156 
WnXDOW GARBENINO. 
soon begin to grow and should be kept warm and watered freely. Soon as they 
throw up the flower staJk remove to the conservatory, when they will soon flower 
and remain in bloom for several weeks. Good bulbs should average twenty 
flowers to a spike. After flowering throw away, as the bulb only flowers once 
Stock is kept up by ofF-sets. Those who do not have the convenience of a green 
house or hot beds for starting the bulbs must do the next best. We have fre- 
quently started them on the mantel in the kitchen, by taking a box narrow and 
long enough to hold three or four pots, which are put in the box filled with 
ashes or tan which should be kept wet to better retain the heat. They will 
start very well in this way using wood ashes for mulch. A Bulb which we once 
had flowered in the pot and gave us forty-five large and perfect flowers. For an 
ordinary Window Garden, one or two pots at a time is quite suflficient. The 
Fig. 37.— Glasses used as Bouquet Holders. 
most convenient waj' and about as cheap a one as any, is to buy bulbu with flow 
er stalks started from a florist. This is meant to apply to the large number that 
love flowers but do not like to woik for them. 
AcMmenes . 
These tuberous rooted plants, generally classed with bulbs, are charming for 
growing in pots, pans and hanging baskets, either in assorted or individual col- 
ors. The flowers combine great individual beauty with richness and brilliancy 
Much importance should be attached to the Achimenes from the ease in which 
they can be induced to flower in the winter. The best soil for growing them is 
a light rich loam. The tubers should be put singly in three inch pots and placed 
in as warm a situation as the conservatory afibrds. Where bottom heat can 
