JUNE 343 



Keep Verbenas, Petunias, and the taller varieties of Phlox 

 Drummondii pegged down ; this furnishes the beds, and helps to 

 check evaporation. Rain and watering alike tend to harden the 

 ground ; and as this condition does not favour growth, the surface 

 should be stirred frequently. A dressing of cocoa-nut fibre gives 

 a nice finish to beds, with the additional advantages of retaining 

 moisture and discouraging the growth of weeds. 



AQUILEGIA seed will germinate now in the open ground, and the 

 plants need no protection during winter. 



BALSAM. As a rule it is unwise to put Balsams into beds or 

 borders before the first week of this month. The plant revels in 

 warmth and light, and should therefore have an open sunny position. 

 Its succulent nature will indicate the necessity of giving abundant 

 supplies of water. For so fleshy and apparently fragile a plant, it is 

 astonishing how well it stands in a strong wind ; and if the growth 

 in pots has been kept dwarf and stout, there will be no need for sup- 

 ports of any kind. When Balsams are wanted in pots, they are often 

 grown in the open ground, and lifted for potting. This plan has 

 the advantage of rendering a choice of colours possible when mixed 

 seed has been sown. The colours are, however, saved separately, 

 and the Camellia-flowered strain comes so true from seed that the 

 pattern of a bed can be accurately arranged. 



BEGONIA, TUBEROUS-ROOTED. A bed filled with this flower will 

 prove a pleasant surprise to those who have never seen one. The 

 plant should also be freely grown in the reserve border to produce 

 flowers for cutting. Employ specimens that are large enough to 

 make a show at once, and select plants of the short -jointed class for 

 out-door work. They must have unusually rich soil. 



CALCEOLARIA. For wealth of bloom, combined with richness 

 and intensity of colouring, the Herbaceous Calceolaria has no rival 

 among biennials. A greenhouse filled with fine specimens in their 

 full splendour is a sight which will not soon be forgotten. One great 

 source of interest lies in the annual changes in shades of colour, and 

 the variations in the markings of individual flowers. From a good 

 strain of seed, high expectation will not be disappointed. Indeed, 

 the excellence of seedlings is so fully recognised, that there is not 

 the smallest disposition to propagate the plant by the tedious method 

 of cuttings. There is no difficulty whatever in raising the seed, or in 

 growing the plant. And it is as easy to grow a good specimen as a 

 poor one. But Calceolarias will not be trifled with. They must 

 have an even temperature and unremitting attention to maintain a 



