bo THE ORCHID REVIEW. [Marctt, 1918 
ae 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 
| By J. T. BARKER, The West Hill. Gardens, 
Hessle Yorks. 
ITH the present month we may look for more genial conditions, and 
as the different plants start on their annual growth care must be 
taken that. they receive no check. The season being so short in oul 
country, every inducement should be given to the plants to make their — 
growths without interruption. With the increasing power of the sun the 
temp ratures should now range a few degrees higher in each department, 
both night and day, than those given in the January Calendar. More 
atmospheric moisture should be used, and the conditions prevailing at this 
season should be conducive to free and healthy growth. In regulating and | 
making the copditions necessary to success, due regard must, of course, be 
taken of the requirements of the plants in each department. ! 
VENTILATION during the present month will require considerable atten 
tion.. Fresh air must be admitted on all favourable occasions in every 
department, as this is essential to maintain the atmosphere of the respective | 
houses in a buoyant and healthy condition. All Orchids delight in a pute 
and sweet atmosphere, but it is not always possible to maintain one in all : 
localities, owing ,to conditions which we have no control over. 
WaTERING.—As the plants commence their new growths they wil 
gradually take up more water at the roots, but, still, care is necessary in 1S 
application. If is quite an easy matter to make the compost moist, but at 
this season it is another matter to get it dry again, especially during a dull — 
period, which often occurs at this season. 
SHADING.—The means of shading the different plants from strong sul 
shine should receive immediate attention, as it is also likely that we May — 
have a period. of clear, sunny weather, and much harm might accrue 10— 
plants with delicate foliage should there be no means of protecting them. 
PoTTING.— With the present month the potting season will commenc& 
and every Opportunity should be taken to push on with this most essential : 
work. It is one of the greatest factors in successful Orchid cultivation, 
no plant can+thrive in a sour, decomposed compost. To facilitate this — 
work, it is desirable to prepare the different materials beforehand, S° thet 4 
when the busy season comes no valuable time may be lost. Each Orchid 
should be potted at that season when it least feels the check of disturbance 
CATTLEYAS .AND LA&LIOcATTLEYAS.—All those plants which produced : 
their flowers during the late autumn months, : 
activity by pushing new roots, ma 
labiata, Gaskelliana, Percivaliana, 
have attention. 
- 
and are now showing signs 
y have attention as regards repotting- ee 
and Trianz are species which may alg 
Owing to the restriction imposed on the importation of 
es 
Wt 
