MARCH. 
59 
set apart for them, this plan is perhaps the best. But where this cannot be 
done, the greatest care should be taken in planting them, that they contrast 
well with the flowers in the other beds. 
1 would now beg to direct attention to a few of the many species and 
varieties of hardy plants that flower during the spring, and that possess such 
properties as adapt them to the parterre—namely, moderate height, fine habit, 
profusion of bloom, and, above all, decided colours. 
The Primrose. —All the double varieties are very pretty; they are of 
many colours, and are very useful for spring decoration, as they are easily 
cultivated. After they have done flowering they should be taken up, the 
roots divided, and planted in a rather moist shady situation. They delight in 
a strong soil, but will grow in almost any kind of earth. They like a shaded 
situation, and must be attended to with water until they get established. 
During the season they must be kept clear of weeds. They may be trans¬ 
planted when coming into flower in spring; but it is best to do it in the 
autumn, if convenient. Great care should be taken in lifting them to remove 
as much earth about the roots as possible, so as not to injure the fibres. 
The Polyanthus.— The varieties are very numerous and pretty, and well 
deserve a place in the flower garden. They are increased by dividing the 
roots for ordinary purposes, and by seed for new varieties. They require 
nearly similar treatment to the Primrose, but, if anything, need rather more 
care and attention in summer, as they suffer much both from slugs and snails 
on the one hand, and in dry weather from red spider on the other. 
The Violet.— The Viola arborea makes a charming bed, and for broad 
edgings is very effective. It is increased to any extent by dividing the roots 
after they have done flowering in May. They should be planted about 
10 inches apart, in a border having an east aspect, where they will only get 
the morning sun. The soil should be a good rich loam. They should be 
attended to in watering until they get well established; also in dry weather. 
They should also be frequently syringed, to keep down the red spider, which 
is a terrible pest to them. All the runners should be pinched off as they 
appear. The plants should also be kept free from weeds, by frequently hoeing 
and stirring the soil between the plants. They bear removal well when 
coming into flower, which is an additional recommendation, as by growing a 
large stock the best plants can always be selected for immediate effect. 
The Alyssum saxatile. —This makes a very gay bed, and is very 
effective in the parterre. It is very easily increased by cuttings or slips put 
in in May on a sandy soil under hand-glasses, and kept shaded in the heat of 
the day. They should be attended to in watering; and when rooted should 
be planted-out into a bed of nice light soil, and have every encouragement, so 
as to get them good plants. 
The Aubrietia purpurea. —This is a charming plant for broad edgings, 
for which purpose it is specially adapted, from its compact neat habit of 
growth. It is freely multiplied by slips or cuttings, put into sandy soil, under 
hand-glasses, in May, and kept watered and shaded from the noonday sun. 
When rooted should be planted in a bed of light soil. 
The Arabis pr^ecox. —This is a very useful plant for spring decoration. 
It is very hardy, and is easily increased by roots or cuttings, put in in May, 
and treated like the foregoing. 
The Saxifraga oppositifolia. —This is a beautiful plant, and very 
showy during the months of April and May. It is very effective on rockwork, 
and is also very suitable for edgings in the parterre; and for this purpose a 
large stock should be grown in pots: they are then easily transferred to the 
parterre when wanted. It is easily increased by dividing the plants in spring 
