DICTIONARY OF SEASONABLE GARDEN WORK. 



I. PLEASURE-GARDENING. 



Amaryllises to be given their full rest before they are 

 started again. 



Annuals. — Sweet alyssum, dianthus, antirrhinum, 

 stocks, petunias, and other hardy sorts, may be sown for 

 earliest bloom in the window. In greenhouse also sow 

 these, and cockscombs, amaranthus, cobaeas, mimulus, 

 etc., during this month, for earliest flowers. 



Bedding-Plants. — It is none too early to decide what 

 kinds you will want, and what quantity of each, and 

 where to get the supply. If to be raised, push propa- 

 gation from now on. 



Begonias of the tuberous class, that were kept in pots 

 over winter, may be started up, giving them fresh soil a 

 little later. Those out of soil to be potted. Seed may 

 be sown, to make flowering plants for use, late in sum- 

 mer. 



Bulbs and Roots of border-plants, like canna, dahlia, 

 caladium, gladiolus, etc., are to be examined and kept 

 from harm by mice, etc. ; and those showing signs of 

 decay to be removed. 



Callas must have plenty of water, with good drainage. 



Camellias. — When these are done blooming increase 

 the heat slightly, but the air should not be allowed to 

 become dry. Plants in bloom will be best suited by a 

 night temperature of 45°, with 10° or 15° higher during 

 the day. Plants to bloom later may be kept somewhat 

 cooler. Sponge the leaves on both sides frequently. 



Carnations. — Push propagation from cuttings. Pot 

 off as soon as rooted, and keep in a cool, airy place 

 When strongly established and several inches high, 

 pinch back to one inch. 



Clirysantheiiiums. — Cuttings will be struck this month. 



Cinerarias are to be watered regularly and aired freely. 

 Aim for fine foliage as well as flowers. Do not crowd 

 the plants, and keep in a light place and a moderate 

 temperature. 



Cyclamen Persictnn . — After blooming stand them back 

 a little from the window, to give other plants in bloom 

 a chance. The tubers should not be dried off too soon. 

 Continue to give a little water as long as the foliage re- 

 mains plump and fresh. 



Earth-worms are apt to become troublesome. The 

 best remedy is caustic lime-water, applying it to the soil 

 once a month. 



Frames, in which daisies, pansies, polianthuses, and 

 other spring-flowering plants are kept, should have care- 

 ful attention now. Sashes are apt to leak, and may need 

 fixing. Rain or snow-water should not be allowed to 

 get in at the sides. Bank around with earth to keep out 

 cold. While freezing may do the plants no great harm, 

 it will certainly do them no good, and it must check their 

 blooming. 



Fuchsias at rest are to be started. Slips may be taken 

 and propagated from the young strong growth. Old 

 plants to be cut back and grown in bush-form. They 

 should not be allowed to become pot-bound. 



General Greenhouse Management. — Make provisions for 

 the needed stock of plants. Push propagation rapidly. 

 Procure pots. The necessity of cleaning and washing 

 old pots very thoroughly before new plants are put into 

 them again can not be pointed out too often. Insects 

 increase rapidly with increasing plant-growth. Regular 

 fumigation, by burning tobacco-stems, will keep the 

 aphis under control. An infusion, about the color of 

 tea, may also be freely sprinkled on infected plants, 

 which should afterwards be showered abundantly with 

 water. Faithful hand-picking and frequent showering, 

 as well as washing the leaves of ivy and other smooth- 

 leaved plants, will be a great help in keeping all in a 

 healthy condition. In houses of high heat, spraying 

 daily for red-spider and other insects should not be neg- 

 lected. Hand-picking, washing and brushing are the 

 best remedies for scale and mealy bug. 



General Management of House-Plants. ■ — With the 

 brighter and longer days come increased growth and 

 bloom. Airing must be strictly attended to whenever 

 the weather is suitable. Often the needed ventilation 

 can be given by opening a window of an adjoining room. 

 Keep a vessel full of water on the back partof the stove 

 to supply the needed moisture to the atmosphere. This 

 will not only be favorable to plant-growth, but condu- 

 cive to the health of people in the house as well. Give 

 plants a little more water than they received earlier in 

 the season, but be sure not to overdo it. Once a week 

 turn the plants in the window to keep the growth even 

 on all sides. Nip the points out of the young growth of 

 thrifty-growing plants, if you desire to have them be- 

 come compact and bushy. Most plants are benefited by 

 frequent sprinklings overhead, but these should be given 

 in the morning, and never while the sun shines upon the 

 foliage. 



Gloxinias should have their full season of rest. Start 

 them up only when they show an inclination to begin 

 new growth. 



Heliotrope cuttings are now to be struck for fine sum- 

 mer plants. Repot the old plants as needed. 



Hotbeds are a great help in providing plants for sum- 

 mer. Start them this month. In an emergency we 

 may make a frame with double sides, providing for a 

 dead-air space or sawdust filling all around, and ar- 

 range for bottom heat by placing a small oil-stove under 

 the box holding the soil, and a piece of sheet-iron be- 

 tween this and the stove. 



Hyacinths in glasses must have the water replenished 

 as needed. Tie up when in flower. Bring in plants 



