IRISH GARDENING 



43 



useful edgiug is nmde by sowing the line in four 

 divisions, three of which are sown with Parsley. 

 Thyme, and Sage, and in the fourth a few roots of 

 Mint are planted. Seeds of a quick-growing 

 Cabbage, such as Exjjress, if sown now, will be fit 

 for use in July and AugusL It is getting late to 



make fresh plantations of Rluiharh. Init if crowns 

 are obtained early in the month they may he 

 planted 'A feet apart. Cauliflowers which have 

 stood the wintei- in frames should be planted out- 

 side. Celery sliould be .snwn in heat, and as soon 



seedling plants become overcrowded transplant 

 firmly in nursery beds to keep the growth sturdy. 

 They can tlien be planted on ground occupied by 

 early Potatoes. 



Flower Boruer.— This portion of the plot will 

 also be requiring attention. There is no doubt that 

 fiowers of a perennial character are most appre- 

 ciated on plots, compared with annuals, excepting, 

 of course. Sweet Peas. The old cottage flowers 

 which come up every year have a charm of their 

 own, and are appreciated none the less for their 



j-hoto by] Cut Branches of Prunus cerasifera [IT'. e Trervhu-i- 



AND CyDONIA JAPONICA FLOWERING INDOORS. 



as large enough transplanted into boxes or frames. 



Peas. — Sowings for the main crop can be made in 

 March. Peas vary a great deal not only as regards 

 height, but also in seasons of ripening and other 

 characters. The seeds are often sown too thickly. 

 When sowing make a broad drill about the width 

 of the spade. The best preparation for the soil 

 is to trench and manure in the autumn. Unless 

 the soil is deeply worked. Peas suffer from drought 

 in dry weather, and do not fill the pods. A useful 

 dwarf variety which does not require stakes is 

 Little Marvel. A good tall variety. Alderman, can 

 be used. Any good catalogue will give details 

 regarding height, &c., and a selection can be made. 



Brussels Sprouts. — Seeds should be sown to ob- 

 tain strong plants for transplanting. Before the 



sentimental value in many cases. The roots should 

 be divided with a fork and not cut with a spade. 

 The young outside portions can then be planted in 

 well-manured ground. Vacant spots in the border 

 can be sown with suitable annuals. Sweet Peas 

 may be sown this month. Delay sowing if the soil 

 is cold and wet. If special flowers are required sow 

 in small pots and plant out one foot apart. For 

 ordinary purposes a trench or shallow hole is pre- 

 pared by placing manure in the bottom, covering 

 this with the soil turned out, and then covering 

 the seeds with fine soil. Firms of repute sell cheap 

 mixtures, but the ])etter and improved kinds are 

 worth extra troulde and attention if it can be 

 given. 



G. H. O. 



