Stove and Greenhouse Plants and Flowers 185 



during the winter months; that is, the leaves are in a growing and assimi- 

 lating condition, and finish their work about April or May. During this 

 period of activity the plants should be kept on shelves in the greenhouse 

 close to the glass, to secure as much light as possible; and the temperature 

 at night should not fall below 50 F., certainly not below 45 F. Plenty of 

 fresh air should be given on all favourable occasions to avoid a " stuffy " 

 atmosphere. When the leaves have withered, the bulbs should be given 

 a period of rest. This is one of the most important features in the culti- 

 vation of Nerines. It will benefit the plants during this resting period 

 to place them in a dry sunny position, and no water whatever should be 

 given. The flower spikes begin to appear in June, and from then onwards, 

 till October and November, and in some cases even till January, a supply 

 of blossom may be expected during the dullest months of the year. 



"PROPAGATION. Nerines are easily propagated by offsets from the older 

 bulbs, detached after the flowers have faded. Seeds may be ripened in 

 most cases, and if sown in gentle heat in spring will germinate readily 

 in rich gritty soil. In about three years they will make flowering bulbs. 

 The ease with which Nerines may be raised from seeds has naturally 

 attracted the hybridist, and some very fine forms have been evolved." 



Nerium Oleander. This handsome evergreen shrub is sold occasionally 

 in a small state. It has narrow leaves and single- and double-flowered 

 forms white, pink, or red in colour. Raised from cuttings in sandy loam, 

 and gentle heat. 



Ophiopog'on Jaburan variegata. A pretty Japanese plant with narrow 

 strap-like leaves longitudinally banded with creamy-white or yellow bands. 

 At one time it was grown freely for market, and is still grown by several 

 for its ornamental appearance. It is almost hardy, and grows in loamy 

 soil, and may be increased by division. Other kinds are japonica, with 

 a variegated form, and spicata, with broader leaves and lilac flowers. 



Orchids. A score of years ago any suggestion that Orchids might 

 be worthy of consideration as subjects for the skill of the market grower 

 would have been met with scorn. But the speed with which matters 

 horticultural have advanced of late years has brought Orchids into line, 

 and they cannot be overlooked in any work on commercial gardening. 

 In these pages they have to be considered in a manner quite apart from 

 that with which they are viewed by the amateur, or the Orchid grower 

 in a private garden, or even the retail nurseryman. 



Orchid blooms possess such a richness, grace, and exquisite beauty, 

 that their use in the highest floral art is now a general practice. To the 

 bridal or ball bouquet, to the choicest wreaths, harps, or other designs 

 for funeral orders, and to the dinner-table decorations on special occasions 

 Orchid flow r ers impart an air of nobility and rare elegance that no other 

 flowers can supply, hence there is always a demand for them, no matter 

 what the time of the year. Of course it is during the spring the London 

 season that the demand is at its height, and, fortunately, the demand 

 synchronizes with the period of the year when Orchid flowers are the 



