May Lilac Time 



ing Rush (Butomus), while for the boggy margin there is 

 unlimited choice among the gorgeous Japanese and other 

 Irises, the Japanese and Himalayan Primroses, the Mocca- 

 sin Flower (Cypripedium spectabile), Musk, Arum Lily, and 

 Marsh Marigold, to mention only a few of the smaller 

 plants that are suitable. 



In the Greenhouse 



This is a busy time in the greenhouse, for it is now 

 that preparations must be made for ensuring a display 

 of blossom in winter and early spring. In the first place, 

 seedlings that were raised early in the year must be 

 " pricked off " or repotted. At this season plants make 

 rapid growth, and if they are allowed to remain in their 

 flower-pots after having filled them with roots they 

 will suffer a check which is bound to have a prejudicial 

 influence. 



Cineraria seeds should now be sown. There are two 

 chief types of Cineraria, the ordinary florist's kind, of which 

 the flowers are large and the plants comparatively low- 

 growing, and the Star-flowered type, of which the plants 

 are taller, branching, and bear smaller flowers in greater 

 quantities. Chinese Primulas will be in full blossom in 

 early spring from seed sown now ; they, too, are readily 

 divided into two distinct types. The Star-flowered 

 varieties are more graceful than the ordinary kind, 

 though their flowers lack the size and substance of the 

 latter. The seeds of both Primula and Cineraria are 

 sown thinly in pots or pans in finely sifted soil; a cold 

 and shaded frame is the best place for them. When 

 water is required it should be given by immersing the 

 seed-pot to the rim in water, not by using a watering 

 can. 



Azaleas are favourite flowers in the amateur's green- 

 house ; many fail to induce them to blossom freely year 

 after year, a failure that is no doubt due to incorrect 



215 



