CHAP, II VILLA GARDENING 149 



texture. Loam that feels harsh to the touch is deficient in humus 

 or vegetable matter, and without some addition in the way of peat 

 or leaf-mould is not adapted for plant -growing, especially hard- 

 wooded plants, which for the most part have fine roots requiring a 

 soil possessing some retentive power without being absolutely ad- 

 hesive. Having selected the right kind of sod and added the 

 necessary sand or crushed charcoal to give it the requisite porosity, 

 the next question is the mode of using it. Specimen plants — that 

 is, plants which are several years old and have reached a good size — 

 should be potted early in summer, to ensure the new sod being 

 occupied before the dark days come ; but in all cases annual re- 

 potting may not be necessary, and if not required should not be 

 done. All plants may be assisted during the blooming time with 

 a little artificial stimulant, such as Stauden's maniu'e, or something 

 of a like nature ; this and a loamy compost wdl enable us to grow 

 our plants to a good size in comparatively small pots, which 

 wdl be an advantage to the small grower. Good peat is sometimes 

 difiicidt to obtain, except by purchase. Loam, i.e. the turf from 

 an old common or pasture, can be obtained in most places either 

 for love or money. The Kentish and Surrey peats are good, and 

 can generally be pui'chased either in small or large quantities. 

 Peat is usually sent ready for use. Loam, on the other hand, for 

 most i^lants should be laid up in a heap tdl the grass is killed ; and 

 if much potting has to be done, a fresh supply proportionate to the 

 demand should be secm-ed every year, so as to have it in the best 

 possible condition for the plants. 



The Potting House. — In all gardens there shoidd be a place 

 set apart for storing potting materials, as well as a house or shed 

 for performing the potting operation in ; and such shed shoidd be 

 light, roomy, and conveniently situated for the work. Where the 

 collections of plants are large, and much potting has to be done at 

 various seasons, a couple of hot-water pipes should be run through 

 the shed to make it comfortable for tender plants. Very many good 

 gardens are only indifferently provided with conveniences for this 

 work. All pots and drainage materials must be clean. No man 

 will use a dirty pot who is not careless about success. There are 

 usually broken pots enough in most places to furnish drainage for 

 all the pots used in potting. These should be broken up into 

 different sizes iu bad weather, passed through sieves, and packed 

 away ready for use when the busy time comes round. All soil 

 for potting should be broken up with the spaile or the hands. The 

 latter plan is best for valuable specimens. It may be prejudice, 

 l)erhaps, but I think the plants thrive better in soil that has 

 been passed through the hands in its preparation. One reason 



