DICTIONARY OF SEASONABLE GARDEN WORK. 



I. PLEASURE-GARDENING. 



Achitnenes. — Aim for a succession of bloom, by start- 

 ing plants at intervals. 



Amaryllis in bloom likes plenty of sunlight, and oc- 

 casional doses of liquid manure. 



Annuals oi the hardy class, like mignonette, larkspur, 

 sweet-pea, candytuft, etc., may be sown in the border 

 as soon as the ground is in shape for work. 



Azaleas now in the height of bloom and thrifty growth 

 should be thoroughly watered whenever the soil gets 

 dry. Excessive heat is not now required. As sunlight 

 gets stronger, and danger of burning the foliage increases, 

 towards last of the months, light shading overhead will 

 be beneficial. 



Begonias. — The ornamental-leaved kind urge into 

 strong growth by free applications of manure-water. 



Bulbs. — The best use that can be made of forced 

 hyacinths, tulips, etc., after blooming is to allow the foli- 

 age to ripen and dry off naturally, then keep the pots 

 dry until fall and plant the bulbs out in open ground. 

 This will give good material for cut-flowers in spring 

 following. Bulbs planted in the border last fall should 

 have the covering removed gradually from now on. 



Callas. — If large plants are wanted, give plenty of pot 

 room, and keep all side shoots removed. Give plants 

 in bloom a top-dressing of fine rich manure and plenty 

 of water, or liberal doses of liquid fertilizer. 



Camellias, when done blooming, need a somewhat 

 higher temperature, moist atmosphere and shade from 

 direct sunlight. Shifting plants into somewhat larger 

 pots is timely. 



Catiary-Bird Flozoei- may be started now singly in pots 

 for planting out later on in light soil and a sheltered 

 position. 



Carnal ions. — The needs of the young stock intended 

 for next winter's bloom are a good supply of light and 

 air, and a moderate temperature. 



Castor-Oil Plant. — Start as directed for canary-bird 

 flower. It can often be used to advantage for the center 

 of summer beds. 



Cineraria. — Plants that were started from seed in early 

 summer, and now in bloom, love a cool room, plenty of 

 light without direct sunshine, and plenty of water at the 

 Toot. Keep off the greenfly. 



Calceolarias, although blooming somewhat later, re- 

 quire about the same treatment as cineraria. 



Dahlias. — Choice varieties may be started up now and 

 increased by division later on. 



General Greenhouse Management. — In watering avoid 

 extremes, and give each plant and each part of the house 

 just the amount needed. Keep watch of every plant, so 



that none is neglected. It often happens that one plant 

 is suffering from dryness right by the side of others 

 amply or overabundantly supplied with moisture. Be 

 sure to give air freely when the weather permits. 



Geraniums not wanted for present bloom, may be cut 

 back and worked for propagation. A good stock of bed- 

 ding plants is thus easily provided, and the old plants 

 will do all the better for summer bloom. 



Gloxinias need heat, moisture and shade. For succes- 

 sion of bloom start some plants each month up to May. 



House-plants should be given an abundance of air in 

 all suitable weather, in order to harden and prepare 

 them for going outdoors. The least neglect now is apt 

 to result in an excessive increase of insects. Strict 

 watch must be kept, and water, tobacco-tea and the 

 fingers promptly and vigorously applied whenever needed 

 for the suppression of the pest. Exposure to too much 

 sun this month is apt to injure many of the young 

 growths, especially of such as primulas and camellias. 

 It is well to provide shade during the noon hours oi 

 clear days. Too much pains can not be taken with the 

 selection and preparation of the soil for pot-plants. 

 Well decayed turf full of root-fibers has no superior; 

 for roses it may be used clear, for most other plants add 

 one-third its bulk of well-rotted manure. See, also, 

 directions given in January number. 



Hydrangeas ssxA other dormant plants in cellars or pits, 

 for which room can be found in the window, may now 

 be brought in. Others may remain at rest until the time 

 when they can go directly outdoors. 



Lantanas and Oleanders. — Treat as advised for hyran- 

 geas. 



Lawn IVork. — Provide a good coat of fine manure for 

 borders and beds, and spade it in deeply. Apply fertil- 

 izers to the grass-plats. As soon as the ground isdry and 

 firm enough, rake the lawn over to remove the rubbish, 

 then roll and reseed where needed. Large weeds, such 

 as dandelions, burdock, etc., are easily pulled while the 

 ground is soft. Make early provision for supplies 

 needed, such as grass and flower-seeds, lawn-mowers, 

 stakes, etc. Repair roads and walks, or make new. 



Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. — Thoroughly examine 

 early. Repair damages done by storms. Cut broken 

 branches off smoothly and cover the wound with paint or 

 wax. Evergreens are frequently injured by the snow 

 lodging in their tops and breaking the branches by its 

 weight. If so you will have no alternative but to cut 

 such branches off. If this leaves large openings, draw 

 other branches together to fill the vacant spot, tying them 

 in proper position, and time will usually repair the 

 damage. When the leaderof a young evergreen is broken, 

 select another branch, tie it to a stake in an erect position, 



