1G4 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



dry, a little sprinkling over head with the water engine 

 will do good, with less danger of giving a chill than 

 watering the roots. A hayband wound round the 

 stems, and a little hay scattered about the roots will 

 prevent injuriously chilling evaporation. Wherever the 

 roots seem shaken by the wind make the earth firm 

 round them, and look to the stakes. 



Continue to sow plenty of hardy annuals if the re- 

 quirements of the garden will need them, and if the 

 weather should become mild a good many may now be 

 sown out of doors. If the season be late look over the 

 chapters on past months, and finish up work which may 

 have been rendered impracticable then by severe frost 

 or other hindrances. In forking over the flower beds 

 and borders take especial care not to destroy any fine 

 little self-sown plants ; for nature, which has led them 

 on so far, will often produce in them finer plants and 

 better bloom than we can get in those which we rear 

 with greater pains. 



The hot-bed made last month may, when ready, be 

 brought into use, by being filled with tender annuals, such 

 as French and African Marigolds, Asters, Zinnias Nolanas, 

 Canary Creepers, Morandyas, Lophospermums, &c. 



Much planting out, and pricking out into the open 

 borders can scarcely be depended on in our climate 

 with safety yet, so if the indoor accommodation get over 

 crowded, and turning out become necessary, protection 

 must be provided. We need scarcely fear worse weather 

 in April than a simple pit or frame will provide for, if 

 it have a cover of calico, stretched on a wooden frame, to 

 put on at night. Frigi domo has been much used and 

 recommended, but white calico has the advantage of 

 letting through more light. 



The early flowering bulbs will now be getting into- 

 full beauty, and the garden will be gay with all the 

 early flowers, which in planting should never be left out, 

 for when do we feel so greedy after flowers as we do 

 when we have lost sight of them for months ? 



As the weather gets mild take care that indoor 

 plants do not get too much warmth, watch for green flies 



