CHAPTER XXVIII 



THE GREENHOUSE GAY 



In the depth of winter how refreshing and how delightful to 

 pass into a greenhouse full of blossom ! 



I DOUBT if anyone realises to the full the charm of a 

 garden unless he has a greenhouse too. Those who have 

 no greenhouse profess something like contempt for any 

 and every flower that is not hardy, and I am ashamed to 

 confess that a few years ago I was similarly inclined. 

 But now well, I have a greenhouse, and that makes all 

 the difference. It is altogether delightful in the dull 

 months of the year to be the possessor of a little glass- 

 house full of Winter flowering Carnations or Begonias, 

 Cyclamen or Primulas, or a few Orchids, to say nothing 

 of favourite bulbs in great variety. All these and others 

 may be grown with much success in a greenhouse in which 

 the minimum night temperature does not fall below 45, 

 although, if in unusually cold weather the thermometer 

 falls to 40, no harm is done. I do not go so far as to 

 say all the flowers I have mentioned will be quite as 

 happy in each other's company as if each had a greenhouse 

 to itself, where conditions really suited to individual 

 needs could be afforded, but they will grow very well 



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