Chrysanthemums 



ChiT^autheimuii^ like pli'iiiv of iiioii^ture at the roots, 

 so see that they get it, but allow ing them to dry out once 

 ill a while. Do not let the beds become overgrown with 

 weeds but go over them with the hand cultivator once a 

 week. Ventilate freely from this out. Keep all the 

 shoots neatly tied up. Do not fail to give a good syring- 

 ing twice a day, which not only helps the plants, but 

 tends to keep down the temperature these hut days. 

 Keep them clean of fly by fumigating often. 



Care of Ncphrolepis 



Ferns that were planted mit in benches should now be 

 making an abundance of strong runners. 'WHien these 

 have made a fair amount of roots they can be potted off 

 into small pots. In a compost of new soil three parts, 

 leaf mold two jiarts, sand one part, they will make roots 

 very fast. Stand them on a bench that has some 

 screened coal ashes, which will help to keep the roots 

 cool. See that all are kept well watered. These ferns 

 want just enough shade to break the sti'ong rays of the 

 sun. They will never do well when the air is kept too 

 dry, so give them a light spray, twice a day, with plenty 

 of damping down. As these plants make growth shift 

 into larger pots and give a richer compost. 



Cypripediums 



Cypripediums are now in active growth and, as the 

 roots fill the ]>ots and pans nicely, a little weak liquid 

 manure once a week should be applied. It is better not 

 to use it too strong just now. A little later, as the roots 

 become more matted, the strength can be increased a lit- 

 tle. Avoid the use of all chemicals. A moist atmos- 

 phere during all seasons is essential to their well being. 

 In wet weather admit air freely, otherwise the fleshy 

 leaves are very liable to rot. Dense shading is also detri- 

 mental; just a slight coating during the hot sunmier 

 months, so as to keep the foliage from scorching is suf- 

 ficient. Watch the plants so they do not .suffer for water 

 but do not keep them in a wet state all the time as the 

 compost will become sour. Ventilate freely on every 

 favorable opportunity but avoid cold drafts. Keep the 

 plants free from thrips by sponging occasionally with a 

 weak solution of tobacco water, and give the house a 



light fumigating once or twice every fortnight to keep 

 off the pests. 



Planting Cold Storage Lilies 



When these fiowers are wanted early — say from 

 Thanksgiving until Christmas, no time should be lost in 

 getting them potted. Do not let the bulbs remain lying 

 around for even a short time, as they are liound to lose 

 their vitality. They will require 5 and G-inch pots ac- 

 cording to their size. Give them a good compost, also 

 plenty of drainage as they will need lots of water later 

 on. The best place for them while they are making roots 

 is in a cool cellar. Before they are placed here see that 

 the compost is in a nice moist state. Cover the pots 

 with some moss to hold the moisture until they show top 

 growth, when they can Ije removed to a cold frame 

 with some sashes over them, but leaving plenty of air on 

 until they have made good roots, when tliey can be placed 

 in a warm house. 



Sweet Peas 



For early flowering sweet pea seed should be sown by 

 tlie end of this month. To do well they should have at 

 least 8 inches of soil, but where you have a solid bed 

 plant them here and you will never regret it. Whether 

 in bench or solid bed give them a rich compost. They 

 will grow very well in fibrous loam two parts, well rot- 

 ted cow manure one part, and a little bone meal. If the 

 space on the benches is not ready, sow in 4 or 5-inch 

 pots and then plant out in four or five weeks. Do not 

 let these plants dry out too much or become pot-bound, 

 or they will not do well. Wien they are planted out in 

 the house keep on plenty of ventilation both day and 

 night, and on all fair days give them a good syringing. 

 Just as soon as they show any signs of climbing give 

 them supports. 



Repairing Boilers and Piping 



In another si.\ or eight weeks we will need some fire 

 heat in most of our houses. Do not neglect to see that 

 Itoilers and piping are in first-class order before firing 

 time arrives. After cleaning out the boilers give the 

 inside a spraying with crude oil to keep them from 

 scaling off. Where there are any leaky valves or joints 

 see that they are made tight. 



Mr. Farrell's next notes will be on the following: Care of Carnations; Easter Lilies; Freesla bulbs; Pansies; Polnsettlas 



Coreopsis, 



Sowing 



SECRETARY'S HEADQUARTERS NOW IN BOSTON 



Secretary John Young, of the S. A. F., is now in Boston, with headquarters at the 

 Parker House imtil convention time. Spaea-reservations for tlie trade exhibition 

 at Mechanics Building or other business connected with the convention will be given 

 prompt attention by Secretary Young at the above address. 



LIBRAKV 

 M:VV YU«K 

 «<»TA(y|CAI 



