FLOWER-GARDENING. 115 



MANAGEMENT OF GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS IN COLD 

 WEATHER. 



" Descending snow, the yellow leaf and sear, 

 Are indications of old Time's career; 

 The careful florist tends his sheltered plants, 

 Studies their nature, and supplies their wants. 1 



Green-bouse plants will need constant care and attention. 

 When water is necessary, let it be given in mild weather (99). 

 In case of accidents happening from frost, I would remark, that 

 the sudden transition from cold to heat is often more destruc- 

 tive to plants than frost itself. If plants get frozen, and can- 

 not be screened from the rays of the sun, they should be 

 watered as the air becomes warm, and before they begin to 

 thaw. If sufficient attention be paid, so as to have the tem- 

 perature of the house rise gradually as the water is sprinkled 

 over the leaves, it may be a means of preserving plants that 

 would otherwise be destroyed. 



See that the green-house, or room, in which plants are kept, 

 is so secure as to prevent the intrusion of cold air, or the 

 escape of warm air in the night season. All kinds of tender 

 plants in pots should be set into frames or pits, and plunged in 

 old tan or light mould; and in the event of severe frosts, 

 coverings of mats, straw, etc., must be laid over them. 



In the early part of October, preparation must be made for 

 the housing of green-house plants. Previous to this being 

 done, let the room or green-house be whitewashed with lime, 

 which will prove pernicious to insects, and prevent their gene- 

 rating among the plants. Begin the first week in this month 

 to place all the shrubby plants, such as Orange and Lemon 

 trees, on the back shelves ; others should be so placed that 

 they can be cultivated to advantage ; and they should all be 

 arranged in regular gradation, so as to have the low-growing or 

 dwarf plants on the front shelves. 



