CHAPTER XXI. 



MANAGEMENT OP HOUSE PLANTS. 



If one does not have even the simple form of 

 veranda conservatory described in Greenhouse Construc- 

 tion, fairly good success can be obtained with a few house 

 plants, with either a southern or western exposure. For 

 most flowering plants the windows opening to the south 

 are preferable, even to those with a western outlook, as, 

 during the short days of winter, the plants in the latter 

 will have but little sun, and then it will be too low down 

 near the horizon. For a few plants, the windows look- 

 ing to the east may be used, and for ferns and similar 

 shade-loving sorts they are desirable. While the north 

 windows may be used for some of that class of plants, it 

 is not a desirable exposure. 



In case a bay-window upon the south side of the 

 living room can be obtained for flowers (Fig. 91), very 

 good results can be secured. It should be separated from 

 the room by glass doors, that can be thrown open or 

 closed, at pleasure, but in case they are not to be had, 

 much of the labor of keeping the plants in good con- 

 dition can be saved if curtains are provided, to be used 

 when sweeping. In addition to hooks for hanging bas- 

 kets and bracket stands for pot plants, it will be well to 

 have a shelf, from one to two feet in width, according to 

 dimension of the window, upon which to arrange the 

 smaller plants. This should have side pieces one to two 

 inches high, and a zinc lining. The bottom could then 

 be covered with coarse gravel or fine pebbles, and a much 

 better growth could be secured, as the plants in small 



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