THE AMATEUR’S FLOWER GARDEN. 135 
Hollyhock (Althcea rosea) in the garden border is a simple 
business enough, as may be learnt by observation. But to do 
it well, the soil should be deep and rich and damp, the 
situation open, and the climate gentle. It will grow well, 
however, on poor, dry soils, if aided with a good preparation 
in the first instance, and plentiful supplies of liquid manure 
afterwards. Sewage in a very weak state suits it admirably. 
Partial shade they bear well, but in deep shade they scarcely 
live. When standing on a damp soil, and especially in a cold 
locality, a severe winter is death to the hollyhock; but under 
moderately favourable circumstances, the plant is quite hardy, 
and if allowed to stand for a few years, acquires a buxom 
character, with its huge cluster of spikes, far to be pre¬ 
ferred to the single spikes fro-m young plants which con¬ 
tent the florist. In making a plantation, secure pot plants of 
named varieties, the best of which are cheap enough for the 
humblest amateur. Plant in March or April, at three feet 
apart every way, arranging the plants, if possible, in accord¬ 
ance with their respective heights and colours. In a kindly 
season they will flower well if planted as late as May. They 
should be staked at the time of planting, or soon after, and 
be kept carefully and loosely tied as they advance; for if 
neglected, one small storm may tear the plantation to pieces. 
To propagate the named sorts, take cuttings from the base of 
the plant in August and pot them, and, if possible, promote 
quick rooting by placing them on a gentle bottom-heat. They 
must be repotted into separate pots, at least five inches in 
diameter, in October, and placed in a cold frame or green¬ 
house for the winter. Good seed will produce good plants, 
and therefore a stock may be got up quickly and with the 
most trifling cost by the amateur who can banish the word 
“ trouble” from the garden vocabulary, and substitute 44 amuse¬ 
ment” in place of it. If sown in February in a gentle heat, 
and grown on with careful regard to the fact that the plant 
is hardy and cannot well endure a strong heat, the seedlings 
may be planted out in May, and will bloom well the same 
season. Those who cannot manage them in this way had 
best sow the seed in July, and as soon as the plants are large 
enough to handle, plant them out in a bed of sandy soil in a 
frame, where they may remain until the time arrives for 
planting out. 
