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GARDEN HINTS. 
In the Stove the plants will require daily attention. Maintain a moist-growing temperature, 
increasing it weekly a degree or two as the plants progress in growth, and syringe every clear morning. 
Introduce Bulbs, American plants, and Roses for succession, and start towards the end of the month 
some more Achimencs, Gloxinias, &c. Those who grow JEschynanthuses will find the old grandiflora 
very useful ; suspended from the roof of a stove, or in the window of a sitting-room, it is au exceedingly 
beautiful and interesting plant. The system of growing plants of pendent habit in neat baskets is 
much to be commended, and such things as Achimenes and Gloxinias, either separately or mixed with a 
few plants of Lycopodium denticulatum or stoloniferum to cover the soil, have an exceedingly 
interesting appearance. Clerodendrons must be started if you have heat enough for them, cutting 
them down previously, and shaking them clean out of the old soil ; and that fine old plant, Gloriosa 
superba and the yellow species, should also be started in a brisk bottom heat. Do not be too neat 
with your climbers in pots, a little rude growth will do them good. Schubertia graveolens, if not 
started before, should now be put into bottom heat. 
In the Propagating Pit every inch of space should be occupied with stock for the flower-garden, 
and probably a nice dung-bed with a two-light box will be found a useful adjunct of success. If the 
young wood is in free growth, do not stand about cutting soft things to a joint; secure one leaf-bud 
and part of the intcrnode, and that is all you require. Every joint will make a plant now if properly 
treated. Maintain a brisk growing temperature by renewing the linings when necessary, but guard 
against rank steam by tilting the lights slightly, every night, as a safety valve. 
Plants in Cold Pits and Frames cannot receive too much air, but it will be well not to expose them 
to heavy rains at present, lest after this mild winter a change should come at the eleventh hour. 
Repot any Stocks that require it, using a good rich soil, and attend to the young stock of Mignonette ; 
thin it in time, but not too much at once. Sow some Stocks for planting out, in a spare light, and any 
other annual flowers that are wanted early. 
Among Florists' Flowers pursue nearly the same treatment as last month, and finish the potting of 
Carnations and Picotees, if not already done. Auriculas and Polyanthuses will now he throwing up for 
bloom ; give them plenty of air, but avoid cold draughts, which will cause the flowers to come 
crumpled. Top-dress the pots, if not already done, and water when necessary, giving the plants the 
advantage of a slight shower on warm mornings. The propagation of Dahlias must be attended to 
when a large stock is required, as must also that of Hollyhocks and Phloxes. Tidips where forward 
will require protection in case of a change to severe weather ; and Ranunculuses or Anemones breaking 
through the ground must be attended to. 
In the Flower Garden the mowing of the grass for the first time must not be delayed, as upon 
cutting it closely now much of its beauty during the summer will depend. Do not forget that uniform 
and shallow edging, smooth turf, and walks brimfull of good gravel, are the main characteristics of a 
well-kept English garden. They are the envy of our continental neighbours, and as a good many of 
them are coming to see us in the spring, let us increase their envy in this respect if possible. Sow the 
first batch of hardy annuals, and a good lot of Sweet Peas, Lupines, &c, for cut flowers. Autumn-sown 
annuals may also be planted out, as may herbaceous plants for the borders. Turn walks, clear away 
rubbish, and make all neat and clean. 
Forcing Garden. — If the bed is in a fit state and the plants ready, the cucumbers may be ridged out, 
but take care of overheating and rank steam. A bed must also be prepared for Melons, and some seed 
must be sown. The Trentham Hybrid and Bromham Hall, with the Dampsha, noticed at another page for 
a late crop, are perhaps the most useful. Attend to Sea-kale and Mushrooms. Sow succcssional crops of 
small Salad : and a little Cole's Red Celery, on heat, under a hand-glass, about the middle of the month. 
Keep a stock of fermenting dung, but any you have to spare may be used for another hooped bed for 
Early Potatoes. , 
Kitchen and Fruit Garden. — If the directions of last month have been attended to the pruning of 
fruit trees will have been completed, the trees nailed, and the main crops of early Potatoes planted. 
Lose no time in getting the later kinds planted, but avoid planting those generally called late. The 
main crop of Onions, Parsnips, and Carrots must be sown towards the end of the month, and succes- 
sional crops of Peas and Beans. Sow Radishes, Spinach, Lettuce, Cabbage, a little early and Wal- 
cheren Cauliflower, purple brandling and Cape Brocoli, and in late situations the general crop of 
Brussels Sprouts, Savoy, curled Kale and Brocoli at the end of the month. A good breadth of Parsley 
must also be sown, and herbs of all kinds, either in beat or upon a sheltered border. Attend to 
Cauliflowers under hand glasses, plant out the main crop, and also a piece of Cabbage, for succession. 
Destroy snails and insects of all kinds. When the roughest of the work is completed, repair and clip 
Box edgings, turn walks, and make all neat and clean. — P. 
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