544 VILLA GARDENING part vil 



grown shrubs should be pruned, gravel -walks turned, and grass 

 rolled frequently, to keep all bright and neat. Climbers on walls 

 may be pruned and trained. Shelter tender plants. 



Fruit Garden. — Get as much of the planting, pruning, and 

 training done before Christmas as possible, as the spring always 

 brings fresh work. Dress Apple trees infested with American blight 

 with a strong solution of Gishurst compound. If the trees are old, 

 better remove them, clear away the old soil, and plant young trees 

 in fresh soil. Syringe Gooseberry bushes with lime and soot in 

 solution to keep off birds. 



Vegetable Garden. — Wheel manure on vacant laud and 

 trench it up 2 feet deep. Give all the air possible to Cauliflowers 

 in frames in mild weather. Scatter a few dry wood-ashes among 

 the plants occasionally. Shelter Lettuces with dry leaves or ferns. 

 Cover those in frames on cold nights with mats. Winter Broccoli 

 turning in should be lifted with balls and planted in cold pits, or 

 where some shelter can be given. 



Forcing Vegetables. — This work will now be in active 

 operation. Asparagus, Seakale, and Mushrooms are in season 

 now. Rhubarb also shoiUd be plentiful. Plant Potatoes in hot- 

 beds prepared to receive them. They may also be planted in 10- 

 inch pots and brought forward near the glass in the forcing-house. 

 Herbs, such as Tarragon, Chervil, Mint, etc., should be obtainable 

 in a green condition now. 



Conservatory.- — Plants from the forcing-house will now be 

 coming on. Camellias also wiU be unfolding their blossoms. 

 Weak soot-water will be beneficial to the latter once a week or so. 

 The temperature at night may range between 45" and 50°. Avoid 

 making a dust in sweeping floors, as it lodges on the leaves of the 

 jjlants and iujm-es their action. 



Stove. — The chief work here Avill consist in keeping down 

 insects and bringing forward fresh relays of forced flowers. Among 

 these latter the Bouvardias and Poinsettias will be conspicuous 

 now. The night temperature need not exceed 65°. Small or 

 moderately -sized specimens of Dendrobium nobile will be useful. 

 Tuberoses also should be plentiful, and the sweet white blossoms 

 of Gardenias. 



Flower Forcing -House. — This will be in active operation 

 now. Bulbs, Lily of the Valley, Tuberoses, shnibs of various 

 kinds, Dielytras, Spirseas, Roses, and many other things, will be 

 brought on as required. The night temperatures may range about 

 65°. A moist genial atmosphere must be kept up. Tuberoses 

 should be potted in batches, and brought forward, a few at a time, 

 as required. 



