144 FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE, &.c. 



The greenhouse plants which 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 keeps 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. Achimenes will now be coming 

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

 greenhouse plants should now be put off: May and June are the be*t 

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

 worth encouraging. Any done blooming and seed collected, if re- 

 quired, should be turned out of the pots entire into a bed of rich soil, 

 where there is shade from eleven to four o'clock. There they will 

 flourish, and supply an increase for next year's bloom. Cuttings of 

 Roses may be put in, and will soon strike. Camellias that have been 

 forwarded by forcing the shoots and buds, should now be placed in a 

 cooler situation, to give vigour to them. When the grass of Ranun- 

 culus or Tulips is quite dead, the roots may be taken up. Pelar- 

 goniums, 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 without 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 require 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 

 their growth, being previously cut in, if necessaiy. Supports for an 

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

 continued rain, they 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, lte-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, &e. 



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 sprinkle 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.) 



