1877 . ] 
VILLA GARDENING FOR APRIL 
cleaning, &c, there is also the important work of propagation. By striking 
cuttings, and by raising seedlings, the Amateur keeps up a supply of the needful 
plants for the decoration of his garden just when they are needed ; and these two 
occupations are among the highest enjoyments of a garden. Stock-plants—that 
is, plants kept througli the winter—of such things as Fuchsias, Petunias, Ver¬ 
benas, Lobelias, Salvia patens, and many other of the best-known bedding-plants, 
if placed in the propagating-frame, soon throw out a number of shoots of which 
cuttings can be made. Then there are plants, such as Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, 
&:c., raised from cuttings at the end of last summer, which require shifting 
to be grown on for summer service. And it is a common fault to crowd a house 
too much with plants. This is a serious mistake, as they get drawn; there is not 
space for each plant to assume its proper proportions, and they get unclean in 
appearance. Cinerarias, and Calceolarias in particular, require a great deal of 
attention just now ; their leaves are very apt to become infested with green-fly, 
which gives them a curled and unhealthy appearance. Air must be given in 
plent}'" as the sun increases in warmth, and the watering-pot will be in constant 
requisition. Fancy and large-flowering Pelargoniums, which are among the most 
valuable of decorative agents in a conservatory, likewise require constant atten¬ 
tion in the way of cleanliness ; and the fancy varieties should be kept in a warmer 
part of the house than their larger-flowered brethren. 
Cold Frames: The planting-out of hardy plants ma}^ now be pushed on as 
the soil becomes workable, and the advantage is that it leaves space in the 
frames for hardening-o£f spring-struck plants. The cold frame is also useful for 
making up seed-beds for Primrose, Polyanthus, and Alpine Auricula-seeds. 
Plants of these when sown in a frame come on more quickly than those sown in 
the open ground, and unless they are strong by autumn they do not flower well 
the following spring. Lilies in pots which have been shifted, newly potted 
Tigridias, Tritonia aurea, cuttings of Hollyhocks, and others should be placed in 
the cold frame, and not allowed to suffer for want of water. 
Flower-Garden: There are a good number of spring plants to furnish bloom 
through April, and tender plants can be kept under cover for some time yet. 
The Daffodils are getting fine, the common yellow is well-nigh over, but some of 
the fine single varieties are only coming into flower, and at no time of the year 
do gaudy hues of yellow and gold appear so acceptable as at the spring-time. 
Polyanthus, Anemones, Arabis, Alijssum saxatile, the large-leaved Saxifrages, 
Fritillarias, Doronicuni austriacwn, Honesty, Pansies, Daisies, &c., form a group 
that will be charming all through the month. We have no class of plants that 
can replace these fine old hardy things in the flower garden. By occasionally 
stirring the surface of the beds, and keeping them clear of decaying flowers and 
leaves and also of weeds, their appearance is much enhanced, and they can be 
maintained pleasant to the sight till the summer bedding-plants carry on the 
floral display. 
Kitchen Garden: Peas and Broad Beans for successive crops should be sown, 
and the main crop of Potatos planted. Advantage should be taken of drying 
weather to get all ground dug and prepared for cropping. Heavy soils have been 
practically unworkable for weeks past, and now they can be dug they will be 
much helped by’^ digging-in at the same time some long stable-manure and some 
mortar-rubbish, if it can be obtained. This will tend to keep the soil open. 
Carrot, Parsnip, Onion, and all garden-seed crops should be sown without delay. 
Early Peas and Beans coming through the ground can have the soil stirred about 
them, and a little earth drawn up about them. Successional sowings of Mustard 
and Cress, and of Radishes should also be made. 
I 2 
