Flowers all the Year Round 



of colours even from mixed seed and a selection of the most robust 

 plants. 



Begonia, Tuberous-rooted. This has proved to be one of 

 the most elegant and refined bedding subjects we possess, and it 

 appears to become more popular every year. The plant is also 

 freely grown in the reserve border to produce flowers for cutting. 

 Employ specimens that are large enough to make a show at once, 

 and select plants of the short-jointed class for outdoor work. They 

 must have unusually rich soil. 



Calceolaria. For wealth of bloom, combined with richness 

 and intensity of colouring, the Herbaceous Calceolaria has no rival 

 among biennials. A large greenhouse filled with fine specimens in 

 their full splendour is a sight which will not soon be forgotten. One 

 great source of interest lies in the annual changes in shades of colour, 

 and the variations in the markings of individual flowers. From a 

 first-class strain of seed, high expectation will not be disappointed. 

 Indeed, the excellence of seedlings is so fully recognised, that there 

 is not the smallest disposition to propagate the plant by the tedious 

 method of cuttings. There is no difficulty whatever in raising the 

 seed, and it is as easy to grow a good specimen as a poor one. But 

 Calceolarias will not be trifled with. They must have an even tem- 

 perature and unremitting attention to maintain a thriving condition. 

 The careless gardener had better leave them alone, for he is almost 

 certain to wreck them at some stage in their growth ; but there is no 

 flower which gives a more abundant reward for watchful attention. 

 Fill the seed-pans or pots firmly with a compost which is rich and 

 porous ; the last point is of great consequence in helping to secure 

 free drainage. Make the surface perfectly even, and whiten it with 

 silver sand; this answers the double purpose of revealing the seed 

 and afterwards of showing when it is sufficiently dusted over with 

 fine soil. Whether or not this method be adopted, the sowing must 

 be thin and even, and as the seed is exceedingly fine, the task is 

 rather a delicate one. Sheets of glass placed over the pans and 

 turned daily will check rapid evaporation. Place the pans in a moist, 

 shady spot, where the temperature is constant, and germination will 

 take place in from seven to nine days, when the glass must be promptly 

 removed. Then comes a critical stage, and a little neglect may 

 result in the loss of past labour, and necessitate a fresh start. Still 

 keep the pans in some sheltered corner which can be thoroughly 

 shaded from the sun. This question of shade needs much vigilance. 

 So also does the supply of water, which must not be administered 



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