1874. ] 
GAEPEN WOEK FOE AUGUST. 
189 
GAKDEN WOKK FOR AUGUST. 
FLOWERS. 
® HE continued dryness of the weather, with the sudden fluctations of 
temperature during June, has considerably retarded the growth in our 
flower-gardens, yet with from 3° to 4° of frost in the middle of the 
month, when most tender plants were planted out, it is surprising that 
the actual damage is so slight. The only plant that we have had to 
replace was Coleus Verschaffeltii splendens, in a low-lying pannel; this splendid 
variety is somewhat tender, while Alternantheras were but very slightly seared, 
A. amcena sustaining no apparent injury. 
The watering both of the flower-beds and of the grass-lawns has now become 
so important a matter, that every opportunity of an obscured sun should be 
taken advantage of to apply water, or else the sun should be allowed to decline 
before using it, as water should never be applied during bright sunshine, particu¬ 
larly over the foliage. The turf must be kept fresh, if possible, as a verdant 
sward is one of the greatest charms of the flower-garden. The training of all 
plants in patterns and lines must be carried out with exactitude, for without trimness 
and order are maintained perfect satisfaction is not to be had. Shrubberies should 
be seen to, and the growth regulated so that the more delicate subjects do not get 
overcrowded or overgrown. 
After the middle of the month, a sowing of annuals for spring,blooming, such 
as Alyssum calycinum, Collinsia bicolor^ and C. verna^ Lasthenia californica^ 
Limnanihes Douglasii^ Saponaria^ &c., should be made. Finish the layering of 
Carnations^ and transplant or pot when sufficiently rooted. Plant out early- 
rooted Pinks into prepared beds. Continue to propagate perennial and biennial 
plants ; transplant seedlings of Wallflower^ Myosotis^ &c. 
Roses: Frequently look over stocks that are budded, to remove suckers, and 
loosen the tying material when necessary. Cuttings of Tea-scented, China, and 
in fact, all sorts of roses, will now root freely, if slipped off with a heel—e.e., with 
a small portion of the old wood attached, and inserted firmly in pots, or placed 
in beds of soil in cold frames. I find Eoses most serviceable for cutting from 
when grown upon their own roots, the perpetuals producing a lengthened succes¬ 
sion of famous buds. Give every encouragement in the way of applications of 
manure-water to tire autumn-blooming varieties. 
Conservatory : The supply of flowering plants in these structures for the next 
month or two will be somewhat limited, but the deficiency may be compensated 
for by a liberal admixture of foliage plants. Crotons^ Dracaenas, Coleus^ and 
many other plants remarkable for their coloured foliage, will stand for months 
in such a structure at this season. Pay every attention to Fuchsias^ as to watering 
and encouraging such as are placed out-of-doors with manure-water. 
Lantanas are useful blooming plants for this time of the year, as are also the 
Plumbago capensis and P. rosea^ which, when freely cultivated, produce a pro¬ 
fusion of their charming blossoms. Globe Amaranths^ Celosias^ (fee., are very 
effective greenhouse annuals. Chrysanthemums will now require attention in 
training, as all will have had their final shift, and must have an efficient supply 
of water at the root, damping the foliage with the syringe morning and evening; 
they are gross feeders, and must have a supply in accordance. Cinerarias for early 
blooming will now be in their flowering-pots, and should be encouraged with 
manure-water, keeping them in a situation shaded from the direct action of the 
sun, with free exposure. Primulas must be shifted on as necessary. The double 
varieties should now be divided, and propagated in a gentle heat, in small pots, 
