Gardening in Californi 



Rhododendron Catabiense and its varieties seem to do better 

 than any other species in California, although some of the 

 Himalayan species, where well protected, make good growth 

 and flower freely, in some instances making three feet growth 

 in a single season. 



Rhododendron Californicum makes a splendid specimen and 

 should be seen more often. Rhododendron ponticum and its 

 varieties are doing excellently where the conditions are favorable, 

 as are also the many hybrids now being introduced. 



The Rhododendron must be kept away from cold draughty 

 situations and must have shade in the Summer season with 

 plenty of water at the. roots, but no stagnant water. 



Propagate by seeds sown in Spring. As the seeds are very 

 minute they should be sown in pots or pans which should first 

 be thoroughly well drained and filled with sandy peat; press the 

 soil firm and smooth; soak thoroughly with water and, after 

 sowing, press in the seeds and cover them lightly with silver-sand; 

 place the pans in gentle heat and shade until the young seedlings 

 appear when they should be given more air and light; when 

 they are large enough to be handled, prick them off into pots 

 and replace them in the same temperature until they take fresh 

 root when they should be placed in a cold frame and given room 

 as required. 



Propagation may also be effected by planting cuttings of the 

 young wood, in August or September, in soil composed of half 

 silver-sand and half leaf-mold in a shaded cold frame or under 

 a tree sheltered from cold winds. 



ROBINIA (Locust). 



The Locust is one of the most desirable of the deciduous trees. 

 It has handsome pinnate leaves and bears its flowers in long ra- 

 cemes of white, rose or purple blossoms. Any good garden soil 

 is suitable for its growth. 



