S April, 1907] Garden Notes. 223 



Varieties. 

 Most of the nurserymen ha\"e ceased to catalogue petunias under name, 

 though thev have named varieties in stock. A proportion of double flower- 

 ing kinds mav be expected from some of the special strains of seeds, of 

 which Render and vSons" double-fringed is one of the most reliable. 

 "" Giants of California " is a noted large-flowering single strain, although 

 manv gardeners prefer the smaller fringed varieties, especially for bedding 

 purposes. 



Flower Garden. 



With fairly moist weather conditions, April is generally a suitable 

 month for planting out plants grown in jx)ts, divisions of herbaceous plants 

 that have finished blooming, and layers and cuttings propagated during 

 summer. Carnations will thrive better if planted out now than at anv 

 other period. The soil being warm and moist, the young plants soon 

 become established, and bloom freely in spring. If it is desired to produce 

 speciallv fine blooms, the plants should be set out in specially prepared 

 beds, and strong young plants, either spring struck cuttings or layers rooted 

 during summer, selected. The beds should not be over-shaded, but pro- 

 tected from hot north winds. Narrow beds that will accommodate two or 

 three rows of plants are most suitable, the plants being set out 2 feet 

 apart each wa}-. Cuttings of tree carnations will root readily in the open 

 ground if inserted in sandv soil this month. Should the weather be dry, 

 select end of the month for preference. One of the largest growers in the 

 State produces practically all his plants of tree carnations from cuttings 

 planted in narrow torders near his boundary fences. The soil for the 

 purpose should be sandy and unmanured. Where the natural staple is 

 heavy and retentive, a little sand placed at the base of the cutting will 

 facilitate propagation. The cuttings are best set out in rows, about i\ feet 

 between the rows, 3 inches between each cutting. Short lateral shoots 

 about 3 or 4 inches in length are usually developed along the shoots of the 

 plants. These will root readilv, and will make nice sturdy plants. The 

 only preparation necessary is tO' trim off the leaves for about half the length 

 of the cutting, insert it to that depth in the soil, firmly press the soil 

 around it, and water after insertion. Should the weather pro\e dry after 

 planting the cuttings, they will need to be watered occasionally. 



Autumn planting of hardy plants that will resist frost, whether raised 

 from seeds, divisions, or cuttings, is to be specially recommended where 

 a supply of water is limited. Such planting enables the gardener to have 

 well-grown plants early in summer, which, by good surface culture of pre- 

 pared beds, may be expected to bloom satisfa,ctorily. A number of spring- 

 blooming bulbous plants may be planted. In every case no animal manure 

 should be allowed to come into contact with bulbs or corms. Manure may 

 be worked deeply into the soil, but the base of the bulb should rest on 

 sweet soil only. 



Ground should be prepared for the planting of deciduous trees, plants, 

 and shrubs. Drainage should be a primary consideration. Half-rotted 

 manure should be well mixed through the soil where it is intended to set 

 out permanent plants. 



Seeds of hardy annuals ma} be sown for transplanting, and .seedlings 

 raised previously planted out. 



Kitchen Garden. 



Ground should be prepared for the reception of various vegetables 

 for spring use. In low. moist situations, narrow beds, well ridged, are 



