DICTIONARY OF SEASONABLE GARDEN WORK. 



I. PLEASURE-GARDENING. 



Acacia, mountain-ash and flowering fruit-trees are 

 subject to borer attacks. Examine their stems near the 

 ground from time to time, and dig out borers whenever 

 found. 



Achimcncs delight in warmth and a moist atmosphere. 

 Keep their roots moist. 



Ageratum for winter-flowering must be cut back and 

 held in check. 



Annuals. — Keep the ground well stirred about the 

 plants, or, better, apply a mulch. Give water freely in 

 a dry time. Pluck all faded flowers. 



Anthericiim. — The variegated form is an excellent 

 house-plant, but often demands more root-room than is 

 convenient. In that case, wash all the .oil off the roots, 

 and repot them in fresh soil. 



Aspidistra. — While leaves are growing, frequent ap- 

 plications of manure-water will be beneficial. 



Aster. — Keep the ground well stirred among the 

 plants. Water, mulch and stake as required. 



Balsam. — Some fine specimens may now be taken up 

 from the border and placed in large pots for window- 

 plants after frost. Those left in the open border, treat 

 as advised for asters. 



Bedding-plants. — If a large stock is wanted next 

 season, the first cuttings may be taken from especially 

 valuable plants. 



Begonia. — Shift flowering-plants into larger pOts. 

 Pinch back those wanted for winter-blooming, and thus 

 induce stockiness. 



Brocuallia. — Seed can yet be sown for pot-plants. 



Calla. — Start plants intended for early flowering into 

 vigorous growth by giving rich soil and plenty of water. 



Camellia, must be kept moist at the root, yet not 

 watered excessively. When the plants appear dry , place 

 the pot in a tub or pan of water for a half hour. 



Carnation. — If wanted for bloom during the holi- 

 days, cut plants back now for the last time. 



Chrysanthemum. — Pot-plants now need special at- 

 tention. Allow the large-flowering kinds to grow with- 

 out check. To secure fine flowers for show purposes, 

 remove some of the top soil, and substitute for it some 

 rich, fine old manure. Stake and tie as needed. 



Climbers on lawns, etc., need careful training until all 

 bare spots are covered. In the greenhouse syringe freely 

 to guard against insects, also give manure-water freely, 

 and pick off dead twigs and leaves. 



thmbing Roses. — Remove superfluous shoots, and 

 train those remaining. 



Coleus. — Make cuttings for winter. Old plants to be 

 pinched back as needed to give good shape. 



Cuttings of many subtropical plants, especially ficus, 

 clerodendron, etc , also of rex begonias, may now be 



rooted more success.'ully than at almost any other time. 

 Place the green cuttings in sand, cover them with a bell- 

 glass or ttimbler, and water lightly as needed. Cuttings 

 may also be made of coleus, geraniums, and many other 

 plants desired for window or greenhouse decorations next 

 winter and spring. 



Echeverias like sandy soil, not any too rich. When 

 grown in pots water them moderately. 



Evergreeyis may be transplanted even at this time. 

 Choose a cool, damp day for the operation, and be sure 

 that the roots have no chance to get dry while out of the 

 ground. Sprinkle the heads of the trees every evening 

 for several weeks afterward. 



Everlasting Elozvers. — Gather for winter use. 



Elo-iUer-beds. — Trim and clean up generally. Remove 

 faded flowers, and dead stocks of perennials. Remove 

 early annuals now past their season. Stir the ground 

 frequently. 



Ereesias are just the thing for a window-box later on. 

 Plant now a dozen or more bulbs in quite a large box, 

 and you will be delighted with their beauty and fra- 

 grance. 



Euchsia. — Ge\ in shape old plants of the winter- 

 blooming kinds, now at rest. Take them from the pot, 

 cut back to within a few inches of the ground, wash all 

 the soil from the roots and repot them in new, rich loam, 

 giving water but sparingly at first. 



General Greenhouse Management . — Now that the 

 houses are about as near empty as they ever are, is prob- 

 ably the best and most convenient time for cleaning, 

 repairing, painting, etc. Be particular to clean and 

 scrub all the woodwork. Provide pots, potting-soil, 

 and all other requisites that may soon be needed. 



Geranium. — Plants for winter-bloom should now be 

 cut back severely. 



Gladiolus. — Give supports to the tall flower-stalks. 

 The spikes from especially strong bulbs may be cut 

 early to finish flowering in water. This will encourage 

 the growth of secondary spikes. 



Hanging-baskets and Vases. — Give liquid manure 

 once or twice a week. Loosen up the soil from time to 

 time with a pointed stick. Remove dead leaves. 



House-plants. — Most of these are now plunged in the 

 open ground and do not need a great deal of attention. 

 Look them over from time to time to see that all is well. 

 Lift annuals that may be suitable for house-decoration. 

 Sow seed of such kinds as ten-weeks stock, balsam, 

 mignonette, etc., in pots or boxes. Get a supply of pots, 

 moss and other requisites. Orange and lemon trees, 

 and other plants and shrubs, may be shifted this month. 



Ii'\-gcranium. — Repot young plants for rapid' 

 growth. 



