IN THE FLOWER 



THE recent fine weather would allow for the planting 

 out in beds, &c, half-hardy as well as the tender 

 annuals, Heliotropes, Pelargoniums, Verbenas, Petunia", Celsias, Zin- 

 nias, Stocks, &c. ; but any omissions should be attended to at once. 



We have frequently called the attention of our young readers to the 

 desirability of paying strict attention to the judicious arrangements of 

 flowering plants, as regards height and harmony of colouring. It is 

 true that, of late years, this subject has become a matter of study 

 amongst gardeners, and gre.it changes for the better have taken place 

 in this respect ; still we are far from supposing that we have arrived 

 at perfection. Always bear in mind — if beauty, order, and effect are 

 desired — that attention to this, next to a well laid-out flower-garden, 

 is essential to their full development. In producing well-arranged 

 contrasts, the different shades of colour must be as distinct from each 

 other as possible : for instance, white should never be placed in con- 

 tact with yellow, or deep blue with crimson ; but white forms a srood 

 contrast with blue or red, blue to orange, yellow to purple or violet, 

 dark crimson to light blue, and scarlet should be placed near those 

 which have a profuse green foliage, as red and green form' the best 

 contrast. Orange and violet do well. Greenish-yellow and rose con- 

 trast well. 



The only attention now required with such is to water freely, being 

 careful it does not pass off; tie up, &c. Pinks and Carnations will 

 require due care in securing, and by the middle of the month pipings 

 of Pinks may be taken off, and towards the end layers of some early 

 Carnations be made. Thin away extra flower-buds. Dahlias Mill 

 require securing, and thin out the shoots, so as only to retain about 

 four or five. Stop the leading stem, to give support to the side ones. 

 Cuttings will soon strike root. If the weather be dry, water daily, a 

 good supply at once: a portion of mulchy manure, spread over the 

 roots, is very beneficial. Seeds of Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells, 

 Scabious, &c, should now be sown for next year's blooming. Auricula 

 and Polyanthus must be kept in a shady but airy place. Prepare the 

 compost for re-potting in next month. Sow seed as early as ripe. 

 Pansey seed also sow. (See Ai tides on, &c.) 



New Flowers. — Let attention be given to hybridizing, with a view 

 to obtain improved varieties. Roses : maggots often infest the buds ; 

 can-fully examine and destroy. Green-fly, too, stop at first by fumi- 

 gation, &c. (See Articles on.) Chrysanthemums: young plants 

 f-hould be prepared for the autumn. Violets for next year's blooming, 

 attend to beds of, &c. (See Articles upon.) 



