10 



CALENDAR FOE THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 



Stocks, Asters, and similar plants may be put 

 out in the early part of the month. These may 

 be followed by Pelargoniums, Petunias, Fuch- 

 sias, and Begonias. Annuals may also be sown 

 to procure a succession to those sown early last 

 month. Sow also Perpetual Stocks for autumn 

 flowering. Stake and tie any plants which 

 require it, taking care not to leave the ties too 

 tight. Grass usually grows very fast during 

 this month, but it should be kept well under at 

 any cost. Walks and beds should be edged, and 

 nothing omitted which tends to give them a 

 tidy and neat appearance. Should the weather 

 prove dry it will be necessary to water all 

 newly-planted shrubs and plants. When this 

 has to be done give a generous soaking, not a 

 mere dribbling over the surface. Keep the hoe 

 at work among seedling plants to check weeds, 

 which at this time of the year grow at a great 

 rate. 



JUNE. 



Plant-houses. 



Orchid Houses. — The sun will now have 

 great power, therefore it will be necessary to 

 pay much attention to shading. Neglect of this 

 precaution is productive of more harm than 

 any other omission. If plants that have been 

 kept in shade happen to be exposed to sunshine 

 during the hottest part of the day, they are 

 certain to suffer in consequence. Verb. sap. 

 Calanthes will now be growing rapidly, and 

 should have an ample provision of water, both 

 at the roots and over the foliage. Dendrobiums 

 also will be in active growth, and will therefore 

 need plenty of moisture. A number of the 

 " cool " Oncidiums will require potting or top- 

 dressing during the month, to give them fresh 

 vigour. Brassias will generally be out of flower, 

 and they should likewise be attended to, as 

 regards potting, &c, before new roots are formed. 



As Cypripediums of different varieties are 

 mostly now out of bloom, they should be potted 

 as growth commences. 



A great number of Cattleyas will have finished 

 flowering ; there are, however, some which bloom 

 during the present month. As they go out of 

 flower and start to make roots, the supply of 

 moisture should be increased. It is a mistake 

 to allow the flowers to remain on the plants too 

 long, as they have a tendency to exhaust them. 

 One of the chief points in the successful culti- 

 vation of these plants is the keeping them in a 

 uniform temperature, with plenty of light, but 



shaded from the direct rays of the sun. Air 

 should be freely admitted, but cold draughts 

 must be avoided. Look well after all kinds of 

 insects and other vermin, such as snails, for 

 they are very troublesome. 



Hothouse. — Pay close and unremitting 

 attention to the inmates of this department, for 

 insects of all kinds thrive wonderfully under 

 the genial heat there afforded. Sponge, syringe, 

 or dip any that show signs of these obnoxious 

 creatures. 



Many of the summer -flowering plants will 

 now be in full bloom, as, for example, Dipla- 

 denias, Ixoras, Allamandas, Clerodendrons, &c, 

 and all such should receive every necessary care, 

 and not be allowed to deteriorate for want of 

 moisture. Many fine foliage plants will also 

 be making active growth, and these should be 

 liberally treated. Pot up a batch of Caladiums 

 for late use. Bulbs started in this month will 

 make a fine show till late in the season. Pot on 

 young plants as they require it, taking care to 

 allow none to suffer through becoming pot- 

 bound. 



Such plants as Torenias, Acalyphas, Ardisias, 

 Winter-flowering Begonias, Epiphyllums, Eran- 

 themums, Euphorbia jacquiniwflora, Goldfussia, 

 Justicia, and other winter-flowering kinds should 

 be placed in heated pits, where they may have 

 the benefit of sunshine to ripen their wood. 



Palms of all kinds will now be making active 

 growth, and should have plenty of water, as 

 otherwise their fronds will be imperfect. Attend 

 to the potting of ferns before they become pot- 

 bound, or it will be difficult to get the water 

 through the old ball afterwards. 



Intermediate House. — The first batch of 

 Bouvardias should now be put into their flower- 

 ing-pots, using for the purpose a light rich 

 compost. Do not pinch them subsequently, but 

 allow all shoots to grow up strong. Heliotropes 

 for winter-flowering should now be potted up. 

 These plants should on no account be allowed 

 to get pot-bound, or they will not make satis- 

 factory progress. Tuberoses should be potted, 

 and if, after they have started, they are taken 

 and plunged in a cold frame, they will give a 

 supply of flowers through the autumn and winter 

 months. 



Pot on seedlings of Celosias, Cockscombs, 

 Streptocarpus, &c, as they become large enough 

 to handle, and shade for a time till they have 

 got well established, then expose to the sun. 

 Gloxinias, Achimenes, and Gesneras should be 

 potted as they require it. 



Greenhouse and Conservatory. — Many 



