14 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ JANUARY, 
the colour of the stems during the early stage 
of growth; some are a light cream-colour, 
tinged with a delicate blush; others, again, 
have a dark bronzy hue shaded with crimson. 
Some are dark green, with blotches and spots 
of rose, while others are tricoloured, white 
with different shades of rose and green. The 
blending and intermixture of these pleasing 
tints render this plant very ornamental and 
distinct. It will be found invaluable for 
cutting sprigs for bouquets.” It grows well 
in an intermediate stove or warm greenhouse, 
and is of such easy culture as to be especially 
valuable for decorative purposes. 
The plant has been certificated both by the 
Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Socie¬ 
ties.—T. Moore. 
VILLA GARDENING—JANUARY. 
OW that “ another year has dawned upon 
the earth,” the Villa Gardener will be 
anticipating lengthening days, and the 
onward progress of that time when March wall 
come in, lusty and full of life, and there will be 
signs of the great awakening in nature which we 
term Spring. But there must come the in¬ 
terval of winter—that period o-f suspense which 
has its uses in the vegetable kingdom, as have 
the genial rain and beaming sun. 
Greenhouse. —Fire-heat—a gentle warmth, 
just enough to be perceptible, and no more— 
is now indispensable, if flowers are required for 
the festivities consequent on the New Year. 
If the sun be warm by day, and the atmo¬ 
sphere genial, give air, but shut up the house 
just as the sun declines. Many amateur gar¬ 
deners commit the mistake of keeping up too 
much fire-heat, and their greenhouses too close ; 
they do not draw a distinction between nip¬ 
ping frost or raw cold damp, and the milder 
time when artificial warmth may be subdued 
and air given. What a valuable lesson is taught 
in the plant-growing nurseries round London, 
whose productions go to the flower markets ! 
Forcing is done largely and rapidly, but always 
without that fierce heat employed in some pri¬ 
vate establishments. Nature is assisted by a 
kind of gentle pressure, and the plants are so 
prepared as that they produce their flowers 
immediately, and just when they are wanted. 
Amateur gardeners can take a lesson from this. 
Another point is to force into flower only such 
things as are not difficult to manage. Under this 
head may be put Roman and the later-flowering 
Hyacinths, Narcissi , especially the early Paper- 
wdiite and the Double Roman varieties, 
with the finest-scented Polyanthus Narcissi to 
follow ; also Astilbe japonica, Deutzia gracilis, 
Pelargoniums , Cytisus racemosus, Bouvardias, 
Echeveria retusa , Azaleas , Cyclamens , Migno¬ 
nette, Tree Carnations , and forcing Pinks. The 
market grower has none of these in a larger size 
than the 48 or 5 in. pot. The pots are full of 
roots; water is freely supplied when wanted 
but given with care, and a little weak liquid 
cow-manure is used as a gentle stimulus. A 
comfortable equable temperature is maintained, 
and everything appears to work together for 
good to produce flowers. In the course of the 
year a few papers shall be given showing how 
to prepare the plants during summer to yield 
flowers at mid-winter. 
Our Greenhouses require attention at this 
season of the year as regards cleanliness, keep¬ 
ing the glass clean, both at the roof and sides, 
so as to admit the greatest possible amount of 
light. Shelves and stands should be kept clean 
also ; damp hangs about untidiness. A fre¬ 
quent turning round and moving of the plants 
not only benefits them, but leads to the dis¬ 
covery of insect pests, and decaying leaves can 
be picked off more easily. 
Cold Greenhouse. —So far the weather, 
though very dull and wet at times, has been 
favourable to the well-being of the plants. Just 
now there is not much in flower, but as 
every blossom is now specially valuable, any¬ 
thing is acceptable that furnishes them. Chry¬ 
santhemums hold on; then there are Primroses 
and Polyanthuses (the plants were showing 
blossom in the open border, and were lifted and 
potted) ; some early-flowering bedding Violas 
in pots ; Tropceolum Lobbianum from August- 
struck cuttings, and with these are mingled 
Solanums, with bright-looking berries. Zonal 
Pelargoniums have ceased: it is a little too cold 
for them. Any plant that is at all tender can be 
greatly protected by putting a newspaper over 
it and at the sides, and when the frost is 
sharp by using a paraffin lamp. The soil about 
the plants should be kept drier as the weather 
waxes colder, so that any injury from frost 
may be lessened as much as possible. 
Floiver Garden. —The mild weather has been 
favourable to planting and all alterations, such 
as laying turf, putting in edgings to walks, &c. 
In relaying turf, it is well not to take up too 
much at one time, lest frost should set in be¬ 
fore it can be relaid, as it then gets spoilt for 
use. Any wheeling on garden walks should be 
done in frosty weather, or when it is dry and 
the crust of the paths hard. After a spell of 
frost, or heavy rain, or snow has melted, it is 
well to roll the walks and lawns, to keep them 
firm and neat. Flower-beds filled with spring- 
flowering plants, such as Daisies , Wallflowers, 
Forget-me-Nots, Violas, &c., should have the 
surface stirred occasionally, and be kept clear of 
weeds. Daisies, being shallow rooters, are apt 
