326 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



is indispensable. To develop its fine proportions there must be 

 the utmost liberality of treatment from the commencement. Either 

 in this month or early in March sow in rich soil, and place the pans 

 in a warm house or pit. Put the seedlings early into small pots, and 

 promote a rapid but sturdy growth, until the weather is warm enough 

 for them in the open ground. 



VALLOTA PURPUREA. This handsome bulbous plant is not quite 

 hardy, but in several of the southern counties it may be grown in 

 the open ground, with only the shelter of dry litter or a mat. In 

 pots the bulb should not be allowed to go dry through the winter ; 

 and when growth commences in spring, water must be given freely. 

 Good loam suits it, and in re-potting disturb the roots as little as 

 possible. 



VERBENA, if not sown last month, should be got in promptly, 

 for it is important not to hurry the growth of this plant by excessive 

 heat. 



WIGANDIA is a half-hardy perennial, grown exclusively for its 

 noble tropical foliage. If started now, it will attain a large size 

 as an annual. Like all similar plants, it is impossible to grow it too 

 well. A lavish employment of manure and water will secure stately 

 specimens. The instructions given for Tobacco apply equally to the 

 Wigandia. 



MARCH 



THE first duty is to ascertain that there are no arrears to make good, 

 or failures to replace. If any sowing has gone wrong, do not waste 

 time by repining over it, but sow again. Growing flowers under 

 artificial conditions is a prolonged struggle with Nature, in which the 

 most experienced and skilful need not be ashamed of an occasional 

 failure. But although it is useless to ' cry over spilt milk,' the cause 

 of the failure should, if possible, be ascertained for future guidance. 

 We say if possible, because the secret cannot always be discovered. 

 There may have been every apparent condition of success, and yet 

 for some inexplicable reason there has been failure. As a rule, how- 

 ever, the hidden source of mischief will be brought to light by the 

 man who is determined to make every disappointment the stepping- 

 stone to future success. 



The lengthening days and the growing power of the sun bring 

 enlarged responsibilities demanding increased vigilance and activity. 



