CULTURE OF FAVORITE PI.AXTS. 





S»r^A 



^^JiJRBEN'A 



?ERBENA is a HowcT to which \vc- arc perhaps more indebted for 

 the gaiety of our gardens than to any other; and is a simple, procuni- 

 ■nt plant from Buenos Ayres. For large beds nothing can equal 

 it, as with judicious training a few plants can be made to cover con- 

 siderable surface. The beds appear to the best advantage when cut 

 <iirectly in the lawn or grass, as the surrounding green heightens the 

 effect of the brilliant colors by the strong' contrast. Although the 

 will L;rnw in almost any soil, lo tiiiixe well it should have that most 

 t, which is aliout t\\ o pai'ts loam, the same quantity of leaf-mold 

 •o, and one part good sand. Having sci-urcd plants of such colors as 

 harmonize well, let there be made a ca\ it\ ihc si/c of the pot they are in, 

 the ball be placed within it, and the soil pressed close around, the plants being 

 arranged two feet apart each way. The branches are then to be laid entirely flat to the 

 ground, and pinned down, so that they will root at the joints, for which purpose broom- 

 splints doubled, forked sticks, or, what would be still better, the common wire hairpin, 

 could lie used, tliis treatment to he continued as long as the branches extend themselves. 

 It would be an aihantage to pinch oft" the early buds until the plants are well established, 

 the future bloom being sufficient compensation. Watering freely at first, secures good 

 leafage, which aflfords much protection in case of drouth. .Seedlings, although they can lie 

 started in the open air with ease, give earlier bloom if sown in a box in the house or hotbed. 

 These plants are also most excellent for window boxes and verandas having a sunny 

 exposure. In pot culture, for success, they must be kept in a growing state continually to 

 insure health and thrift. Cuttings rnake better plants than the old ones, and should coni- 

 ])rise about three joints of the young growth. They can be rooted in wet sand, and even 

 in water; in either ease they should be potted as soon as rooting is assured. 



^^ TO I. JET. 



\R{IELY used for bouquets and floral decorations, Violets, as distin- 

 giMshed from the favorite species called Pansy (already spoken of), 

 ni. generally cultivated in four or five varieties, such as the Neapoli- 

 tan or Italian, the English, the Russian, etc., and are highly valued 

 h\ florists for winter decorations. For window culture they are best 

 giown in a box, though with extra attention in the way of water and 

 niliness they will grow well in pots. They all require a rich, sandy loam, 

 and a shad\ situation. In moist climates they are much used in borders or for 

 the edgmgs of walks. The flowers are small and simple, and not at all to be 

 compnied with the Pansy, though they have a very fine odor of their own, 

 which makes them verv acceptable in the absence of that transcendent favorite, 

 irlv summer the plants, which grow in lunichcs, should be set out, about a foot 



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