Gardening in California 



Hollyhock seeds should be sown early in the month in order 

 to get good flowering plants the first season. East Lothian 

 Stocks, Lobelia cardinalis, Verbenas, Celosias and also Pent- 

 stemons and Antirrhinums should likewise be sown early in 

 this month. Begonia tubers, lifted in the Fall, should now be 

 placed in boxes, on a thin layer of light soil and half-covered 

 with the same kind of soil. Start them growing under cool treat- 

 ment and keep them in a cool frame until planting-out time. 

 The stock of plants may be increased by dividing tubers which 

 show many buds. The cut surfaces of these divisions should be 

 sprinkled with sulphur-dust and allowed to dry before potting. 

 The tuberous Begonia should be much more generally seen in our 

 gardens than it is, as it is very hardy, 'is easily grown, and remains 

 longer in bloom than most of our Summer-flowering plants, com- 

 mencing to flower early in June and giving a profusion of gor- 

 geously-colored blossoms until late in November. It delights in 

 a light rich soil, an eastern exposure, a sheltered, partially-shaded 

 situation and abundance of water. Anyone giving the tuberous 

 Begonia these simple conditions will be generously rewarded for 

 the little trouble and expense devoted to this beautiful exotic. 



Where flowers of Sweet-peas are desired early, seeds should be 

 sown, in the first week of this month (in well-prepared, rich gar- 

 den soil) about three-quarters of an inch deep, either in rows or 

 in small circles. As soon as the young plants are about four 

 inches high they should be given a trellis or other light support to 

 climb over. 



Sow also in the open ground, as early in the month as the 

 soil is in the proper condition, that is when the soil is moist but 

 not too wet or sticky, Eschscholtzias, Lupins, Poppies, Corn- 

 flower, Nemophylas, and other hardy wildflowers and annuals. 



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