IRISH GARDENING. 



137 



Pentstemons. 



At the present time, when expensive '' bedding " 

 arrangements are unpopukir, one turns to plants 

 that may be grown with but Uttle trouble and a 

 minimum of expense. Among the most impor- 

 tant of these are the Pentstemons, of which 

 there are many beautiful garden varieties as 



thorough drainage, as nothing is so detrimental 

 to the cuttings in late autumn and winter as too 

 damp a condit'on of the soil. If necessary, 

 therefore, a quantity of rough material should 

 be placed in the bottom of the frame, and over 

 this a Hght layer of half-decayed leaves to keep 

 the drainage open. Over this a layer of three 

 inches of fine sandy soil made moderately firm 

 will form a suitable bed for the cuttings. 





w^s 



ErCRYPHI.\ COP.DIFOLI.\ 



At ?iIount Usher, Co. \Yickl(nv. 



well as true species. Th^ former are the more 

 popular for a flower garden d' splay, and merit 

 all the praise bestowed on them. 



The cultivation and propagation of Pent- 

 stemons is comparatively easy. A rich, well 

 drained soil will produce strong plants capable 

 of bearing long spikes of handsome flowers. 



Septemb( r is a good month to take cuttings 

 for next year's d'splay. The cuttings may be 

 struck under handlights if only small quantities 

 are required, but where larger numbers are 

 necessary it is better to prepare a bed of light, 

 sandy soil in a cold frame. It is wise to ensure 



Suitable cuttings will be found, generally, 

 arising from below the flower spikes, though 

 some varieties produce so many spikes that 

 cuttings are difficult to obtain unless the shoots 

 have been pi'eviously '' pinched " to prevent 

 flowering and induce the formation of cuttings. 

 Shoots from three to five inches long are suitable, 

 removing just enough leaves to give the cutting 

 a good hold when placed in the soil. They may 

 be dibbled in three inches apart ; when fin'shed, 

 water well, close the frame, and shade horn 

 strong sun until the cutt'.ngs begin to recover 

 and show by their stiffening leaver that evapora- 



