3 io GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



window-boxes, the margins of large vases, and similar purposes, while 

 secured to a few sticks they form neat little bushy specimens for the 

 greenhouse. 



The large-flowered Pelargoniums are now classed under the different 

 heads of Show, Spotted, French, Regal, and Decorative, but no hard- 

 and-fast line can be drawn between these groups. The fancy varieties 

 are known by their slender yet dense growth and profusion of small 

 flowers. Scented foliage kinds form a distinct class, the flowers, as a 

 rule, being insignificant, but the prettily-cut, highly-fragrant leaves 

 render them popular, especially where the old-fashioned nosegay is still 

 in demand. These are handsome in large tubs or pots for the terrace 

 in summer. Variegated-leaved varieties, principally of the Zonal section, 

 are numerous, but they are more used for bedding out during the 

 summer than for the greenhouse. 



The Pelargonium is increased by cuttings, a subject dwelt upon in 

 a previous chapter. With regard to soil, a mixture of two-thirds loam 

 to one-third well-decayed manure or leaf-mould, or a mixture of both, 

 with a sprinkling of rough sand will suit them well. In all stages of 

 growth a good light position and free circulation of air are necessary, 

 as a stagnant atmosphere will soon cause many of the leaves to turn 

 yellow and drop. During winter the roots may be kept as dry as is 

 consistent with safety, and the plants so treated will start into growth 

 in the spring more readily than those that have been kept excited 

 throughout the winter season. Aphides or green-fly are particularly 

 troublesome to some sections of Pelargonium, but they may be easily 

 kept down by using XL- All Vaporiser. 



Zonal Pelargoniums for winter-flowering should be grown throughout 

 the summer in a spot fully exposed to the sun, and pick off the flower- 

 buds until the autumn. The varieties of Pelargonium are almost in- 

 numerable, hence a selection of names is difficult to give, and better 

 results will be obtained by inspecting a good collection during the 

 flowering season, or by obtaining the catalogue of a well-known Pelar- 

 gonium grower. 



Petunia. The Petunias form a pretty class of soft-wooded plants. 

 Both single and double flowers occur amongst them, the single kinds 

 being useful for bedding out, for balconies, and for window-boxes, while 

 they also form a pleasing feature in the greenhouse. The double flowers 

 are too heavy for the outdoor garden, but for growing under glass they 

 are very showy. The single kinds are readily increased from seeds 

 sown in the greenhouse in the spring, but the choicer double kinds are 

 propagated by cuttings. Given the same treatment as a Fuchsia they 

 strike root readily. Ordinary potting compost will suit them well. 



Plumbago capensis. This is a charming plant for training to the 

 roof of a greenhouse, in which position its delightful porcelain blue 

 blossoms are produced throughout the summer months. As a bush, too, 

 it is equally as attractive. There is a white-flowered variety, but it is 

 not so pleasing as the ordinary form. The Plumbago is as easily grown 

 as a Fuchsia, and needs much the same treatment and soil. 



