OBSERVATIONS 



FOR 



FEBRUARY. 



Should the weather be open and mild, the flower 

 garden will begin within this month to wear a more 

 busy aspect. 



It is now the safest season to put down all the 

 bulbs which have not been planted in November, 

 and whose blossoms will succeed those of the former 

 planting, with very little interruption: if this be 

 postponed, the flowers will appear feeble and much 

 less showy. 



I should not, however, urge the sowing of even 

 hardy annuals, (though it is often done at this time,) 

 unless under very favorable circumstances of aspect 

 and weather ; but the trouble is not much, nor is the 

 cost alarming ; and if they happen to succeed, you 

 will be repaid by their earlier blossoms. Sow the 

 seed on patches, with a mixture of ashes, (wood ashes 

 to be preferred,) on a leaf compost ; the ashes are 

 a strong stimulant, and absorbent of atmospheric 

 moisture. 



Some annuals, as Mignonette and Ten Week 

 Stock,* may be brought forward by a mild heat. But 

 as the sowing of annuals will probably be deferred 



* The Double Ten Week Stock, potted in autumn, will now be 

 a striking ornament to the green-house or drawing-room. 



