

IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 

 rTIHE last month's Calendar contains many things that 

 will require attention now : we refer our readers 

 to it. Shrubs requiring increase by layers may be done now, 

 in a similar way as to the Carnation ; some of the tough-wooded 

 kinds do well by having the branch twisted at the part where the cut 

 in laying would have been made. All perennial and biennial border 

 plants to be increased should be parted at once. Add fresh loam, leaf- 

 mould, rotten dung, &c, to beds, before sowing seeds or re-planting. 

 Now decide upon the arrangement of plants for beds of the flower- 

 garden, in order to give plenty of time to prepare a stock of those required. 

 Hardy annuals, to bloom early in the summer, may be sown in sheltered 

 situations. Finish pruning Roses. Take especial care to provide plants 

 of every class required for bedding out on lawns, flower-gardens, &c. 

 German Asters, Geraniums, Stocks, &c, sow immediately. 



Florists' Flowers. — At this time Auriculas and Polyanthuses 

 will have commenced growing ; admit air on all favourable occasions. 

 Manure water should be given once a week. Sheep's-dung, put into 

 a tub, and soft water poured upon it, in quantity so as it forms a strong 

 liquid, is very serviceable. The dung must be collected for a few 

 weeks before using. Old cow-dung will also answer the same purpose. 

 Sow seeds of above. 



Anemones and Ranunculuses must be finished planting immediately. 

 If no bed has been prepared for them, it may be made by taking out 

 the soil to the depth ^of fifteen or eighteen inches, and replacing it at 

 the bottom with a layer three or four inches thick of cow-dung, and 

 filling up with soil composed of decayed turfs taken from a loamy 

 pasture. Such as were planted in the autumn will now be making 

 their appearance above ground. It is very necessary to keep the soil 

 closed firmly round the crown of the plant ; when this is neglected 

 the bloom suffers. Tulips require continued attention, as directed last 

 month. Any that happen to be affected with canker will appear sickly ; 

 the roots should be examined, and the damaged part cut clean out. If 

 left exposed to sun and air, the parts will soon dry and heal. Avoid 

 frosty air getting to the wound by exposure. If by any casualty the 

 plants are frozen, then, early in the morning, sprinkle the tops over 

 with cold water, and keep them covered over for an hour or so before 

 they be exposed, as the sun must not be allowed to shine upon them 

 until the frost is all out. Carnations and Picotees may, at the end of 

 the month, receive their final shifting. The pots known as No. 12's 

 are the size usually employed. In potting, place at the bottom two 

 inches deep of crocks, to give free drainage. Use a compost — which 

 is best if it has been previously prepared and become well incorporated 



