108 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
Anemones require to be protected by loose 
litter ; tbey require this most specially when 
they are just coming through the surface. 
The covering must be removed every day. 
It is almost too late for planting. 
Annuals. — Hardy annuals may be sown in 
the open ground, where they are to flower, or 
in beds, for transplanting. The half-hardy 
ones require to be aided by a little warmth 
and protection, and planted out when mild 
weather becomes settled. 
Auriculas. — Do not purchase plants for 
exhibiting, after the first week of this month. 
Give them plenty of air, and keep them regu- 
larly watered, as they require it. Frost should 
be excluded, for, though hardy enough in 
their nature, it is apt to injure the rising 
bloom. If more than one " truss " shows, re- 
move all but the strongest, and thin out the 
" pips," or buds, as early as it will admit of 
being done. 
Biennials. — The seeds of biennial plants, 
such as Canterbury Bells, &c, ma}' be sown 
towards the end of the month, to bloom early 
next year. Sow them thinly on poor soil, that 
they may not grow too freely this year : they 
will stand during next winter better for this 
care. Transplant for flowering those sown 
last year. 
Carat/anas, and the species of Cytisus, of 
dwarf prostrate habit, make beautiful dwarf 
drooping standards. The latter may be 
grafted on healthy young laburnum stocks ; 
the former on those of Caragana arborea. 
There are a good many of our prostrate - 
growing shrubs may be rendered very orna- 
mental by this means. 
Carnations and JPicotees require plenty of 
air, and must not be too liberally watered. 
Dahlias. — Those roots which are not re- 
quired to propagate young plants from, may 
be divided and potted, and set in a cold frame. 
Others may be planted out in the ground. 
If the crowns are three or four inches under 
the surface, frost will not hurt them, and 
they will not come up too early. The roots of 
seedlings may be treated in a similar way. As 
it is a somewhat general rule, that the 
strongest growing, among seedlings, are the 
worst, and weaker ones often prove better 
kinds, none of the weak unbloomed roots of 
seedlings should be thrown away, till their 
merit has been ascertained. 
Evergreens may be transplanted now, but 
we prefer the early part of autumn. By 
attention to shading, mulching, and watering, 
evergreen shrubs may be transplanted suc- 
cessfully, at any time of the year, except the 
depth of winter. 
Gfentianella (Gentiana acaulis) may be 
planted for edgings to flower borders; it forms 
an interesting plant for this purpose, when it 
has been allowed to get established for a year 
or two, and is very ornamental with its intense 
blue flowers. It does well in the shade. 
Grafting. — The choice and rare orna- 
mental trees and shrubs that are increased by 
these means, must be attended to this month. 
If not already done, the grafts should be cut, 
before they begin to start. 
Gravel walks. — When these are made of 
good binding gravel, they may be rolled once 
or twice a week, when a little moist, and will 
be kept firm and smooth ; but when the gravel 
is loose, and it is difficult to get it firm, if the 
gravel is turned up, and made quite wet, like 
puddle, and rolled down smooth, and no one 
allowed to go on it for three weeks or so, till 
it gets set, it will remain firm all the season : 
at least it is so with some loose gravels, and 
is worth trying with all. 
Hyacinths and Narcissus. — The beds out- 
doors require to be protected, the same as 
Tulip beds, with hoops and mats. Forced 
bulbs, which have done blooming, should be 
hardened in a cold frame, and planted out 
next month in a warm sunny situation, where 
they may perfect their foliage. They will 
mature tolerably good bulbs for beds next 
year. 
Lawns should be frequently rolled, the 
worm-cast spread about with a slender pole, 
when about half dry, and swept occasionally, 
as they may require. The sooner mowing is 
commenced after the grass begins growing the 
better ; and much labour is saved, in this 
operation, by following it well up. 
Mignonette. — Sow plenty of this in the 
borders when the ground is light, and also 
in pots, for turning out. There is seldom too 
much of this plant in a garden. 
Pansies. — PJant out those kept through the 
winter in pots, and protect the plants, if there 
is necessity, by loose litter laid over them at 
night, and during cold winds. If there are 
any long shoots, cover them with soil to within 
an inch or two of their tops. Cuttings of 
choice varieties may be rooted in a slight 
hot-bed. 
Perennials. — Many perennials require to 
be sown now, to bloom next year. Treat them 
as recommended for biennials. Perennial 
plants may be divided and transplanted during 
the early part of the month, but the sooner 
it is completed the better, if the weather is 
favourable. Transplant for flowering, those 
sown last year. 
Polyanthuses and Double Primroses re- 
quire attention similar to Auriculas, but tbey 
are more hardy. The}' are grown out of doors, 
and are taken up at the time of showing. 
Propagate ornamental trees and shrubs of 
