390 GAllDEXII^G FOR PLEASURE. 



MAT. 



Greenhouse and Flower Garden.— The majority of plants 

 in the greenhouse or window garden should now be in their 

 finest bloom. Firing may now be entirely dispensed with in 

 the greenhouse, though care must yet be exercised in ventilating 

 in the first part of the month, as we still have cold winds in this 

 section. By the end of the month all of the plants that are 

 wanted for the summer decoration of the flower borders may be 

 planted out. In doing so, when the ball of earth has been com- 

 pletely matted with roots, it will be better to bruise it slightly 

 between the hands, so that, after being planted, the water will 

 pass freely through the "ball," as it often happens that it 

 is so hard and dry as to prevent the water from penetrat- 

 ing it, and the growth is impeded in consequence. Water 

 once copiously after planting if the weather is dry. When 

 the greenhouse is not to be used during the summer months, 

 Camellias, Azaleas, and plants of that character should be 

 set out-doors under some shade ; but most of the other 

 plants usually kept in the greenhouse or window garden 

 in winter, may be set in the open border, where the pots 

 should be plunged to the rim in ashes or sand, kecpmg them 

 slightly apart from each other, to prevent crowding. Where 

 there are indications that the pot has become filled with roots, 

 the plant should be shifted into a size larger, just as it is 

 done inside the greenhouse. As the plants make growth, they, 

 with few exceptions, should be pinched back to cause a stout 

 and branching form. Lawns should now be mown and edgings 

 trimmed nicely, and all flower beds hoed and raked ; for if 

 weeds are not kept down as they first appear, treble the labor 

 will be required to eradicate them next month. Annuals that 

 have been sown in the greenhouse or hot-bed may now be 

 planted out, and seeds of such sorts as Mignonette, Sweet 

 Alyssum, Phlox Drummoudii, Portulaca, etc., may be sown in 

 the borders. Cuttings or young plants of Chrysanthemums, if 

 started now, will give fine plants for fall flowering. 



Fruit Garden. — Where it has not been convenient before, 

 most of the smaller fruits may yet be planted the first part of 

 the month. Ply the hoe or cultivator vigorously to keep down 

 weeds. If any of the numerous varieties of caterpihars, slugs, 

 or worms make their appearance on the young shoots of vines or 

 trees, a free application of tobacco dust mixed with Pyrethrum 



