THE WINTER 



shaped like those of the annual Phlox, but are 

 borne in loose spikes at the tip of the new 

 branches. To keep it blooming, cut back the 

 old growth now and then and feed the plant 

 well to encourage constant development. As 

 long as it grows it will bloom. It is to be won- 

 dered at that a plant of so much beauty is so 

 little cultivated. The impression probably 

 prevails that it is not an easy plant to manage, 

 but such is not the case. 



Ten-week Stock the " Gillyflower " of our 

 grandmothers is another garden flower that 

 can be made good use of in the house in winter. 

 Take up the smallest of your plants just before 

 cold weather comes. Cut away most of the 

 top, leaving about eight inches of the main 

 stalks, with stubs of branches. Pot it in ordin- 

 ary garden loam, water it well, and put it in a 

 shady place until it becomes established in its 

 new quarters and shows signs of growth. 

 Then remove to a light but cool place. For 

 rooms where there is no fire heat, but are frost- 

 proof, it is one of the best plants we can select, 

 as it will bloom constantly and profusely. Its 

 flowers, which are very lasting in quality, are 

 borne in spikes six or eight inches long. They 

 come in red, mauve, lilac, pale yellow, and pure 



182 



