264 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
The flowers are about an inch and a half in diameter, well rounded petals ; at the apex of each 
is a spot of deep violet on a ground of pure white. A most lovely flower, bears a minute inspection, 
and will deseiwedly become a rival to the handsome iV. insignia with cultivators. 
PiMELEA Hendersonii. Iu tile spring of this year we noticed a flne specimen of the above in 
the nursery of Messrs. Henderson, Pine-apple Place. At first sight, from the bright rose colour of 
the flower, it had much the appearance of P. decussata, but on closer examination we found the 
bloom larger and deeper in colour, the foliage much longer. The plant was two feet high, and 
about three feet in diameter, densely laden with bloom. 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
The weather having thus far been open and fine, operations in the open air have progressed 
without much interruption. Little remains to be done at this time of the year in the flower- 
garden, excepting the dressing of borders, trimming herbaceous and other plants whose tops have 
become shabby, rough-digging the ground, preparing soils, nursing any tender plants which may 
still remain out, and keeping the whole department in as neat order as the winter will allow. 
To cold pits and frames filled with young stock for next year’s planting in the flower-garden, 
give as much air and light as the weather will permit, and no more moisture at the roots of the 
plants than is requisite to keep them from drooping ; any overplus in this latter article will, at this 
season, endanger the well-being of the whole stock. It is always advisable to cover down safely 
every night with mats, that the plants may be rendered perfectly secure in case of frost. 
In the conservatory and greenhouse many New Holland plants are now in full bloom, and 
render this department somewhat gay. Admit a free supply of pure air every day, and elevate 
the plants in bloom, so that they may receive the full benefit of all the light the season will supply. 
Give no fire-heat, except to keep away frost, as the greater part of greenhouse plants, and especially 
those from the Cape and New Holland, suffer much by its injudicious application. 
In the forcing pits, regularly take in a quantity of Azaleas, Roses, Lilacs, Deutzias, and other 
plants it is desirable to bring early into flower. Keep them well watered, and let the atmosphere 
of the pits be very humid ; and smoke with tobacco on the first appearance of aphis. 
In the Orchid-house, Cattleyas, Lselias, several Dendrobes, and Orchids, with other species, are 
now in bloom, and will make a good display ; these must be kept in an intermediate state, suited to 
the flowering season ; that is, warm and partially dry ; a few kinds are still in a state of vigorous 
growth, these must receive the usual requirements of growing plants, only in a less degree than 
during the hot season of summer ; give them a lively heat, with moisture at the roots, and a some- 
what humid atmosphere. The greater part of Orchids, however, are now at rest ; use every means 
to make this as perfect as possible, that when the growing season commences, they may start 
with vigour, which they cannot do if subjected to excitement now. To attain this end withhold 
water from the roots, keep the atmosphere partially dry, admit a good circulation of air, and 
supply only a moderate fire-heat. If the above be attended to, the floors and stages of the house 
be kept clean, and the plants are not injured by direct draughts of frosty air, or the entrance 
of rain or snow, everything may be expected to terminate satisfactorily. Shade may also now be 
dispensed with altogether. 
In the plant-stove, many winter-flowering species are now exhibiting their beauties, amongst 
which may be mentioned Begonias^ Ixoms, Euphorbias^ some species of Gesnera, and several other 
showy kinds of plants, which at this dreary season are valuable. Stove plants, however, are for 
the most part at rest, and should be kept at a temperature much lower than usual ; also water more 
sparingly. Carefully avoid placing Ixoras, and other plants with similar habits, in situations where 
their roots will become dried with fire-heat ; they always suffer from this, and not unfrequently 
perish. Lager strcemias and Passijioras should receive their winter pruning. If the house be kept 
clean, watering managed judiciously, and given in the early part of the day — a free circulation of 
air kept up, without cold draughts, and the plants kept free from dead leaves, few, if any, will be 
lost, and the whole may be expected, by their vigorous growth during the ensuing season, to repay 
the cultivator for all the attention now bestowed upon them. 
