1875. ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR MARCH. 
57 
apart. The beds for Carnations should be prepared by dressing with fresh loam and 
cow-manure in a thoroughly decomposed state ; if this has not been mixed with 
the loam and frequently turned previous to use, it should be turned up in the beds 
to the action of the weather previous to planting, and it is important that the 
manure should be well incorporated with the soil. The same remarks hold good 
in respect to Pinks. Pansies may be planted in beds which are in good condition, 
and delight in a moderately-shaded position ; choose a favourable time for 
planting-out, when the soil is rather dry. Gladioli may also be planted, and a 
sowing of Hardy A nnuals made towards the end of the month, provided that the 
ground is in a dry state, otherwise nothing is gained by sowing early. Trans¬ 
plant autumn-sown Annuals into the places where they are to flower, being care¬ 
ful to remove them with good balls attached ; when properly attended to, few 
plants present a more cheerful effect than these during the spring months. 
Conservatories will now be brilliant with the gayest of flowers, and from the 
great variety we possess, it becomes necessary to discard freely, to prevent crowd¬ 
ing. Camellias planted out for early blooming will now be past, and their form 
should be regulated by cutting back wayward shoots, at the same time guarding 
against too free a use of the knife, much cutting being inimical to bud-formation. 
If the soil about the roots has become poverty-stricken, a surface-dressing of fresh 
soil will be necessary ; this is not to be recommended if the plants are vigorous 
and healthy, as Camellias are not improved by too much meddling at the roots, and, 
moreover, when once established in proper soil, they will last for a number of years 
without needing to be disturbed. Give to plants that are starting into growth 
manure-water with soot. Luculias that have finished blooming should be freely 
cut back, and preparatory to their putting out fresh growth, they should be 
dressed with a preparation inimical to tlirips and red-spider, to which pests they 
are subject. Towards the end of the month, during bright gleams of sunshine, 
a movable shading of tiffany will be serviceable at times. 
In the Greenhouse , the Indian Azaleas that have finished blooming should have 
the seed-vessels picked off. Before starting them into growth they should 
be thoroughly fumigated, or what is better and more permanently efficacious, 
immersed in or syringed with the following mixture (—in 10 gallons of water 
dissolve 5 lbs. of soft-soap, and add 2 gallons of good tobacco-water), as a 
cure for red-spider or thrips. Epacrises that were cut over to within an inch or 
two of the previous season’s growth a month ago, will now be starting into 
growth, and should be potted into moderate-sized, thoroughly-drained pots, using 
a sandy peat, and being particular that they are firmly potted; they will start 
most freely in a close, slightly-heated pit, kept moderately moist, being careful 
not to give too much water at the root until they become established. Cut back 
Linums , Eupatoriums , Libonias , and Monochcetums that have finished blooming, 
and propagate from the young wood. Propagate also an early batch of Perpetual 
Carnations , which will now root freely in heat, and make famous plants for 
winter blooming, if liberally grown on. Encourage Hydrangeas , which are so 
valuable for decorative purposes, with liberal waterings of liquid manure. 
Pelargoniums will now be growing freely, and will require attention, both in 
regard to watering and the tying of the shoots, the main object being to secure 
symmetrical plants, with the shoots equally balanced. With the increased length 
of days, an increase of temperature may be allowed, and greater humidity of 
atmosphere. Roof-ventilation should be given early on bright mornings, but be 
careful at all times to avoid draughts, and shut up early in the afternoon, which 
will economise heat. Weak manure-water should now be given to such as are in 
a forward state, The fragrant Italian Tuberoses, which are deserving of more 
