156 



WINDOW GARDENING. 



soon begin to grow and should be kept warm and watered freely. Soon as they 

 throw up the flower stalk remove to the conservatory, when they will soon flower 

 and remain in bloom for several weeks. Good bulbs should average twenty 

 flowers to a spike. After flowering throw away, as the bulb only flowers once. 

 Stock is kept up by ofF-sets. Those who do not have the convenience of a green 

 house or hot beds for starting the bulbs must do the next best. We have fre- 

 quently started them on the mantel in the kitchen, by taking a box narrow and 

 long enough to hold three or four pots, which are put in the box filled with 

 ashes or tan which should be kept wet to better retain the heat. They will 

 start very well in this way using wood ashes for mulch. A Bulb which we once 

 had flowered in the pot and gave us forty-five large and perfect flowers. For an 

 ordinary Window Garden, one or two pots at a time is quite sufficient. The 



Fig. 37.— Glasses used as Bouquet Holders. 



most convenient way and about as cheap a one as any, is to buy bulbs with flow- 

 er stalks started from a florist. This is meant to apply to the large number that 

 love flowers but do not like to work for them. 



Achimenes. 

 These tuberous rooted plants, generally classed with bulbs, are charming for 

 growing in pots, pans and hanging baskets, either in assorted or individual col- 

 ors. The flowers combine great individual beauty with richness and brilliancy. 

 Much importance should be attached to the Achimenes from the ease in which 

 they can be induced to flower in the winter. The best soil for growing them is 

 a light rich loam. The tubers should be put singly in three inch pots and placed 

 in as warm a situation as the conservatory affords. Where bottom heat can 



