52 breck's new book of flowers. 



veraber, and spread and dug lightly into the ground in 

 April. This aiFords the best protection to Roses and 

 herbaceous Pseonies. 



Tree Pseonies, which though very hardy, may have an 

 additional protection of straw neatly tied over their 

 tops, the flower buds are sometimes injured without it. 

 Young Altheas, some of the Spiraeas, and all tender shrubs 

 may be treated in the same way. The Chinese Wistaria 

 will receive much benefit by laying down, and covering 

 with earth, the same as recommended for pillar Roses, as 

 not unfrequently the flower buds are destroyed by the 

 severity of the winter, and it is a great disappointment 

 to loose the bloom of this, the most elegant of all orna- 

 mental climbing plants. 



Having all the plants protected, much relief will be 

 afibrded to the amateur, as he thinks of his pet flowers, 

 securely covered and safe from the eflects of the extreme 

 chancres which so often occur in our climate. 



SUPPORTS FOR PLANTS, TRAINING, Etc. 



That the plants in a garden may at all times present a 

 neat and orderly appearance, it is important to give them 

 proper support and training as the season advances, other- 

 wise heavy winds and severe storms will create great dis- 

 order and havoc in the pleasure ground. Stakes and rods, 

 for this purpose, should be prepared in the winter or 

 spring, and laid by for use, as they may be required. It 

 will require some judgment and a little taste to prepare 

 and affix these supports to plants of difierent habits. 

 What would be most proper for a Dahlia, would not be 

 appropriate for a Petunia. A strong stake, the size of a 



