70 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ MARCH, 
well, while S. fulgens is a summer species, and the blossoms soon fall. It is one of the very- 
best of the Salvias for decorative purposes during the winter period. 
- planter should forget Zenobia speciosa^ better known perhaps as 
Andromeda speciosa, whose flowers grow in clusters, and are of the same shape as 
those of the Lily of the Valley, but much larger, and of the purest transparent 
waxy-white. There are several varieties, differing in the shape of the leaves, and in the size 
of the flowers. One variety, called pulveruUnta, from the glaucous under-surface of the 
leaves, perhaps surpasses the others in beauty. 
GAKDEN V\^OKK FOR MARCH. 
FLOWERS. 
^^WINQ- to the geniality of the winter, many of the spring-flowering plants 
are in an advanced state, amongst them fragrant Violets in abundance, 
The Czar and Single Russian being the earliest. Frequently examine, and 
cautiously and gradually reduce protecting materials used for covering 
such plants as Cannas^ Arundos^ Melianthus^ &c. Ornamental Shrubs 
upon lawns should now be pruned, so as to regulate their growth, whilst standards 
and plants of formal habit must have their proportions scrupulously preserved. 
Roses may now be pruned ; the vigorous growers should be left a foot or so 
in length, while moderate growers may be cut in close. Finish digging flower 
borders, and frequently stir the surface of the ground amongst spring-flowering 
plants, making good any vacancies. Lay Box-edging^ and turn and surface-dress 
walks with* fresh gravel. Edge grass-verges ; push forward ground-work arrears 
of every description ; sweep and roll grass preparatory to mowing. Plant out 
Carnations^ Hollyhocks^ Pinks^ and Pansies in beds or borders with prepared 
soil. Gladiolus may also be planted, not allowing manure to come in contact 
with the corms, since it is apt to generate decay. Annuals may be got in 
towards the end of the month, if the weather is favourable; nothing is gained 
by sowing too early. Sow Sweet Peas and Mignonette at intervals. 
In-Doors. —All soft-wooded stove-plants which make root freely should be 
potted on, before the roots become matted in the pots, for when they are allowed 
to become entangled, much injury is inflicted and time lost in unloosing them. 
Winter-flowering plants, such as Justicias^ Eranthemums, Euphorbias, &c., should 
have attention, and be started into growth. Thyrsacanthus rutilans is one of the 
most graceful of this group. Aphelandra aurantiaca Roezlii^ which is so bright 
and effective in winter, makes the finest plants from seed sown annually. The 
charming Scutellaria Moccipiana is so free and effective, that cuttings rooted 
now, will produce its brilliant flowers within three months. Specimen plants of 
Allamandas^ potted early, will now be growing freely, and should for the present 
be allowed to ramble somewhat at will, merely stopping and regulating over¬ 
gross shoots; they always flower more freely when stopped regularly at a more 
advanced stage, and tied down. Successional batches of Achimenes and other 
dried tuberous roots may be started. Advance the temperature with the lengthen¬ 
ing of the days, and allow a proportionate degree of humidity. Admit air 
cautiously, and chiefly at the top of the houses. Towards the end of the 
month, a slight shading must be provided for stoves during bright sunshine. 
Conservatories must be kept gay with successional batches of flowering plants, 
and the duration of these may be prolonged by shading and maintaining a mild, 
healthy temperature, and keeping everything scrupulously clean. Introduce a 
good supply of Roses into the forcing-house ; they force freely from this time in 
a temperature of 65° to 60°. Daphne indica rubra and alba^ so much prized 
for their scent, grow most freely in a fresh friable loam, to which may be added 
