GARDENING CALENDAR FOR MARCH. 
115 
thin of shoots. Train a few plants to one or 
two shoots, the trusses from which will be 
double the size of the other bushy plants. Go 
over the prize plants again, and see that no 
useless spray is left. Propagate freely ; the 
cuttings rooted now may be flowered well in 
October, or early the following March. 
Primulas. — The superior formed, striking 
coloured, and semi-double sorts should be put in 
a place away from the others, so as, if pos- 
sible (keep them a little dry), to save seed from 
them. Pick off all the seed pods of those not 
required, which improves their flowering amaz- 
ingly. Pick off decayed leaves, stirring the 
soil, and giving additional water cautiously. 
Protects, Banksias, Dryandras, fyc. must 
not be shaded by other plants ; they must be 
carefully potted, well drained, and some char- 
coal lumps mixed through the sandy loam and 
peat ; water statedly and well, but not often. 
Rhododendrons. — Waterings of liquid ma- 
nure are beneficial, just before they come into 
bloom; keep them moist when growing, and in 
a dryish cool atmosphere when in bloom ; put 
them in a cool place to rest awhile when past 
flower. Those kept in pots must be shifted, 
and grown steadily : a number may be again 
planted out, when the danger of frost is past. 
Roses. — The principal number of the plants 
must be brought on slowly and naturally ; a 
few may be gently stimulated by liquid ma- 
nure and warmth. Those that were forced 
early must be put in a shady yet light situa- 
tion. Fumigate when symptoms of aphides 
appear. A moist air is always requisite to 
promote growth healthily. 
Salvias. — Now is an excellent time to pro- 
pagate these,- increasing only the showy sorts ; 
they must have a little heat and a mixture of 
sand and leaf mould. The specimen plants 
must be kept cool and topped. S. splendens 
is perhaps the best for pot culture, and must 
be grown in heat, in a richly manured soil. 
Stajtelias. — Put these in the warmest part of 
the house, and near the glass : they strike root 
readily when just laid on the surface. When 
shifted at the end of the month, shake away, 
or rather remove a great part of the old soil ; 
drain thoroughly, and use a soil of lime rub- 
bish, light loam, and silver sand, in equal parts; 
use rather small pots, and give very little 
water at any time. 
Tropfeolums. — Look to these almost every 
day, and direct, and tie out the young shoots, 
so as to have an equal amount of flower all 
over ; they must not be crowded amongst 
other plants ; grow them steadily. 
THE CONSERVATORY. 
Temperature from 55 to 65 degrees by day, 
and about 45 degrees at night. Shade during 
strong sunshine ; use very little fire. 
Ventilation. — Still beware of causing cold 
currents, but both front and top sashes must 
be opened; canvass placed before the front 
openings, will soften the air as it enters. 
Watering. — The quantity applied must be 
increased, and it should still be given early in 
the morning. Towards the end of the month, 
it may be necessary to look over again, early 
in the afternoon. Give those planted out a 
thorough soaking, unless it was done late last 
month. 
Arrangement. — The New Holland plants 
will soon be in full bloom if not so already. 
Group them, even if the plants are few and the 
house small. Form a grove of acacia, or oranges, 
and let them remain so for a week; place them 
about a seat, thus forming an arbour. The 
camellias may also be so arranged; they have 
(though rich) a sombre appearance when to- 
gether. Put hyacinths, primulas, and such 
like in masses, or as edgings. Fine specimens 
of rhododendron, azalea, acacia, amaryllis, &c. 
should be made conspicuous. Cinerarias, cal- 
ceolarias, geraniums, &c. are also beautiful, 
when grouped by themselves. These are mere 
hints, which, in practice, will suggest others. 
Such a mode of arrangement is calculated to 
call up more pleasing emotions, than the stage- 
ing and stiff-like appearances of the usual style. 
Frequently change the position of the plants, in 
pots or tubs, so as to give freshness to the scene. 
General Directions. — The strictest tidiness 
and cleanliness must be maintained, the neces- 
sary operations in securing which, together 
with all other work, such as staking, tying, 
sponging over the leaves, attending to the 
climbers, returning plants to their respective 
departments, syringing for aphides, &c, should 
be effected as early in the day as possible, so that 
the house may throughout the greater part of 
the day be available for the use of the family, to 
the female portion of which it offers a delightful 
promenade, especially at this season. 
THE PLANT STOVE. 
Temperature, from 70 to 80 degrees by 
day, and 60 to 70 degrees at night. 
Ventilation. — Admit air every da}', regu- 
lating the quantity according to the tempera- 
ture externally : pay strict attention to shut- 
ing up early, to lessen the demand for firing. 
Watering is at all seasons an important 
operation. As the demand is increased with 
the advancing season, so increase the supply, 
proportioning it to the state and habits of 
the various plants. Give preference always 
to rain water ; river water next ; and make 
it of the same warmth as the atmosphere of 
the house. Syringe in a shower -form every 
morning, and make the fires dry it up before 
night if the sun does not appear to do so. 
Keep the floors damp always. 
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