48 
THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
may be shifted as often as the roots fill the pot, during summer ; but they 
should not be disturbed after the middle of September, in order that the 
roots may be well established before winter. 
All this may be done by a lady without any assistance, after the hot¬ 
beds have been made, save that of a man to raise the lights of the frames 
when necessary; and a lady will find the watchful care required by the 
young plants afford her constant occupation. There is always also great 
interest excited in trying to identify the seedlings, and in seeing what 
they will prove to be. 
Should any of my readers wish farther information, a query through the 
medium of this Magazine shall be answered as soon as possible. 
Shrubland Park, 
January ls£, 1841. 
ON THE BEST METHOD OF GROWING THE PHLOX DRUMMONDI. 
BY A LOVER OF GARDENING. 
Madam,— I am delighted to hear you are about commencing a Ladies’ 
Magazine of Gardening. It really is a most happy thought of yours, for 
hitherto there has been no periodical exclusively for lady-gardeners, and 
who are, I think you will find, a very numerous class. I have no doubt 
you will soon have many ladies respond to your call; more particularly 
from your being known as the author of that most beautiful work, 46 The 
Ladies’ Flower-Garden,” which every lady who is a lover of flowers 
should possess. 
If acceptable, I shall occasionally forward you a communication on my 
treatment of plants for beds or borders. 
I shall begin with a great favourite of mine, the Phlox Drummondi , 
of which there are numerous varieties. Those which I prefer are the 
very dark ones. The best plan is to procure seed from a plant which 
you have seen in flower, so that you may know if you are likely to have 
a variety worth growing. 
I generally sow the seed the beginning of February, in a pot about five 
inches in diameter, nearly filled with soil in which cucumbers had been 
grown the preceding year. Each seed I plant half an inch apart, and 
then press lightly into the soil. This is best done with a piece of wood 
cut round, about two inches in diameter and half an inch thick, with 
a small piece of wood about three inches long fixed on one side in the 
centre for a handle. This will be found to be very useful in sowing all 
sorts of seeds in pots. I then cover the seeds with some of the same 
