214 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



moderated and the temperature rose to 32 the room 

 was opened and warmed, the Geranium remaining 

 on its shelf. In a few days, seemingly, the axil of 

 every vanished leaf had bourgeoned into tender 

 green, and in a short time the Geranium was as 

 thrifty as ever, blossoming better the following sum- 

 mer than at any time before. Favourable growing 

 conditions should be given as soon after freezing as 

 possible, that all the vitality may be utilised and not 

 wasted to sustain life in the unfavourable conditions 

 existing in cellars. 



Showering with, and dipping in, cold water slightly 

 above freezing are also good for frosted plants; 33 

 is about right, as a higher temperature will be apt to 

 precipitate the evil it is desired to avoid the rupture 

 of the plant-cells. 



The freezing of the soil in pots, which often hap- 

 pens with bulbs or plants kept quite wet, does no 

 particular harm, and no attention need be paid to it 

 as long as the tops are not frozen. 



Remember that heat rises, and that the upper sash 

 of a window is many degrees warmer than the lower, 

 so that by having an upper shelf you can grow plants 

 requiring a much higher temperature than those on 

 the lower shelf. For the same reason hanging-baskets 

 require much more water than plants on low shelves, 

 and should be showered frequently to counteract the 

 dryer atmosphere. A rubber sprinkler is indispen- 

 sable for this purpose; by its use flowers may be suf- 



