THE CANADIAN HORTICULTURIST 



59 



simple or limited crossing can produce 

 the value, quality and satisfaction equal 

 to those resulting from unlimited re- 

 movals from the wild species on the 

 lines of scientific selection, guided by 

 learned human intelligence; that the 

 attainment of the highest success in 

 results is easily secured by cultivation 

 of the perception, some learning, an 

 open mind, use of the best material and 

 unlimited work. 



Timely Topics for Amatevir Gardeners 



A. Currant Hedge 



Albert D. Verrault, Village des Aulnais, Que. 



The currant hedge illustrated by the 

 accompanying cut was planted several 

 years ago in a single row, the plants 

 being set 18 inches apart. At the time 

 of the first pruning, which was five years 

 ago, the bushes measured from three to 

 four feet high, but were disgraceful in 

 appearance. The branches straggled 

 in all directions and occupied a large 

 space. It was decided to trim the row 

 as a hedge. About one-third of the 

 growth was removed in May when the 

 leaves were out and the operation was 

 repeated early in July. 



Since then, they have been pruned at 

 the same height and width each year. 

 They are pruned back to the old wood, 

 as white and red currants bear on wood 

 that is at least two years old. When 

 pruned thus, the fruit is formed and 

 becomes visible on the top and sides of 

 the hedge. 



Currant bushes trained in this manner 

 retain their fruits until killed by the 

 frost. The fruits are not picked for 

 consumption, but such may be done 

 should the planter desire. The White 

 Grape and Fay's Prolific planted in two 

 rows, five inches apart, and one foot 

 between the plants in the row, make a 

 fine hedge. 



A Durable "WKite-wasH 



Will you kindly give directions for making a 

 whitewash that will not rub or wash off? — H. R., 

 Georgetown, P.E.I. > 



The following formula is said to 

 furnish a whitewash of this character: 

 Dissolve two pounds of ordinary glue 

 in seven pints of water; when dissolved, 

 add six ounces bichromate of potassium 

 dissolved in pint of hot water. Stir 

 mixture well, then add sufiicient whiting 

 to make of usual consistency, and apply 

 in ordinary manner as quickly as possible. 

 This dries in a very short time, and by 

 the action of light is converted into a 

 perfectly insoluble waterproof substance, 

 which does not wash off even with hot 

 water, and, at the same time, does not 

 give rise to mold growth, as whitewash 

 made up with size often does. It may 

 be colored to any desired shade by the 

 use of a trace of any aniline dye or pow- 

 dered coloring matter and, once applied, 

 will last for years, while by the addition 

 of a small proportion of calcic sulphite, 

 I its antiseptic power is much increased. 



IF you have not ordered your seeds, 

 trees, plants, tools, fertiUzers and 

 spraying supplies, do so now, so as 

 to avoid the spring rush and get better 

 goods for the same money. There are 

 various important reasons why it is to 

 the advantage of the purchaser to order 

 now, rather than later in the season. 

 You have more time to plan a better 

 garden and to make the selections that 

 you desire. You run no danger of sub- 

 stitution on the part of the seedsman 

 and nurseryman. When planting time 

 comes, you will have a better chance to 

 see that the right things are planted in 

 the right way and at the right time. 

 You will get 30ur trees and plants as 

 soon as it is safe to ship them. The 

 best gardens are those that have been 

 planned beforehand. Amateurs with 



are somewhat liable to disease. A 

 clump of lily of the valley should be 

 included in the plan for next spring's 

 garden. Plant them wherever they will 

 not be disturbed and in a position that 

 is shaded. 



Some of the best low-growing flower- 

 ing shrubs should be planted in the 

 mixed border if there is room for them. 

 Among the best of these are IVeigela 

 rosea and W. alba, Kerria Japonica, 

 Deutzia gracilis, D. parviflora, Spirma 

 bumalda, the double flowering Spircea 

 prunifolia, and the herbaceous hibiscus. 

 In a border of large dimensions some of 

 the larger-growing deutzias, forsythias, 

 lilacs and spiraeas may be used. Unless 

 the border is large, however, these are 

 better placed in clumps or as individual 

 specimens on the lawn. A rose bush or 



The Common Currant Makes an Excellent Hedge 



sufficient foresight to order their supplies 

 early, have gardens in which imagina- 

 tion has been used. They have the 

 newest and earliest vegetables and 

 fruits of summer and some that will last 

 all winter. 



In the February number of The 

 Canadian Horticulturist, a Hst was 

 given of standard varieties of herbaceous 

 perennials and a short list of annuals. 

 No mixed border, however, would be 

 complete without a few hardy garden 

 lilies. One of the best of these is the 

 grand old tiger lily, Lilium tigrinum, at 

 one time so common, but now seldom 

 seen in our gardens. Lilium Candidum, 

 L. superbum and L. Canadense are also 

 among the best kinds for flower gardens. 

 The Japanese lilies such as L. rubrum, 

 L. speciosum and others are not so hardy 

 as those before mentioned but are grown 

 with success by many amateurs. They 

 require careful protection in winter and 



two of the Rosa rugosa type should also 

 be included. 



THE WINDOW GARDEN 



Plants in the window garden will 

 require to be watered thoroughly at 

 this season so that all the soil in the pot 

 is moistened. Late in March is the best 

 time to re-pot the hardiest kinds of 

 window plants such as geraniums, 

 cyperus, ferns, and plants required for 

 summer decoration. 



If plants get frozen keep them from 

 the light and somewhat cool. Syringe 

 them well and gradually bring them to 

 the light and heat. Cut away all the 

 black and frozen stems so as to force 

 them to shoot out new growth. 



Cineraria plants are subject to green 

 fly or aphids, especiaHv on the underside 

 of the foliage. These insects are hard 

 to combat on this ])Iant. Tobacco 

 water is a fairly good remedy. Start 

 early in the season, and apply the solu- 



