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9 



IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



ANNUAL flower seeds, as Clarkia, Collinsia, Schizan- 

 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 the end of March or in April. Such plants bloom 

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

 as they decline, the spring-sown plants are coming into bloom. Seeds 

 of many kinds, noio sown in the open border, generally survive the 

 winter, and bloom vigorously early the next season. Carnations : the 

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

 possible. Only a few of the bottom leaves should 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 them 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, &c, spread a 

 portion of moss or turfy loam, in order to prevent the compost settling 

 amongst the bits of pots, 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 ; this contributes to an immediate 

 striking root afresh : afterwards they may be fully exposed in a shel- 

 tered spot, having a thick floor of coal-ashes or boards to place the pots 

 upon, in order to prevent worms entering. Pinks: beds of them may 

 s'ill 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 plant- 

 ing, and plant as early in the month as you can. Pansies : beds of 

 them 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 

 ■owing of the seeds of biennials, as Scabious, Canterbury Bell, Brompton 

 and Queen Stocks, &c, has been neglected, tliey should be attended to as 

 ••arly as possible. Verbenas : runners should be potted in small pots, a 

 third filled with potsherds, and the rest with good 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. Bulbs, as Hyacinths, &c, are now to lie had, and the 

 sooner they are potted the more vigorous they will bloom. Chinese 

 Primroses should be encouraged for winter blooming. If mildew 



