24 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



plants and root them, and in many gardens where space is limited a 

 small batch of plants may be raised in wooden boxes three inches or 

 four inches deep, or in pots, placing them in a cool position when pro- 

 pagation takes place in summer, or under a south or south-west wall 

 if propagated in the autumn. 



There are two seasons for planting Pansies autumn and spring. 

 When a very early spring display is required, plant in autumn, say 

 in early October. Choose a warm sheltered spot if possible. Plant 

 them firmly about ten inches apart, well working the soil round the 

 collar of each tuft, and put them a foot apart, not more, and then the 

 intervening space will be quickly covered. Dig deeply the bed or border 

 where the Pansies are to go, incorporating partly-decayed manure, and 

 if the soil can be left rough for rains and frosts to sweeten it, so much 

 the better. Where more than one colour is associated in a bed avoid 

 violent colour contrasts, but secure a pleasing sequence. When planting 

 in spring choose early March, and then the Pansies get established before 

 the hot weather. This does not mean that planting cannot be done in 

 April, or even in May ; but March is the most suitable time. Always 

 dig the soil deeply, and remember that the Pansy is not happy in very 

 heavy ground. 



Plants sent from a distance usually arrive without soil at the roots, 

 and need careful treatment. If they appear shrivelled stand the little 

 packets in flower-pots (leaves, of course, uppermost), and sprinkle them 

 with water, and place in a shady corner for a few hours to recover. 

 Pansies dislike hot sunny places. They delight in coolness and shade ; 

 important points to remember. During the summer, hoe carefully 

 amongst the plants to break up the surface soil, keep down weeds, and 

 always remove spent flowers. When a plant begins to mature seed its 

 blossoming is at an end ; it cannot bear the double burden. When 

 the weather is very hot, water the plants thoroughly and spray them 

 occasionally in the evening. It is wise also to mulch the tufts in June, 

 using for the purpose leaf-mould and loam in equal parts with a free use 

 of coarse sand or road grit. Well work the material round the collar 

 of each plant. Two or three times during the flowering season it will 

 be wise to give the Pansies a short rest by pinching off all the buds and 

 blossoms, and within a week another display will reward the attentive 

 gardener. Cut out old, coarse, and elongated growths from time to 

 time. This will promote younger shoots. 



Pansies may also be raised from seed, which should be sown out of 

 doors in a shady place in August, pricking the seedlings out to a speci- 

 ally prepared bed in October. The plants will flower during the follow- 

 ing spring. The seed may also be sown in gentle heat in the spring, 

 pricking the seedlings off into shallow boxes, and then transfer them to 

 the beds or borders when they attain sufficient size. Remember only to 

 purchase the best seed, i.e. that raised from the most beautiful varieties. 



Pentstemons. It would be difficult to select a gayer or more 

 interesting group of garden flowers than the Pentstemon. There is 

 something refreshing in their appearance towards the end of summer, 



