144 FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 



IN THE GBEENHOUSE, &.c. 



The greenhouse plants wliich are placed out of doors will require to 

 be duly watered, for if allowed to flag the result is the leaves are 

 damaged. Moss sprinkled between the pots keep the soil cool. 



The house will now have to be kept gay and sweet by Balsams, 

 Globe Amaranthus, Cockscombs, Brachycoma, &c. Re-pot as required, 

 to keep the plants in a growing state. Acliimenes will now be coming 

 into bloom ; they repay for every attention. Cuttings of nearly all 

 greenliouse plants should now be put off: May and June are the best 

 months for that purpose. Cinerarias are highly ornamental, and well 

 worth encouraging. Cuttings of Roses may be put in, and will soon 

 strike. Camellias that have been forwarded by forcing tlie shoots 

 and buds, should now be placed in a cooler situation, to give vigour to 

 them. When the grass of Ranunculus or Tulips is quite dead, the 

 roots may be taken up. Pelargoniums, as they go out of bloom, must 

 be prepared for another season. (See Articles on, &c.) 



Ericas. — The early blooming kinds should be draughted out, and 

 others may follow them as fast as they go out of bloom. Examine the 

 plants very carefully, and see that they are in a proper state as to 

 moisture ; and if you are an exhibitor, never put a plant of this or any 

 other kind into a van witiiout previously giving it a good soaking of 

 water. The young plants which are not blooming had best be placed 

 in a pit where they can be exposed or not, as may appear necessary. 

 Stop such as i-equire it boldly back, and train them so as to form a 

 proper foundation for a good specimen. As the principal specimens 

 go out of bloom they may be removed to a shaded situation to make 

 tiieir growth, being previously cut in if necessary. Supports for an 

 awning must be placed over tiiem, so that in case of heavy storms or 

 continued rain, tliey can be protected a little. Clear weak manure 

 water may be used occasionally for the free-growing kinds. With 

 regard to ventilation, there is no fear of your over-doing it after this 

 time. Re-pot any requiring it, but do not over-pot ; the one-shift 

 system is injurious to nearly all the tribe, the only exceptions are those 

 of rapid growth and robust habit. Rough peat and silver sand, with 

 bits of stone, &c., and a liberal drainage, are requisites. Epacrises, 

 &c., should also be duly attended to in re-potting, &c. 



Azaleas in the forcing-pit must be kept shaded during bright sun- 

 shine, and a moist growing atmosphere must be maintained around 

 them. Water freely with weak guano water, and spinkle the vacant 

 parts of the house or pit daily, but not upon the bloom. As the plants 

 go out of flower place them in heat, to perfect their wood for next 

 year's blooming. (See Articles on in previous volumes.) 



