/i A ^ ^ matter of course a Floricultural Calendar for this ^ 



month must to a certain extent be acted upon as it ^ 

 relates to open air operations, coal-pits, frames, &c., only as the 

 weather is favourable for the operations detailed. If the weather con- 

 tinues severe sufficient protection must be given, as during last month 

 to all tender things. Any alterations of ground or planting trees should 

 be completed early as possible ; and the collection of soils, manures 

 &c., to form composts, be laid on heaps — turn former heaps, &c. If 

 there be Rose-trees to plant this season, they ought to be done during 

 the present month, or their growth will be hazardous if deferred to 

 March, and even if they live they do not thrive well during tlie summer. 

 Give a good top dressing now to established plants of well rotted 

 manure. Prune the hardy kinds. Perennial and biennial border 

 flowers should be divided, if required, planted, &c. Turf may be laid 

 at the end of the month. 



Take the first opportunity about the middle of the month, if the 

 weather be dry, to plant Ranunculuses and Anenionies in the prepared 

 beds, placing them at five inches apart, and an inch and a half deep 

 from the crown to the surface, and if the soil be dry gently press the 

 surface with a flat board. The sharp frosts of this season will have 

 greatly benefited the beds by purifying the soil. Auriculas and Poly- 

 anthuses should have a portion of the old surface soil taken away and 

 be replaced by a good earthing up of rich compost, this will be re- 

 quired about the last week in the month. Tulips having made ap- 

 pearance above the ground will require especial attention, especially 

 in giving secure protection from sudden frost. Bear in mind that on 

 the attention paid to them from this period depends their after success. 



The continued frost of last month would not permit much fresh air 

 being admitted to late potted Carnations and Picotees ; on every fa- 

 vourable occasion now, therefore, do not neglect to afford abundance, as 

 it will retard premature growth and materially promote vigour here- 

 after. Beds of Pi?iks, Heartsease, and autu7)m planted Ranunculuses 

 should have particular attention both as to protection from frost and 

 the stems of the plants being firmly secured, also the surface of the 

 bed lightly stirred up. Wiien strong frost subsides, and the gravel 

 walks are thawed they are generally very light to the depth of a few 

 inches ; where the surface gravel requires to be loosened for the pur- 

 pose of adding to it some new, it is in that thawed state performed 

 very readily, and to do it then saves a great deal of trouble and ex- 

 pense which would be incurred at a more advanced season. Now ig 

 the period for making a plan of the flower garden, parterre, &c., and 



