Gardening in California 



FEBRUARY. 



The old adage "as the day lengthens the cold strengthens" 

 is just as true in California as it is in the East, and should be 

 carefully remembered by all who grow, in the* flower-garden, 

 plants which are at all tender. Cinerarias, for instance, may be 

 carried over a few cold nights by being covered with light cot- 

 ton sheeting and will thus give grand results in the early Spring, 

 whereas, if not protected during cold nights, they will be a 

 failure. The old favorite Spring-flowering Doronicum should 

 now receive special attention and will be found useful in beds 

 and borders. Plants which have been transplanted in the Fall 

 or have been left undisturbed from the previous season will give 

 good results in the Spring, while those whose roots are divided 

 at this season, will flower late in the Summer thus giving a longer 

 season of flower. 



Ivies growing on walls should be trimmed in, fairly close 

 to the wall or fence, as they quickly become covered with new 

 leaves at this season. Rough walls have an attractive look if 

 covered with Ivy, Virginia Creeper or Boston Ivy. Ivy is also 

 useful for planting under trees where grass and other plants die 

 out, or for rambling over rocks, tree stumps or rooteries. 



In the flower-borders, the Iris reticulata and Iris major are, 

 during this month, developing their deliciously fragrant flowers 

 and deserve a little extra attention in the way of the ground 

 being kept clear of weeds, of being mulched with well-decom- 

 posed manure, and, should the season be inclined to be dry, of 

 being given a copious supply of water at the roots. The same 

 instructions should be followed in the treatment of Hyacinths, 

 Tulips, Anemones, Ranunculus, Daffodils and other Spring- 

 flowering bulbs. 



Seeds of numerous species of annuals will have to be sown 

 during the next few weeks. The hardy kinds may be sown in 

 the open ground in sunny, sheltered situations, in well-prepared 



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