CHAPTER 



CARE OF WINDOW GARDENS. 

 In Winter. 



The beauties of the flower garden are gone, and we are now left to solace 

 ourselves with any green thing we can coax by artificial help to grow and bloom 

 during the long winter months, till spring returns again. Naturally enough we 

 hate to lose the sight of the flowers, and graceful flutter of the green leaves, so 

 we strive to prolong our joy, as far as possible, under many difficulties through 

 unsuitable seasons. 



During the winter seasons the chief requisites of success, are plenty of sun- 

 shine, an atmosphere not too dry or close, a mild uniform temperature, and 

 especial attention to cleanliness, watering and daily care. 



Plants which receive only a few moments of attention a day and then forgot- 

 ten, soon become a disgrace, and the window garden becomes a nuisance. 



In the open ground plants will flourish if left to themselves, but when grown 

 in a pot, they are under artificial restraints and conditions, and must become 

 an object of constant attention. This very necessity of the case renders window 

 gardening of so much greater interest than out door gardening. 



Plants at night should be in the dark, as that is their natural condition so 

 that they may rest, and yet it is equally important that they should be freely ex- 

 posed to the sun as long as light lasts. 



So, especially in the winter months, when there is comparatively so little 

 sunlight, place them as closely to the windows as they can be well managed, if 

 not, they will become unsightly, drawn and weak. The more light that a plant 

 receives the more freely can it absorb carbon and breathe out oxygen; so if you 

 wish your plants to be purifiers of the air, be sure that they have plenty of light, 

 and keep both blinds and curtains from obstructing it. 



The necessity for air in the winter is no less imperative than the demand for 

 light. In order to cultivate Geraniums successfully, a constant supply of fresh 

 air is very needful. Roses, Verbenas, and indeed all plants demand it. 



When plants are first brought into the house they should not be stimulated, but 

 allowed a little time to become accustomed to their new quarters ; and they will 

 often wither a little from the want of fresh air, so let the windows be open all 

 day, if it is sunny, and accustom them by degrees to the change of temperature. 



It is not desirable to allow them to remain out too late in the season, but they 

 should be housed before any danger of frost arises ; a slight chili will frequently 



