152 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



liquid manure will be of service, while bud dropping, frequently a 

 source of trouble, is often caused by an insufficient circulation of air. 

 Apart from its culture in pots or tubs, the Camellia does well planted 

 out in the greenhouse or conservatory, provided a well-drained border is 

 prepared for the roots. For covering a back wall it is one of the most 

 beautiful plants we have, as winter and summer alike it is clothed with 

 foliage. There is a long list of varieties, the old double white (alba 

 plena) being still a general favourite. 



Campanula. Most of the Campanulas, or Canterbury Bells, are 

 hardy, but the creeping kinds G. isophylla, with blue flowers, and C. 

 isophylla alba, with white, as well as the newer C. Mayi, with hoary 

 leaves and pretty porcelain blue bells, form delightful plants when grown 

 in suspended pots or baskets, and with attention they will flower 

 throughout the greater part of the summer. They are increased by 

 dividing the plants in the spring just before growth recommences. The 

 peach-leaved Bellflower (C. persicifolia), and its varieties, grandiflora, 

 in particular, are well adapted for pot culture. The Chimney Bellflower 

 (C. pyramidalis) is also useful, and it is surprising that amateurs do 

 not grow plants of such pronounced beauty more freely. It is simply 

 necessary to sow seeds in pans in a cold frame in March, and when the 

 seedlings are of sufficient size prick them out into the border, choosing 

 a rich bit of ground, and there they may remain until the following 

 spring. Then they must be lifted, potted, and placed in the open air 

 until the flower-spikes are seen. It is wise then to transfer them to 

 the greenhouse. The species is quite tall, six feet to seven feet, but 

 by selection a dwarf strain has been got, and the blue and white 

 colouring of the flowers is very pretty. In potting the plants, pot 

 firmly, and use for soil a mixture of half sandy loam, and a quarter-part 

 each of road grit and leaf-mould. It is most important to give water 

 judiciously. An over-supply for any length of time will result in 

 absolute failure, and a little soot water occasionally will assist growth. 

 When the spikes are running up weak liquid manure should be given, 

 but prepared chiefly from cow droppings, not stable drainings. 



Canna. Of late years the production of a race of Cannas of 

 dwarfer growth, and with larger flowers than those formerly used for 

 bedding out during the summer, has led to their frequent use for the 

 greenhouse during the summer and early autumn months. Many of 

 the flowers are of gorgeous colours, and though the individual blooms do 

 not last long, a succession is maintained for a considerable time. The 

 plants need liberal treatment, a suitable compost being two-parts loam 

 to one-part each of leaf -mould and manure. As the pots get full of 

 roots, liquid manure given occasionally is of value. In winter the 

 Cannas go to rest, when the soil must only be kept slightly moist, but 

 quite free from frost. On the return of spring, shake the roots almost 

 free from the old soil, and when an increase of stock is required, divide 

 the underground stems, leaving, however, a bud, or eye, to each. Then 

 repot, but take care not to over-water until growth recommences. 



Garex. Pretty grassy plants of which there are two or three forms 

 with variegated leaves that are valuable for grouping, and will succeed 



