TUB GARDEN IN i. 



597 



Constructed in the window, and this is an 

 interesting way of growing the smaller moisture- 

 loving Ferns, as well as adding a feature of 

 interest to the apartment, At one time Wardian 

 cases were in great vogue, but it is wise not 

 to attempt to grow things that need elaborate 

 treatment or a warm temperature, otherwise 

 failure will most certainly occur. Some of the 

 smaller kinds can be accommodated, giving, 

 of course, less water in winter than in summer. 

 One hears far less now of these Fern cases, 

 probably because little interest seems to be 

 taken in this class, though why this should be 

 so is not evident ; the great world of Ferns 

 contains many exquisite jewels. 



NARCISSUS, MIiS FLORA WILSON. 



TUB GARDENING. 



N DOW -BOX gardening 

 reminds us that the allied 

 f i ) r m o f t u b g a r d e n i n g 

 deserves consideration. It is 

 often possible to grow some handsome plant in a tub and not in the open garden. 

 Tubs of plants may be placed upon the terrace, by the garden path, or on each side of the 

 hall door, when their handsome leaves and noble flowers are appreciated. Sometimes the 

 foliage is very fragrant, and when brushed against gives off a warm powerful odour, such, 

 as the Lemon Plant and the Cape Pelargonium. These tub plants, when no better accom- 

 modation exists, such as a conservatory or large plant house, may be stored away in cellars 

 and kept safe from frost by coverings of straw or similar material. The following kinds 

 are suitable for this form of irardeninjj; : 



AgapanthllS, an excellent tub plant, is readily pro- 

 tected in winter by covering it over with mats, and 



IRIS GERM A NIC A . 



placing in some outhouse when the plants cannot be 

 housed elsewhere. The clear blue of the flowers is 

 delightfully fresh, and when seen on some old terrace 

 walk, or by the side of an oaken doorway, the flowers 

 supply just that dash of bluish colour required amidst 

 greys and the soft tints from Roses and the hardier summer 

 plants. The great secret of abundant bloom is nut to let 

 the plants get, so to speak, " over-tubbed," as the foliage 

 is produced at the expense of (lower spikes. During the 

 summer it is wise to give a little stimulant in the form 

 of liipiid manure. There are seven) varieties of A. 

 umbellatus, but the type is more adapted for tubs than 

 the forms of it, such as albus. 



Aloysia eitricciora (lemon Plant, or Sweet-scented 

 Verbena). — This will remain healthy for many years in 

 a lull, and its foliage is pleasing in colour, and when 

 rubbed gives of) a delightful perfume as of ripe cut lemons. 

 It is not thoroughly hardy, and when placed in the open, 

 a warm, sheltered position must be selected. 



Myrtles make excellent tub plants, and remain in health 

 for many years with top dressings of soil, and their 

 fragrant foliage is always welcome. They will also 

 succeed in large pots ; and of course the remarks 

 here made as to tub plants apply to those that 

 succeed in pots or large Italian oil jars cut in half. 

 A delightful picture was once formed of the blue Iris in 

 flower in one of these earthenware jars, and even when 

 out of bloom the glaucous foliage is attractive. Myrtles 

 should always be placed out of doors for the summer 

 months, choosing a somewhat shady place The 

 effect of this open-air existence is to well ripen up 



