IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.: i ^ 



ANNUAL flower seeds, as Clarkia, Collinsia, Schizaii- ^ 

 thus, Ten-week Stock, &c., now sown in small pots, ^' 

 well drained, and kept in a cool frame, or a spare corner in a cool 

 greenhouse, through winter, will be suitable for turning out in the 

 open borders at tlie end of March or in April. Such plants bloom 

 early and fine, and they are early ornaments for the flower garden; 

 and as tiiey decline, the spring-sown plants are coming into bloom. 

 Seeds of many kinds, now sown in the open border, generally survive 

 the winter, and bloom vigorously early the next season, Camations : 

 the layers should be taken off, severing them a( a joint as near the 

 root as possible. Only a few of tiie bottom leaves sliould be trimmed 

 off to admit the compost to settle closely around the stem, and that no 

 leaves may rot inside the soil, and be likely to damage the main stem. 

 The compost in which to pot tiiem must not be rich, or the plants will 

 be likely to grow too vigorous, and become what florists term too 

 gross. Equal portions of year-old turfy loam and leaf mould, with a 

 small proportion of sand mixed therein, is rich enough, and of a dryish 

 texture, and the plants keep healthy in it if otherwise duly attended 

 to. They must have a liberal drainage ; over the broken pot, Ac, 

 spread a portion of moss or turfy loam, in order to prevent the com- 

 post settling amongst the bits of jjots, and to allow a free passage for 

 the water draining away. The compost must not be sifted, but chopped, 

 and in its rough state. In potting, place two layers in each pot. 

 When potted, put them in a cool frame for about ten days, keeping the 

 lights closed, and shaded from mid-day sun ; tliis contributes to an 

 immediate striking root afresh : afterwards they may be fully exposed 

 in a sheltered spot, having a tiiick floor of coal-ashes or boards to 

 place the pots upon, in order to prevent worms entering. Pinks : beds 

 of them may still be made, and the earlier the more successful : dig 

 into the bed four inches in thickness of old manure ; do it a week or 

 so before planting, and plant as early in the month as you can. 

 Pansies: beds of tiiem should be made for next spring bloom. Pot 

 some of all the best kinds in small pots, to be placed in a cool frame 

 during winter. If the sowing of tlie seeds of biennials, as Scabious> 

 Canterbury Bell, Brompton and Queen Stocks, &c., has been neglected, 

 they should be attended to as early as possible. Verbenas : runners 

 should be potted in small pots, a tiiird filled with potsherds, and the 

 rest with go(xl loamy soil, placing them in a close cool frame for ten 

 days, shading from mid-day sun ; after which gradually expose them 

 to open air. Attention to them should be immediate. Wiien placed 

 in a cool frame or greenhouse for winter protection, the vigour in- 



