Gardening for Amateurs 



1019 



Round the Year in the Garden : What to do 

 late in January 



AMONG THE FLOWERS 



SWEET Pea Trenches. The earlier 

 in the year trenches for Sweet Peas 

 are got ready the better, as the soil 

 is improved by exposure to the weather, 

 and it has ample time in which to settle 

 before sowing or planting takes place. Dig 

 the trench 2 feet wide, and not less in 

 depth ; if exhibition flowers are wanted 

 each grower will doubtless follow his own 

 inclinations. Some dig the soil 4 feet deep. 

 Into the lower part work some decayed 

 manure, and the top soil will benefit by 

 being dressed with wood ashes, soot, etc., 

 especially if inclined to heaviness. Leave 

 the top spit in as rough a condition as pos- 

 sible for the present. 



Lily of the Valley. These are too often 

 left undisturbed until they become quite 

 worn out. If given a good top dressing 

 annually of rotten manure or even rich soil, 

 they will thrive for years without deteriora- 

 tion. If the bed has been neglected lift the 

 plants now, and after dividing the roots, 

 replant on a well- prepared piece of ground, 

 preferably slightly shaded. 



Box Edging. This is quite attractive 

 when kept neat, but if allowed to become 

 overgrown proves an eyesore. If this has 

 happened, dig up the plants, and by pulling 

 them to pieces enough of the strong, young 

 growth with roots attached can usually be 

 obtained to make the edging good for the 

 necessary length. Plant firmly, and keep 

 the lines uniform and true. 



Rose Hedges. A hedge of Roses forms 

 an attractive feature provided it is not 

 neglected. A thorough overhauling is neces- 

 sary at least every few years, so that all dead 

 wood, and w r eak, worn-out growths may be 

 removed. If other work is likely to be press- 

 ing during spring, the Rose hedge may be 

 attended to now. 



Rhododendron. Many people refrain 

 from planting Rhododendrons because of 

 the widespread but mistaken impression that 

 they must be planted in peat. Good loamy 



soil will grow the finest plants, though leaf 

 soil added is an additional benefit. It should 

 be mentioned, however, that where lime is 

 present in the soil it is useless to plant 

 Rhododendrons . 



Removing Snow from Shrubs. In the 

 event of a heavy fall of snow it is necessary 

 to shake this off choice trees and shrubs as 

 soon as possible, otherwise the weight is 

 liable to split the branches, and considerable 

 damage may be done. By means of a long 

 pole the snow is easily dislodged. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE 



Fibrous - rooted Begonia. The fibrous- 

 rooted Begonias are now largely grown for 

 bedding purposes, and very attractive beds 

 they make when in full flower, while some 

 varieties possess an additional attraction in 

 coloured foliage. It is necessary to make 

 an early commencement to secure good plants, 

 and this is an excellent time to sow seeds. 

 Follow the directions given in the preceding 

 calendar for sowing the tuberous Begonias. 



Antirrhinum. These, popularly known 

 as Snapdragons, need to be sown early in 

 warmth to bloom the same year, the present 

 being a suitable time. Sow the seed thinly, 

 or there will be trouble later through " damp- 

 ing off." The intermediate varieties are 

 mostly used for bedding displays, although 

 both the tall and the " Tom Thumb " types 

 have been considerably improved during late 

 years. 



Watering. At this season plants in the 

 greenhouse should be watered with extra 

 care, the most suitable period being between 

 nine o'clock and noon. Always use water of 

 the same temperature as that of the green- 

 house, and avoid spilling it unnecessarily. 

 Plants should not be given water until they 

 are obviously approaching a dry state, and 

 then a soaking is necessary. 



Hollyhock. If a warm greenhouse is 

 available Hollyhocks may be sown now, 

 for planting out at the end of May. Such 

 plants will bloom the same season. The 



