A SIMPLE FLOWER GARDElSr. 



55 



CHAPTER IX. 



DECEMBER. 



During this month house plants require but little atten- 

 tion beyond keeping things clean and in order. It is now 

 the dead of winter, and all vegetable life is inclined to rest 

 and sleep. Very little growth can be expected from any 

 plants, and if the steevia, bouvardia, salvia, and tuberose 

 give a few flowers, it is all that can be expected during this 

 dark and stormy month. 



The young seedlings in three-inch pots may need re- 

 potting into the next size ; but they will be the only plants 

 that require much attention. To tell when a plant needs 

 re-potting, turn it out of the pot and examine the roots. If 

 the plant is in a small pot, and has not come into full flower, 

 and the roots have twined and matted themselves about the 

 soil, a new and larger pot is needed. 



TO RE-POT A PLANT. 



Prepare the soil and pots, with a bit of crock in the 

 bottom of each, and having turned the plant from its 

 pot, pick out the crocks, and pare or brush away a little of 

 the surface soil that clings about the roots. Having put 



