January 



knowledge and abundant facilities justify their practice. But we have 

 especially in view the possibilities for an amateur, and of gardens 

 moderate in extent, where appliances may not be of the most perfect 

 kind. 



When seeds are once sown or bulbs potted, the work is before 

 the cultivator, and appeals mutely for attention. Therefore it is 

 not our purpose to give detailed and continuous instructions month 

 by month for every flower. We shall limit our remarks to hints at 

 the time for sowing or planting, and to some few points which may 

 subsequently appear to demand notice. 



For convenience of reference, the subjects are arranged alpha- 

 betically under each month. 



JANUARY 



IN the open ground there is little or nothing of interest in the way 

 of flowers, but the greenhouses and pits are full of promise. A con- 

 stant watch must be kept on the barometer, and the materials for 

 repelling frost or bleak winds should be at perfect command, so that 

 there may be ample provision for saving plants from biting weather. 



Achimenes are stove bulbs, which cannot be grown without 

 a sufficiency of heat. A warm greenhouse will answer for them, 

 and some gardeners produce fair specimens in frames over hot-beds. 

 The bulbs will lie dormant for a considerable time, so that it is easy 

 to have a succession of flowers. A few should be started now, em- 

 ploying sandy loam for the pots. Follow up with others at intervals. 



Amaryllis may be sown in any month of the year, but the most 

 satisfactory period is immediately after the seed is ripened, and it is 

 advisable to put one seed only in each small pot. The slow and 

 irregular germination of the finest new seed makes the separate 

 system almost a necessity. A rich compost, well-drained pots, and 

 a temperature of about 65 suit these plants. 



Anemone. See remarks under October. 



Antirrhinums raised in heat now will flower later in the year. 

 Pot off singly, and gradually harden for planting out in May. There 

 are dwarf, medium, and tall varieties, of many beautiful colours. 



Begonia, Tuberous-rooted. The grace and beauty of this 

 plant have placed it in the front rank of popular favourites. For the 

 foliage alone it is worth growing, and the flowers are unique both 

 in form and colour. Raising the plant from seed is not only the 



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