HOLL Y HOCKS. 



529 



prising- florist exhibited some boxes of cut 

 blooms in London. I venture to say they 

 will soon become objects in our gardens 

 again. 



There is no denying- the fact that Holly- 

 hocks, when planted in a gfroup, form noble 

 objects. The accompanying^ engraving- will 

 g-ive a clear idea oi the value of such clumps 

 in the borders of our gardens or on the 

 edg-es of shrubberies. The bold flower stem 

 frequently g-rows 6 feet hig-h, clothed nearly 

 to the top with massive flowers, which are 

 very varied in color, comprising^ pure white, 

 pink, rose, amber, yellow, crimson, maroon, 

 and purple ; so there is no lack of variety. 

 I will now add a few words on their future. 

 A good rich soil is essential, which must be 

 well drained, for if stagnant they will perish 

 during- the winter. I prefer planting- young 

 vigorous plants out of 5 or 6-inch pots early 

 in April, pressing them firmly, and mulching 

 with decayed manure soon after they start 

 growing. I do not like them planted in 

 lines, but in clumps, when they are far more 

 effective. Each plant will require a stout 

 stake as the flower stem advances. It 

 should be placed so that it is hidden by the 

 foliage, and each stem secured to it — not 

 tied too closely, or they will resemble a 

 bundle of faggots, but as naturally as 

 possible. Plants can be obtained from a 

 nurseyman either in named varieties, distinct 

 colors, or mixed seedlings. I prefer those 

 that are kept in distinct colors, for then 

 they may be planted accordingly. 



If seed is sow^n it should be placed in a 

 gentle hotbed in May, and the seedlings 

 pricked off in pans or boxes, afterwards 

 transferring them to 5-inch pots. Many 

 people keep them in the pots till the follow- 

 ing spring, but I plant them out in a bed 

 about I foot apart, covering them in winter 

 with a little J^racken or ashes, and transferr- 

 ing them to their proper stations in the 

 spring. On light soil this plan answers 

 well, but where the soil is^heavy I should 

 keep them in the ^^oX-s.— Garden Work 



Gkotp ok Hoi. i.\ hocks. 



