144 
OPERATIONS FOR JULY 
fortnight, or less often, as the case may be, than regularly pouring a certain quantity once or twice 
a day in the usual manner, on the surface of the ground. This plan carried out, alike in the case 
of newly-removed shrubs or trees, large masses of Rhododendrum, &c, requiring water, or the 
ordinary beds of the flower garden, will be highly beneficial. There may be instances in which it 
will be impossible to proceed in the way directed, and occurring to plants in the open ground, such 
as those that require as much attention in regard to watering, as pot plants ; but these cases, of 
course, constitute exceptions. By removing the surface soil, we do not intend it to be understood 
that it is to be lifted away to be again returned, which would be a tedious and almost impractic- 
able operation, but in the case of a flower-bed we would take a trowel and adjust to one side afoot 
in extent of the surface here, make a long channel there, and so on, and where practicable, employ 
a hoe, or spade, according to the nature of the plants, shrubs, or trees, so watered. In connection 
with this subject, we may add, that interposing some material to check evaporation, shading, mulch- 
ing, &c, as directed in former calendars, may be practiced with advantage. 
The actual work of the flower-garden and shrubberies, further than that referred to previously, 
is simply a repetition of daily and weekly operations ; such as pegging down the shoots of plants, 
stopping those that require it, to check their luxuriance, or induce them to branch, tying and 
training every description of plant, in whatever situation, requiring support, removing any luxu- 
riant shoot that may show an inclination to monopolise the energy of its parent plant, to the disad- 
vantage of the other ramification of its branches, thinning out others, &c. Rigidly cut away all 
decayed flowers, and their seed-vessels, if seed is not wished to be saved. In training climbers, 
begin to leave the lateral growths unsecured, not being afraid they will look ragged and untidy. 
Great and beautiful effect is produced by timely attention to this point. The last direction will of 
course require some qualification in the case of a plant placed to cover a wall or open space of any 
kind. Attend to the removal of dead and decaying Rose-flowers, cut back their gross shoots, and 
rout up suckers, not wanted. Propagate by budding, layering, and by cuttings, according to the 
kinds and circumstances. The flowers of Carnations must still be thinned ; any kind of insect 
attacking them exterminated ; their grass layered ; and, as well as that of Pinks, piped. Repot 
any intended for forcing, and place in pots such as are sufficiently rooted, and are for that pur- 
pose. Other descriptions of plants which are purposed to produce flowers in winter, should now 
be encouraged to mature their wood, and those growing may be stimulated to complete their 
growth. Continue to lift all bulbs as their foliage indicates their fitness for being taken up, 
exposing them in some cool airy situation, that they may be ripened in a natural way. 
To pot-plants great attention to a proper application of moisture is necessary, particularly 
small ones, and if continued dry weather should prevail, the principle upon which we urge its 
being administered to plants in the open ground, holds good in reference to them. Much may be 
done towards keeping young pot-plants suitably moist, by regarding our former directions to plunge 
them, &c. Those inmates of the stove and greenhouse which are completing their growth must 
have their supply of water diminished, and be removed from within reach of growing stimuli. 
Many such from the stove may be placed in the greenhouse, and some of those from the green- 
house in the open air, so as to secure the proper maturation of their wood. Those still growing 
will not bear slighting either as regards shading, or a growing temperature being maintained? 
proper re-potting, stopping their shoots, training, &c. 
Orchids demand various degrees of the application of the principle of treatment recommended 
for other plants, in the foregoing directions. Those beginning to show signs of having completed 
their growth must be gradually withdrawn from exciting influences, and placed in situations 
favourable to their well-being. On the contrary, the very many still vigorously growing will 
require the opposite treatment. 
Sow some seeds of the favourite and choice annuals, as well to flower in autumn, in pots, as in 
the open ground. There is no impediment to the seeds of some of the annuals alluded to being 
scattered in beds of the less permanent flowering plants, while they are still occupied, as they may, 
when up, be treated properly without the welfare of the legal occupants of the beds, or their own, 
being endangered, and they would quickly succeed the last-mentioned in flowering. 
Chrysanthemums and other soft-wooded plants grown in pots must not be forgotten but steadily 
brought forward. Neither must propagation by cuttings, suckers, &c. of those numer ous plants 
so easily and conveniently increased at this season be lost sight of. 
