January The Passing of Winter 



Almost any kind may be raised from seed, even such as 

 summer bedding plants, which are commonly grown from 

 cuttings, and perennials, usually increased by division of 

 the clumps. Seeds of hardy plants may be sown in 

 January in a greenhouse in which a minimum temperature 

 of 45 to 50 can be maintained. Early sowing is a great 

 advantage, even in the case of plants that will not bloom 

 until next year, for by this means strong clumps are 

 obtained for permanent planting in autumn ; some 

 perennials will bloom in late summer from seed sown 

 now. 



Among the Hardy Flowers 



Mistletoe. The Mistletoe (Viscum album), which 

 enjoys wide popularity for the decorative value of its 

 berried shoots and their pleasant associations, is a 

 parasitic shrub, thriving upon various host trees, 

 notably the Apple, Oak, Lime and Poplar. Although, 

 when present in quantity, the Mistletoe may do con- 

 siderable harm to the trees upon which it grows, one 

 may have a bunch or two in the orchard or garden 

 without prejudice to the welfare of the trees. It is 

 not difficult to establish by means of ripe seeds if these 

 are now rubbed into the cracks of the bark. It is wise 

 to tie a little moss over the seeds to protect them from 

 birds, otherwise no further attention is needed. Growth 

 is slow for two or three years. Only the white-berried 

 kind is seen in this 'country, but on the Continent red- 

 berried Mistletoe is grown. 



The Winter Iris. Every garden, however small, 

 should find a place for the winter-flowering Algerian 

 Iris (Iris stylosa); its fragrant lavender-blue blossoms 

 open throughout a long season, from late autumn until 

 early spring, and are admirable for cutting, provided 

 they are gathered in the bud stage. It will not accom- 

 modate itself to unsuitable conditions, and those who 

 would succeed with its cultivation must be prepared 

 i 113 



