The Flower Garden. 463 



THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



By T}io.s. W. Pochett. 



Tying, staking, watering, and manui'ing should be the chief work 

 for the next two months, beyond the general hoeing and stirring of 

 the soil after watering, or to admit water. 



Canuas should be looked over, removing old leaves and flowers, 

 and with a little assistance in the shape of manure and water a 

 glorious display will be assured during autumn. Dahlias that 

 remained in the ground last winter, and reflowered during the early 

 summer, may be cut down to the ground early in the month, so as to 

 get fresh growth, which will flower during March, April and May. 



Chrysanthemums that have been allowed to grow from stools may 

 also be cut down, imless large blooms are required, and in such 

 cases young plants put out in September or October would be best, 

 and any shortening should have been done not later than the middle of 

 December. 



Any bare places in the borders, caused by flowers or plants that 

 have finished blooming, may be filled up for the autumn. 



For a number of years past I have sown Cosmos, Marigold 

 (French and African), Zinnias, and Variegated Maize, at the 

 beginning of January. They generally come up with little trouble, 

 and by the time they commence to flower the weather is cool, and a 

 fine display is produced with practically no trouble, and there is the 

 advantage of the flowers lasting longer, whether cut or on the plants. 



Roses. — The autumn display of roses is generally the best, more 

 especially with the Teas, and Hybrid Teas. All old flowers should be 

 cut away, and any bushes making unnecessary growth should be 

 thinned out, and if the rainfall is deficient about March give a good 

 watering, or, what is preferable, liquid manure. 



Lawns. 



Buffalo grass lawns may still be made until March or April. When 

 it is intended to grow other grasses with the Buffalo, nothing is so 

 good as Kentucky blue grass. I generally have a patch ready, and 

 dibble a piece in about every foot when planting the Buffalo. The 

 one leads during the summer, while the other is green and fills up all 

 the available space during autumn, winter and spring, yet the one 

 never kills the other, or becomes patchy. 



