IN MY LADY'S GARDEN 



winter while dormant ; and an increasing quantity, with 

 light syringings with tepid water, as soon as it shows signs 

 of fresh growth. This is, in fact, the regimen for forcing 

 many shrubs ; for without the hardening effects of the 

 open air and sunshine they do not blossom well, but most 

 of them will respond to the idea that winter is past, and 

 produce their flowers early if kept in a slightly warm atmo- 

 sphere and indulged with warm showers. But a sudden 

 change from winter to spring does not suit them, and the 

 mistaken plan of forcing which consists of placing a plant 

 suddenly in a hothouse with a summer temperature is the 

 cause of many failures. 



A gradual increase of warmth, always accompanied by 

 genial moisture, is necessary for them ; and with but slight 

 fire heat (in frosty weather only) this spiraea, deutzias, and 

 the beautiful Chinese prunus (sinensis) produce their 

 flowers before February is over. All three can be pro- 

 pagated by slips of the new growths in spring, or by 

 cuttings of the half-ripened wood in summer ; the soft 

 shoots now available on a forced plant should be slipped off 

 with a slight heel of the older wood, and placed round the 

 edge of a pot of light sandy soil, mixed with a little charcoal, 

 and well drained. They should be kept close for the first 

 few weeks under a bell-glass in a warm temperature, 

 giving them more air as soon as they begin to grow. 

 They must have lukewarm water, and should not be 

 allowed to droop ; if potted up in good loam as soon as 

 they are rooted, and shifted on as they need more room, 

 they quickly make useful plants, both for the conservatory 

 and the garden. Lilacs, Japanese cherries (cerasus pseudo 

 cerasus), early rhododendrons, and azaleas are also very 

 decorative under glass in the early spring, as well as various 

 spiraeas. 



