WINDOW AND ROOM GARDENING. 



S93 



winter if not exposed to frost, and may even lie hung up 

 by its roots in a dry, frost-proof cellar until the spring, 

 when new growth signifies that soil and light are required. 

 In many an old stuffy cottage window the Geranium 

 grows luxuriantly, partly because only an oil lamp or 

 candle is burned at night. Henry Jacoby, that rich 

 crimson flower, mav be thus grown, and in fact all 

 Geraniums, and their name is legion, may 1 e placed in 

 this position. In few classes ol indoor flowers is there a 

 greater range of colour, from snow white, through shades 

 of crimson, salmon, pink, rose, and an infinite variety 

 almost of subtle tints. Almost any kind of soil is suit- 

 able, and during the summer months especially give 

 plenty of water. When the plants become leggy, cut 

 back the shoots hard, and this must be carried out in 



spring when new growth begins. Cuttings of moderately 

 ripened shoots may be struck in the window. Cut them 

 just beneath a joint, and remove the two lower leaves 

 to provide a clean stem for insertion in the soil. Roots 

 will be emitted in less than a month, and then the 

 cuttings may be potted off separately. A soil composed 

 of loam, leaf mould, and silver sand is usually given, but, 

 as previously mentioned, Geraniums are nol particular in 

 this respei t. It is almost impossible to remove dust from 

 the foliage. One cannot sponge a tender, solt leaf, bill 

 when the plant is exposed to a soft rain it becomes 

 refreshed. lw leaved Pelargoniums must not be grown 

 in a room — they are only suitable for the window-boxes; 

 but all the other Pelargoniums — French, Regal, Show, 

 and so forth — are not suitable for this treatment. 



WINDOW - BOX 



GARDENING. 



Window-box gardening 

 differs greatly, sometimes 

 taking the form of elaborate 

 orders to some leading florist 

 to maintain the boxes bright 

 with colour during the season, 

 or reflecting the mind of the 

 owner, who rejoices in the 

 use of as many interesting 

 plants as possible for this 

 purpose. 



In Winter ma n y 

 shrubs can be brought into 

 use. In many instances the 

 shrubs are so handsome that 

 they are allowed to remain 

 throughout the summer as 

 well, and sometimes are left 

 undisturbed for several years. 

 It is a matter of selection 

 and position. For example, 

 coniferous shrubs should cer- 

 tainly not be put in a window- 

 box facing due south, except 

 for winter furnishing. They 

 would become too dry in the 

 summer, and either die out- 

 right, or present a very shabby appearance. But where not fully exposed to sun 

 all day, few plants are more useful. One need not have green foliage only. There are 

 many forms of variegation. Nor are we at a loss for several very graceful trailers to 

 droop over the box. If a box of shrubs is not crowded, it is easy to insert a few 

 bulbs, such as Crocuses, Scillas, and Snowdrops, or even the Hyacinth and Tulip. One 

 does not need much colour to enliven a box of various coloured evergreens. As soon as 

 the bulbs are over, Lobelias, Nierembergias, Sedum gracilis, and one or two Ivy-leaved 

 Pelargoniums can be utilised to advantage, and will give a summer change. 



So few give sufficient water to window-boxes in the winter, and yet it is the 



ARALIA S1EBOLDI, VALLOTA, AND OTHER FLOWERS IN A ROOM. 



