M Tt?e (^ard^o dr)d Laloi). ^ 



GETTING FLOWERS AND PLANTS READY FOR 



WINTER. 



ANY large plants growing in the flower beds, and for which there 

 is not room in the sitting-room windows, can be wintered safely 

 in the cellar. The abutilon, geranium, fuchsia, rose, hibiscus, 

 and others of this class will do very well there if properly cared 

 for. Take them up before frost has injured them, and put them 

 in boxes or pots. Do this as early in the month as possible. 

 "^ Do not give them much water, for that might have a tendency to 



encourage growth, and what you want them to do is to remain as nearly dormant 

 as possible. Water enough to settle the loose soil about the roots, and set them 

 in the shade, where it is cool. The leaves will doubtless fall off. That i? as it 

 should be. The leaves will also fall from shrubs in the garden, and you want 

 your plants that are to go into the cellar to behave as nearly like them as possi- 

 ble. Keep them in a cool place until it is no longer possible to shelter them 

 from frost. Then take them to the cellar, and there let them remain until next 

 spring, keeping them as cool as possible, and giving only just water enough to 

 prevent the soil at their roots from becoming as dry as dust. Kept dry, and in 

 a cool place, there will be little inclination on their part to begin growth, but if 

 in a warm place, and considerable water is given, the chances are that they will 

 begin to grow long before they ought to, and such growth will not only have to 

 be sacrificed, later on, but it will greatly weaken the plant, which should be so 

 managed as to be kept dormant. 



When you take up your dahlias, gladioli, and other tuberous roots, do not 

 make the mistake of putting them in the cellar or storeroom immediately. They 

 should be prepared for this place by treating them for several days in succession 

 to a sun-bath, which will ripen them off and leave them in the best possible con- 

 dition for winter. Tubers and bulbs, on being dug, are full of moisture, which 

 should be given a chance to evaporate or condense. Nothing does this work so 

 perfectly as full and continued exposure to the sun. Do not attempt to remove 

 the soil from them at the time of digging. Spread them out on boards in the 

 warmest spot in the garden, as they are dug. At night, cover with a blanket to 

 keep away frost and keep in warmth. Remove it as soon as the sun is up, next 

 day. By night of the second day you will find that almost all the soil will be in 



(372 ^ 



