Flowers all the Year Round 



re-pot and start the bulbs into growth. The chief enemies of 

 Cyclamen are aphis and thrips. Tobacco-smoke will settle the 

 former ; for the latter, dip the plants in a solution of tobacco- water 

 and soft soap. 



Dahlia seedlings must have plenty of water, and be kept free 

 from aphis while in pots. Instead of taking out the leading shoot, 

 as is often done, give it the support of a neat stick. The plants 

 should also be potted on as growth demands, the important point 

 being to maintain steady progress without a check until they can be 

 planted out. At the same time they must be hardened in readiness 

 for removal to the open ground ; and if the work is carried on with 

 judgment, the plants will be dwarf, and possess a robust constitution 

 capable of producing a brilliant display of flowers until frost appears. 



Gladiolus. Assuming that the beds have been properly pre- 

 pared, we have now only to consider the question of planting, and 

 no better time can be chosen than the beginning of April. Some 

 eminent growers are at the trouble of taking out the soil with a 

 trowel for each bulb. In the opening, a bed of sand and wood- 

 ashes or powdered charcoal is made, on which the root is placed. 

 Others lay them in deep drills, partly filled with a similar light 

 mixture. Whichever method is adopted, the crown of the corm 

 should be left about four inches beneath the surface. The distance 

 between them may vary from twelve to eighteen inches, and the 

 greater space is a distinct advantage when attending to the plants 

 subsequently. The same rules apply to the planting of clumps. 



Lobelia. Early in the month transfer the seedlings to pans or 

 boxes, but the latter are preferable. Not a single flower should be 

 allowed to show until the plants are established in the open ground. 

 Although Lobelias have an elegant appearance in pots, they cannot 

 be satisfactorily grown in them. The object is easily attained by 

 potting plants from a reserve bed after they have developed into 

 good tufts. From a stiff soil they can be lifted and potted with 

 facility ; and a light soil will cause no difficulty if the bed be soaked 

 a short time in advance. After potting, the plants will give no 

 trouble, except to supply them with water. 



Marigolds can be raised in a cold frame, and towards the end 

 of the month there will be no risk in sowing in the open ground. 

 The plants thrive in a sunny position, even in a scorching season. 



Marvel of Peru. If not sown last month, there is no time 

 to lose; and with a little care seed can now be germinated with- 

 out artificial heat. When the plants come to be transferred to 



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