72 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL, 
It is now fully time to hasten the completion of all ground-work still in progress. The 
accumulating weight of unavoidable operations in maintaining and providing for the attractiveness 
of the grounds and houses, will require the full attention of the culturist to superintend and have 
executed at the appropriate time. And, besides, the confusion which is created by leaving these 
unfinished till a late period, they are commonly an eyesore in the scene throughout the season. 
Whatever turf remains to be laid down should be done at once, that it may acquire a verdurous 
face before the heats of summer. Walks should now be turned, and additional gravel supplied 
wherever it may be wanted, in order to impart a fresh appearance, and get rid of the moss and 
weeds that usually abound on the surface. This is a work often passed over as unnecessary, and 
in some degree it may be so where the gravel is of an extremely firm-binding nature ; but in 
other cases it will eventually prove a great saving of labour, owing to the comparatively little 
trouble that will be required to destroy the weeds during summer. It will be necessary to have 
them well and frequently rolled for some time after, with a rather heavy roller ; and this will be 
most effectively performed in showery weather. Similar opportunities should also be seized upon 
for rolling the lawns ; it will add much to their good appearance, and the benefit will be fully 
appreciated when it becomes necessary to use the scythe. In fine weather, any preparations 
needed in the flower-beds, for the reception of plants next month, may be proceeded with. 
Amongst stove and greenhouse plants this month will be a season of great activity, and if the 
needful conditions are furnished, of vigorous development. Now is the time to supply an 
increased bottom heat ; and for those who are yet sceptical, to test the utility of the principle. 
It must, however, be remembered that, a proportionate increase is at the same time necessary 
both in the heat and humidity of the atmosphere ; and the degree of warmth supplied to the 
roots should also be nearly the same as that maintained in the air, for a wide variation on either 
hand would be alike disastrous. A copious quantity of moisture will be required in the atmo- 
sphere to induce a healthy growth, and frequent syringing may now be indulged in. This will 
not only be a great means of keeping down insects, and preserving the leaves free from dust and 
dirt, and capable of performing these functions perfectly, but will also supply them with no in- 
considerable amount of nourishment. The occasional fierceness of the sun, moreover, should be 
softened by interposing a thin screen. But little air is necessary to the stove at this season, 
except occasionally for the purpose of lowering the temperature. By more strictly following 
these directions than is frequently done, there will be a good prospect of obtaining mature wood, 
and a consequent copious inflorescence ; and when in conjunction with other particulars lately 
furnished, we hope to see a more profuse bloom on many of the yet almost sterile species of 
climbers. 
The same observations will apply to the orchidaceous houses, without other modification than 
a somewhat more plentiful moisture. A few specimens of Achimenes, JEschynanthes, Epiphyl- 
lum iruncatum, &c, planted in baskets amongst moderately loose materials, may be suspended 
here. Be careful that no water finds its way through the roof to drip upon the tender young 
growths. 
The greenhouse should be kept closer than those structures usually are, and especially when a 
cold wind prevails. Nothing is more injurious now, whilst the shoots are young and soft, than a 
rush of cold air. Give the plants room to grow without their shoots becoming entangled with one 
another, and keep the pots clear of the weeds, which will now be making their appearance plenti- 
fully in the new soil. Be very particular not to use water at a lower temperature than that of 
the house ; and, if possible, let it be exposed to the sun, to further oxygenation. 
Should the weather prove favourable, a portion of the early part of the month should be em- 
ployed in committing to the ground seeds of hardy shrubs, perennials, and annuals, and in pre- 
paring slight hot-beds for those that require a little warmth. Seeds of greenhouse and stove plants 
should also be sown in pots without delay, and furnished with a gentle bottom heat. 
Chrysanthemum suckers should be potted off, and protected from frosty winds and cold rain, 
in a turf pit with canvas covering. Dahlias should be encouraged. Cuttings of the Hydrangea 
may be planted in peat and small charcoal— many will thus produce blue flowers. Rose- trees 
which have been allowed to grow a few inches may be pruned to below where the buds have 
pushed, to flower late. All climbers not already attended to, should be pruned and regulated. 
Where a showy flower-garden in spring is prized, Mr. Edmonds' method of employing Pansies, 
(described last year) may now be adopted. 
