418 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
every plant being visible to the eye of'the visiter, and every pot visible 
to and within reach of the manager. This disposition is necessary as 
well for viewing the flowers and foliage, as for giving water to all or 
any one when requisite. 
No rule for watering can be given as to the time when the watering- 
pot should be used; this depends on the season of the year, but much 
more frequently on the habit and state of growth. In winter, potted 
plants require much less water than in summer; and those growing 
freely, whether in summer or winter, invariably require more frequent 
watering than such as are torpid or stationary in growth; and this 
applies to all plants, whether herbaceous, or shrubby, or succulent. 
Indiscriminate watering is very seldom judicious, except, perhaps, at 
midsummer, when exposed to the open air, and when the whole collec¬ 
tion is in rapid growth. The appearance and position of the leaves, 
and those of the soil in the pot, indicate most truly when water should 
be given. While in the house, the best time for watering is between 
nine and twelve o’clock in the forenoon, because any moisture which 
might be injurious during the night, is dried up during the afternoon. 
When the plants are out, they require water every day in dry weather; 
and this should be given late in the afternoon, in order that they may 
be thoroughly refreshed during the night, and be the better able to bear 
the heat of the following day. 
Greenhouse plants of dangling growth at all times require to be 
neatly tied to stiff green-painted sticks, placed as close as may be to the 
principal stem ; both sticks and ties as much concealed as possible : and 
when the surface of the pots become covered with moss, it should be 
removed, and a little fresh compost added. Decayed flowers and leaves 
should also be frequently removed. 
Shifting the collection is annually performed, most of the plants 
requiring removal from small to larger pots. This is particularly 
necessary for heaths, and all similar-rooting plants; but it should be 
observed that the new pot should be but a very little larger than the 
old one, because nothing hurts a plant so much as over-potting it, 
for the extra soil either becomes sodden and unwholesome for the roots, 
or, if it remains sweet, it encourages stronger growth than is desirable 
for the house. When a plant is turned out of its pot, the roots are 
found to be in a matted state round the side. If of very delicate 
structure, like those of heaths, they should be left entire, and without 
being much disturbed; but if of stronger growth, such as those of 
geraniums, or other rank-growing plants, the ball may be loosened a 
little, to admit the fresh compost among the outer roots, and perhaps it 
may be replaced in the same-sized pot. All plants, especially those 
