ALPINE FLOWERS IN POTS 109 



When to Start. The best time to make a start, if 

 plants are purchased in pots, is in early spring, for one 

 then has the pleasure of enjoying any flowers that may 

 open the first season. If the plants are not in pots, 

 or are dug up from the home garden, a start is best 

 made in July or early August ; if potted then the plants 

 become nicely rooted before winter sets in, and before 

 their flowering season is due. During the summer 

 months the pots should be " plunged " to the rim in 

 a bed of ashes made up in a frame in a sunny spot. The 

 plants need watering freely in hot, dry weather, since it 

 is important that the soil be not allowed to become dry, 

 though the fact of the pots being in ashes will, to some 

 extent, lessen the labour of watering. The advantage 

 of the frame becomes apparent in autumn, for during 

 heavy rain the glass light can be placed on ; it should be 

 tilted at the top by means of a block of wood, so that 

 air can enter freely. The plants will need little water 

 after October, but if the soil appears very dry it should 

 be moistened. Cold will do them no harm, so they may 

 be left in the frame throughout winter, air being given 

 in all but the coldest weather, or when keen winds 

 are blowing. In the New Year, as the flowers begin 

 to show, the plants should be taken into the cold green- 

 house, or, in the absence of this, they may be left in the 

 frame, there to blossom. But a little greenhouse is 

 a great advantage, as it is possible there to arrange the 

 plants in a pleasing fashion, and to make their close 

 acquaintance more conveniently. Those who possess a 



