176 JOTTINGS OF A GENTLEMAN GARDENER 



Cuttings of Pinks, Sweet Williams, Geraniums, Arabis, 

 Alyssum saxatile, etc., may also be struck out of doors as 

 soon as the plants throw up sufficient new growth. This 

 period varies from June-August. Most of them will 

 strike if merely put in a bed of light soil in the open ground, 

 but better results are usually gained by raising a rough 

 frame over the bed and shading them during hot sunshine. 

 Cuttings so treated should be well rooted a few weeks 

 later, but Arabis takes longer than the others. 



How to Layer Carnations : July and August are the 

 best months for doing this, and it is quite an easy method 

 of propagation so long as a little care is taken. 



Put some light sandy soil into a basket, and take it 

 to the carnation border, placing little heaps of it 2 ins. 

 or so from the main stems of the plants. Cut some small 

 pegs from forked twigs, the ends being pointed. 



Now choose the strongest non-flowering stems, and 

 remove the leaves some little distance along each. With 

 a clean, sharp knife make a horizontal incision of the stem, 

 starting at a j oint . Make this slit parallel to the length of the 

 stem, and let it be an inch or two long. Be careful not to 

 cut the stem off, or it will only be of use as a cutting. 

 Gently press the " tongue " made by your cut, outwards, 

 and peg down the stem firmly into one of the heaps of 

 sandy soil, covering it over with more soil, and firming 

 with a trowel. Water gently at once, and repeat the 

 operation with other strong shoots growing out around 

 the plant. 



The after treatment consists of watering when needed, 

 and leaving the plants alone until the autumn. Then 

 with a sharp knife cut the stem just behind the heap of 

 soil where the stem joins the parent plant. The layer 

 will now be isolated from its parent. I would always 

 cut the layers a few days before the carnations are required 

 for planting out, as it always gives a slight check. Then 

 the layers can be carefully lifted with a spade and replanted 

 in another part of the garden. Black cotton stretched 

 over the plants between small sticks is the best means of 



