APRIL. 
83 
My brother has also transplanted some large Apricots, with the same 
successful results as to producing abundance of bloom; but his situation is 
so unfortunately subject to spring frosts that he only got a partial crop of 
fruit. But at Latimers, the seat of Lord Chesham, in this neighbourhood, 
they had a magnificent crop from trees so treated, while upon two fine trees 
not transplanted there was nothing but loose and luxuriant wood without fruit. 
I have now, I think, said all that is necessary to say upon this important 
subject, and I commend my paper to those amateurs who are encountering 
those difficulties which it seeks to remedy. They may rest assured that it is 
not the result of an enthusiastic fancy, but that it is founded on the results of 
long experience and most careful observation. 
Amersham , Bucks. Henry Bailey, C.M.R.H.S. 
EFFECTIVE BEDDING PLANTS. 
Bedding plants are now so numerous, and the kinds really suited to the 
wants of the amateur so few, that I am induced to give my selection of such 
kinds that, from my own experience, I can speak well of, together with such 
hints relative to the culture, propagation, and treatment that will, I trust, be 
useful to the cultivator. I shall only speak of such kinds that have been well 
tested, and that will flourish in most situations. 
Lobelia speciosa. —Even the smallest gardens cannot be without this 
beautiful little plant, owing to the ease with which it is cultivated, together 
with the length of time it will remain in bloom—its charming blue flowers are 
to be seen in every garden where bedding plants are grown. When first 
introduced it could be produced true from seed; but of late years it has had 
a great tendency to sport: therefore it is advisable, where practicable, to raise 
the plants from cuttings, which can easily be done in a greenhouse or common 
garden-frame. A well-established plant should be obtained and placed in a 
little heat; a quantity of cuttings will soon be produced, which will readily 
strike in a mixture of sand and loam. When planted out in May, if required 
for ribbon-beds, a double or treble row of plants will be required, about 8 inches 
from each other, or they will not be sufficiently massive to produce a good 
effect. 
Cerastium tomentosum. —This undoubtedly is the most useful of all the 
dwarf edging plants. It can be propagated at all seasons of the year; it can 
be cut and trained to suit any locality; and it can be constantly clipped and 
made as solid as fine turf. These are qualities which no other edging plant 
that I am acquainted wflth possesses ; added to which it is perfectly hardy, 
and will remain in the same situation, in good condition, for years, if not 
allow r ed to run wild. As a companion to Lobelia speciosa it has no rival, its 
dense compact habit and subdued colour contrasting so well with the blue 
Lobelia. Cuttings will strike easily during spring, summer, and autumn, in the 
open air, and will remove at any time. If a wide margin of Cerastium is 
required, a double row of young plants should be planted in April, or early in 
May. So soon as the flower-stems are produced they should be nipped off 
with a pair of garden shears. This operation will cause the plants to stool; 
and in about a month the same operation should be again performed, or as 
soon as the flower-stems are again produced. A compact solid edging will 
now be formed, which will only require the bloom-stems to be sheared off 
occasionally. It is advisable to see that this is done, as the plants will produce 
both whiter and better foliage in consequence. 
Geranium Attraction. —This variety is a decided improvement on the 
