336 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



former ; for the latter, dip the plants in a solution of tobacco-water 

 and soft soap. 



DAHLIA seedlings must have plenty of water, and be kept free 

 from aphis while in pots. Instead of taking out the leading shoot, 

 as is often done, give it the support of a neat stick. The plants 

 should also be potted on as growth demands ; the important point 

 being to maintain steady progress without a check until they can be 

 planted out. At the same time they must be hardened in readiness 

 for removal to the open ground ; and if the work is carried on with 

 judgment the plants will be dwarf, and possess a robust constitution 

 capable of producing a brilliant display of flowers until frost 

 appears. 



GLADIOLUS. Assuming that the beds have been properly pre- 

 pared, we have now only to consider the question of planting, and 

 no better time can be chosen than the beginning of April. Some 

 eminent growers are at the trouble of taking out the soil with a 

 trowel for each bulb. In the opening, a bed of sand and wood- 

 ashes or powdered charcoal is made, on which the root is placed. 

 Others lay them in deep drills, partly filled with a similar light 

 mixture. Whichever method is adopted, the crown of the corm 

 should be left about four inches beneath the surface. The distance 

 between them may vary from twelve to eighteen inches, and we 

 favour the greater space, because of the facility it affords in attending 

 to the plants subsequently. The same rules apply to the planting of 

 clumps. 



LOBELIA. Early in the month transfer the seedlings to pans 

 or boxes, and the latter are preferable. Not a single flower 

 should be allowed to show until the plants are established in 

 the open ground. Although Lobelias have an elegant appearance 

 in pots, they cannot be satisfactorily grown in them. The object 

 is easily attained by potting plants from a reserve bed after they 

 have developed into good tufts. From a stiff soil they can be 

 lifted and potted with facility; and a light soil will cause no diffi- 

 culty if the bed be soaked a short time in advance. After 

 potting, the plants will give no trouble except to supply them with 

 water. 



MARIGOLDS can now be raised in a cold frame, and towards 

 the end of the month there will be no risk in sowing in the open 

 ground. The plants thrive in a sunny position, even in a scorching 

 season. 



MARVEL OF PERU. If not sown last month there is no time 



