Horticultural Operations for April. 191 



FLOWER DEPARTMENT. 



The mild weather has affected the condition of all kinds of plants. Not 

 so heavy fires have been required, and, in consequence, many plants have 

 not started so early as usual. Camellias, in particular, have just begun to 

 make their growth. 



As the spring advances, and the houses become crowded, room should be 

 made in frames to put out much of the half-hardy stock. Roses, Cinerarias, 

 Primroses, Laurustinus, Heaths, Epacris, and many other plants, will do 

 much better out than in the house. This will give room for the Geraniums, 

 Calceolarias, Verbenas, &c., which keep the house gay all the spring. The 

 Japan Lilies will also need room, if fine large plants are desired. 



Many kinds of plants will now require to be headed in; such as Acacias, 

 Polygalas, Azaleas, Pittosporums, &c., &c., in order to have compact, 

 bushy plants ; too often this is neglected, and some straggling branch 

 allowed to remain, to the injury of the whole plant. Continue to sow all 

 kinds of tender annuals that will be wanted for early flowering in the open 

 borders. Pot off and bring forward everything in the way of showy bed- 

 ding plants, as many will be needed. 



Camellias will now be pushing their buds ; keep them well syringed, 

 and well watered ; shade, if the sun is too hot. Inarching may be done to 

 such as are not yet growing vigorously. 



Pelargoniums will need attention ; keep the shoots tied out carefully ; 

 air freely, and water rather more liberally. 



AcHiMENES, Gloxinias, &c., should now be shifted into larger pots. 



Calceolarias will need attention; keep down the green fly; and repot, 

 if necessary. 



Fuchsias will need repotting, if they are growing freely. 



Chrtsanthemums should now be propagated from cuttings. 



Chinese Primroses may now be removed to a frame, where they will 

 do better than in the greenhouse ; propagate the Double White and Purple 

 from cuttings now. 



Petunias in pots will need a shift into the pots in which they are to 

 bloom. 



Gladioluses and Japan Lilies should now have larger pots. 



Salvias, Heliotropes, &,c., should be propagated for bedding out. 



Cactuses should be more freely watered as soon as they show their buds. 



Oleanders may now be shifted into larger pots. 



Hydrangeas should now have a shift into larger pots. It is a good time 

 to propagate them now. 



Cinerarias out of bloom should now be placed out in a cool frame, 

 sheltered from frosts, and carefully watered. Late blooming plants may 

 now be repotted. Seed sown now will make fine plants for early bloominor 

 next winter. 



flower garden and shrubbery. 

 This is the greatest working month in the year in this department ; on 

 the proper arrangements now made will depend much of the beauty of the 



