September 7, 1912 



HORTICULTURE 



343 



ROSE GROWING UNDER GLASS 



CONDUCTED BY 



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Questions bj our readers In line with any of the topics presented on this page will be cordially received and promptly auawered 

 b; Mr. Kuzlcka. Such communications should InTariably be addressed to the office of HOKTICULlUKJi. 



Using Cracked Ice in Boxes 



Agaiu we deem it wi^e to eall attention to the im- 

 jiortance of having your roses arrive in market in the 

 very best cnndition possible. Roses, especially Beau- 

 ties, if shipped long distances and no ice is used in the 

 boxes, are very apt to open far too much to bring the 

 tip-top price. This should not be allowed to happen, 

 and the only way to prevent it is to use cracked ice and 

 plenty of paper. In winter we use plenty of paper to 

 keep the cold out ; why not use as much in summer, to 

 keep the heat out? The flowers will keep cool for 

 liours if packed in well-lined boxes, not allowing any 

 of the buds to be exposed to the air any longer than is 

 absolutely necessary. 



In using ice we like to break it up into lumps as big 

 as a hen's ^gg and then putting about a dozen of these 

 around the stems of the buds. The buds or flowers 

 themselves must not come in contact mth the ice. Any 

 bud coming in contact with ice will lose its color, the 

 ice turning a Beauty bud blue. 



Lime 



Some of the early houses will now be wanting a light 

 dose of lime. Watch the plants and as soon as they 

 begin to show signs of weakness a light dose of lime 

 should be given. This will not only harden the plants 

 considerably, but will also act on the soil, making it 

 much sweeter and render fertilizers contained therein 

 more available. It will also destroy earth worms and 

 other inhabitants of the rose bench. A light dose of air 

 slacked lime applied at the proper time is one of the best 

 things that could happen to a rose bench. Use only 

 enough to whiten the surface of the soil. 



Killatney Roses and Mildew 



The Killarneys are more subject to mildew than some 

 of the other varieties of tea roses: and it is therefore 

 well to do everything possible to keep the plants vigorous 

 and healthy. We find the grafted plants mildew much 

 easier than own-root plants. For this we have as yet 

 found no satisfactory explanation. 



To prevent mildew on Eillamey or any other rose 

 begin when the plants are just planted and keep them 

 well used to air. Give them plenty of it; "the more the 

 merrier," as the saying goes. Plants that are well- 

 hardened to air will not mildew every time a little 

 draught or air current stirs the foliage. We find the 

 Killarneys as a whole like lime. The quantity to be 

 applied depends on the condition of the soil, some soils 

 requiring more and others less. This the grower must 

 decide liimself. 



In our locality the weather has been extremely cool 

 oft' and on all summer so that it has been necessary to 

 give the houses heat. Letting the houses go cold to save 

 coal is poor economy, and you will find it pays well in 

 the long run to keep the temperature right up to the 

 mark. As stated only a short time ago the temperature 

 in the rose house at this time of the year should never 

 go below Gl degrees F. 



Syringing 



From now on it will be necessary to shake the plants 

 well after each syringing so that all will be dry by night. 

 This applies especially to Beauties. These must never 

 lie allowed to remain over night with wet foliage. Other- 

 wise you are inviting a dose of blackspot and most grow- 

 ers know what that means. Just before quitting time 

 blow a little lime under the plants with a pair of bel- 

 lows. This is very important and should never be left 

 undone. 



Perennial Phloxes 



This little illustration gives an idea of tlie gor;.ii;ous 

 effect to be derived firm planting phlox en-masse with 

 natural surnuindings. This picture, which was taken on 

 the first of August, shows a natural effect obtained 

 in conjunction with rock work and coniferae. Th(> 

 striking colors are prominent a great distance away and 

 on a closer inspection reveal one of nature's most sym- 

 metrical flower forms. The hardiness of these plants 

 is greatly in their favor, these having stood 18° below 

 zero last winter without the least protection other than 

 that afforded by the shrubs. They have some idea of 

 taking care of themselves through the growing season, 

 too, and when it comes to the survival of the fittest an 

 established root of phlox is "in the field to stay." The 

 range of color now to be found in these hardy phloxes is 

 beyond my description ; various heights are also to be 

 bad to suit any position. No wild garden, rock garden 

 or herbaceous border is complete without them. 



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