-18 
OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 
^ 
Stove climbers, whether planted out in borders or grown in pots or tubs, should now be well 
pruned ; and the various species of Passion-flower which are intended to produce fruit this coming 
summer, should be cut in freely, especially P. quadrangularis, alafa, edtdis, ph(Bnicea, Buonapartea, 
and laurifolia. When the buds begin to swell up, repot such as are in pots or tubs, and add a 
quantity of new soil to those in the bordei-s, as a top-dressiug. This is also the proper time to 
prune the various species of Lagerstrcemia which have been at rest during the winter. Cut all the 
previous year’s wood, according to its strength, to within a feAv eyes of the old branches ; the 
stronger shoots to two or three eyes, and the weaker ones to within one or two eyes. When this 
operation is finished, the plants will have a naked, stump-like appearance ; but the vigorous growth 
which will follow this treatment -more than compensates for the want of ornament and extra 
trouble which the performance of it entails. The Amaryllidaceous plants must also now have an 
immediate share of attention . As soon as they show signs of growth, repot, and introduce them 
into a cool part of the stove, and supply with a small portion of water, increasing the quantity 
as the plants develop their flowers or leaves. Attend also to Clerodendrons^ Geissomerias^ 
Eranthemums, and Erythrinas ; diminish the balls, repot, and start them in a moderate moist heat. 
Orchids beginning to grow should be placed at the warm end of the house, attend carefully to them 
with watering, a humid atmosphere, and shading. Many of the plants, on blocks or in baskets, 
will require syringing two or three times in a week, especially Gongoras, StanJiopeas, and Den- 
drobiums. All syringing at this time of the year should be done on sunny mornings, and air 
should be admitted about mid-day for an hour or two, to dry the moisture from the buds lest they 
should rot. Flowering specimens of Orchids must neither be kept so warm or moist as those 
which are growing. 
In the conservatory and greenhouse make slight advances of heat on bright days, but in dull, 
cold weather, do it with care ; avoid fire as much as possible — it is never beneficial to greenhouse 
plants, except to prevent the effects of frost. Keep up a free circulation of air whenever the 
weather will permit, and shut up early in the- afternoon, making the air rather humid. The 
climbers, also, in this department, must be trained as they advance in growth ; for if they once 
become entangled, they can scarcely ever be regulated satisfactorily during the whole season after- 
wards. Potting is now a daily business : use fibrous soil, give good drainage, do not water newly- 
potted plants too heavily, or remove them whilst fresh watered, for if much shaken the soil becomes 
sodden and heavy, and the free growth of the plants is retarded. Large specimens of Fuchsias 
may now be placed in their flowering pots. Cape bulbs should be potted — a mixture of leaf-mould, 
loam, and sand, is the best soil — and give good drainage. Ericas will also now many of them 
require shifting ; use good sandy heath-mould, with lumps of charcoal and broken freestone mixed 
through it, and lay abundance of crocks for drainage. This, too, is the best time to sow exotic 
seeds ; sow on a smooth surface, and cover with a little finely-sifted mould, composed of peat, 
loam, and sand, and cover each pot with a little moss to obviate the necessity of often watering. 
Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Acacias, Epacrises, and many other plants, will now be in a blaze ot 
blossom, and will render the conservatory most interesting. 
In the forcing-pit, still continue to replace plants which have come into bloom with others 
which are to succeed them. Look well after insects, or they will soon destroy all your hopes ; 
fumigate where necessary, and syringe often. 
In the cold pits and frames, expose the plants as much as possible to the open air, when not 
frosty. Hardy and half hardy annuals are all the better for being sown in pots and placed in these 
situations until the spring frosts are over, and if then turned into the borders in a mass, they will 
make a fine show before the autumn flowers, as Verbena, &c., come into bloom. 
In the open flower-garden vegetation is progressing. Mowing and dressing lawns should begin 
in good time, that a close surface may be obtained before hot dry weather commences. Prune 
roses ; continue to prepare flower-borders and beds from the cold pit ; and progress as fast as 
possible with everything the weather will permit. 
