1875 . ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR APRIL. 
81 
— 
GARDEN WORK FOR APRIL. 
FLOWERS. 
\Wim to the unpropitious state of the weather during the early months of 
the year, spring-flowering plants are considerably retarded; nevertheless, 
the prospects of a rich display is most assuring, as the plants have not 
suffered. Even that somewhat miffy subject, Myosotis dissitiflora , which 
is so effective in spring arrangements, has not suffered in the slightest degree. 
Plant out Phloxes and Pentstemons into beds and borders previously enriched 
with fresh compost, and divide and replant into lines and patterns such plants as 
Cerostiums , Dactylis , Veronica incana , Euonymus radicans variegatus , Stachys 
lanata , Santolina incana , Sempervivum californicum [ calcaratmn ], Echeveria 
secundci glanca , &c. The latter two are much in vogue for dressing the outlines 
of carpet-beds, stuck formally into the raised edges. If such stiff bands are 
admissible in such positions at all, they should most assuredly be so disposed as 
to cover the soil. That sweetly effective hardy plant, Stellaria gramineci ciurea , 
which is so chaste in combined arrangements with Alternanlheras, should now 
be divided, and planted either where it is to remain, or in small portions 2 in. 
apart, in light soil, upon a border, for future transplanting. Sow seeds of orna¬ 
mental Beet in beds or border-lines where it is to remain ; Dickson’s or Dell’s 
are the most effective strains of this that I have seen. Violets as they have done 
blooming should be at once lifted and replanted, choosing the young growths, ' 
which are much the best for this purpose ; the ground should have been pre¬ 
viously prepared, by working-in fresh turfy loam and manure. They delight in 
a situation shaded from direct sunshine, such as a north border. Hardy 
Perennials and Alpine Plants upon rock-work will be now very interesting, and 
should have attention, in filling up vacancies, and planting out tender sorts 
wintered in frames. Fork the surface-soil lightly amongst herbaceous plants, 
surface-dressing with fresh soil, which is preferable at all times to deep digging, 
as these subjects do not flower satisfactorily when the roots are ruthlessly dis¬ 
turbed. Annuals should now be sown. Where the soil is heavy and rough, it 
is best to cover with fine soil prepared for the purpose, as many seeds are so 
delicate ^s to germinate very imperfectly in stiff soil. Many of the stronger¬ 
growing annuals are suitable for covering the bare ground in front of and amongst 
newly planted shrubs, producing a very pleasing effect. Amongst these are 
Amciranthus atropurpureus , caudatns , and hypochondriacus , Atriplex hortensis 
rubra , Chrysanthemums , Daturas , Gaillardias , Lupines , Mcdopes , Mignonette , 
GEnothercis , and many others which possess a free habit of growth. Transplant 
Evergreens now that the sap is active. Cut box edgings, and keep grass closely 
mown. 
Conservatories: Amongst plants in bloom, Poses will now occupy a prominent 
position ; they deserve every attention, to keep under the insects, which will now 
be hard at work, quickly destroying the fresh verdure of the foliage when 
allowed to multiply during the earlier stages of growth. As plants in pots have 
such a limited area from which to draw support, it becomes necessary to sustain 
them with constant doses of weak liquid manure, more particularly when they 
are growing freely. Those plants which have done blooming must be hardened 
off, guarding against sudden checks, which act so adversely to the ripening of the 
wood. Cut closely back such subjects as Primus , Amygdalus , Double Cercisus , 
Deutzia , Cytisus , &c., which have been forced, and place them in a genial temperature 
to break, when they should be examined and fresh potted. Whilst it becomes 
