476 
THE GARDENING WORLD 
March 26, 1887. 
The Gardeners’ Calendar. 
THE PLANT HOUSES. 
The Forced Plants. —Perhaps a word of warning 
may be advisable during this inclement weather on 
behalf of those plants which have been subject to 
forcing, and after flowering (as is frequently the case) 
relegated to some out-of-the-way corner, and for the 
time unheeded. Unless due protection is now given 
and encouragement also to make a satisfactory growth, 
how is it possible that the stock can be kept in a 
satisfactory condition ? Indian Azaleas, as soon as out 
of flower, should be carefully gone over, all the flower- 
stalks removed and any straggling growths pruned in 
to keep the plants compact, and then at once be placed 
in a house where a moist-growing temperature is main¬ 
tained to encourage an early and free growth ; it may 
be likewise advisable to place a distinctive label to 
the first-early plants so that they may be utilised 
nest season, an early setting of the bloom being 
absolutely essential for the production of flowers during 
the autumn months. 
Deutzias, too, will not bear even the slightest 
neglect after being forced, and should be placed in the 
Peach houses or other similar structures, where by 
being freely syringed and in a moderate heat they may 
be encouraged to make a free growth, which, when 
completed, will permit of their being hardened off and 
finally plunged out of doors. Azalea mollis should be 
similarly treated. In the case of 
Lilacs, Forsythias, Roses and other hardy sub¬ 
jects, some sheltered corner should be devoted to them 
where they will be duly attended to in the way of 
■watering. If nothing better can be given, a framework 
must be placed over them, which, during unfavourable 
weather and at night, should be covered with mats, 
that the new growth may not be injured. Introduce 
to heat a few Indian Azaleas, according to requirements 
for keeping up a supply of cut flowers; and, without 
further delay, pot up the requisite stock of Hoteias, 
placing them in a cold frame. They quickly establish 
themselves, and are indispensable for bouquet and 
button-hole work. Always bear in mind that being a 
marsh plant they require an abundance of water, and 
will be found more satisfactory if the pots are stood in 
saucers kept supplied with liquid manure. 
Pot Roses, too, need a sharp look-out to be kept 
upon them for the maggot. Through neglect, we 
have had some standards, which were placed rather 
awkwardly, quite spoiled, almost every bud being 
bored. This is a nuisance which can only be remedied 
by hand-picking. Their presence can be easily dis¬ 
cerned by the folding together of the young foliage, and 
the plants should at once be examined. Cinerarias and 
Pelargoniums are just now, with the drying wind, 
very apt to become infested with green fly ; and if 
Roses are trained on the roofs of the greenhouses—as 
with us—they are, as a rule, subject to the same pest. 
An early application of tobacco-smoke is the quickest 
and best remedy ; to be followed, on the Roses, each 
morning, by a good syringing, which will greatly assist 
in cleansing the foliage. _ 
THE FRUIT HOUSES. 
Vises. —Much time must now necessarily be given 
to the vineries, as, with the exception of the late 
houses, all are in full swing. The Muscats are breaking 
and growing very freely indeed, the clusters lengthening 
out well, the points of the laterals being well curled—- 
such a sure indication of health in the Vine, no matter 
what the variety may be. We have been careful to 
keep the shoots in the earlier houses well looped down 
from the glass during the prevalence of frosts, as there 
is much danger of the clusters being damaged if not 
kept quite free. We have disbudded the succession 
Hamburgh house, which is making very satisfactory 
progress ; and we have also put on all intended grafts 
for this season. Mrs. Pearson worked on Hamburgh 
stock last season is making a very strong growth. 
Gros Colmars are also very promising, and are much 
liked when fully ripened, but not when grown in a 
late house. 
The Pot Vises should now be colouring, and must 
receive the most liberal treatment it is possible to give. 
How often do we see these spoiled simply because they 
bring their crop up to the colouring stage satisfactorily, 
and are from that onwards stinted in the supply of 
stimulants, which at that stage are more than ever 
needed. It is just at that time that the great strain 
upon the foliage comes, which renders it so liable to 
the attack of thrip and red spider ; and should these 
pests once become established upon pot Vines, all hope 
of good produce is lost. Litter fresh from the stable 
every other morning, spread where available, is of the 
greatest benefit to all Vines during the colouring 
season. - 
THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
General Work. —We have qdanted all the Sea 
Kale cuttings, but on account of a short supply of 
greens, we shall be obliged to lift the remainder of 
our roots which we had intended for early forcing next 
season ; the thongs will be saved, and after being 
made, stored. The ground will likewise receive a good 
dressing of manure, and as soon as settled will be re¬ 
planted. The birds having been troublesome with the 
early Peas, we have protected them with wire guards, 
which also afford some protection against frost. We have 
also made another good sowing where a good dressing 
of manure had been given ; it should be borne in mind, 
the more liberally treated the richer the produce. We 
have also sown a nice breadth of Horn Carrots on a 
warm south border, and have put in a few drills of 
early Milan Turnips, and when sown thus early many 
of them bolt; at the same time, it is worth the trial, as 
they are in great request early in the season. 
Protecting Seeds. —Keep an eye on the seeds 
lately sown, and as soon as they are peeping through 
protect them from the birds, otherwise they will soon 
Soldanella alpina. 
spoil the beds of all the Brassica tribe. We have now 
finished the nailing of Peach trees, and the alleys all 
round the walls have been lightly pricked up, 
the surface having become caked from the continued 
trampling. We have had sharp frosts, with keen 
biting easterly winds, keeping vegetation very back¬ 
ward. Radishes we keep covered at night, and we 
have also made another sowing, affording protection 
with wire netting. We have also put in a few drills 
of round Spinach ; this, to keep a full supply, should 
be sown sparingly, as to quantity, but very frequently. 
We have also sown a full breadth of Parsley. — JValtcr 
Child, Croorae Court. 
-- 
SOLDANELLA ALPINA. 
Many will, perhaps, recognise in] this early spring 
flower an old friend, for it has been grown in this 
country (it may be intermittently) for considerably 
over 200 years, having been originally introduced in 
1656. The name Soldanella is derived from the Latin 
solidus, signifying a piece of money, in reference to the 
almost orbicular, leathery, evergreen leaves. Two or 
three bluish purple flowers are borne on scapes not 
exceeding 2 ins. or 3 ins. in length, and are exceed¬ 
ingly interesting from their being deeply cut up into 
long fringe-like segments. The plant would be easy to 
cultivate provided we could secure for it a cool moist 
atmosphere in summer, or plant it where the soil would 
not get baked, which is very liable to happen in the 
neighbourhood of London. Shade would secure a 
cooler condition of the atmosphere ; but while this is 
attended to, the greatest possible amount of light, 
short of direct sunshine, should be guaranteed, for all 
true Alpines, as a rule, require plenty of light to bring 
them to perfection. These conditions, where the 
climate is dry, can best be secured by growing the 
plant in pots. It is a native of the Swiss Alps. 
HORTICUL TURAL S OCIETIES, 
Royal Horticultural.— March 22nd. —At this 
meeting, which was held as usual in the conservatory, 
the chief features of the exhibition were Narcissus, 
Hyacinths, Roses and Cyclamens. Several fine and 
useful new plants were certificated, as described in 
another column. Messrs. Barr & Son, King Street, 
Covent Garden, showed a magnificent group of Narcissi 
Trusses of cut blooms were mixed amongst those in 
pots, assisted with a few Palms, Galanthus Elwesi, 
G. nivalis, Anemone fulgens, A. coronaria, Seilla bifolia 
and others. A group of Lenten Roses or Hellebores 
were shown in pots, and a Silver Gilt Banksian Medal 
was awarded for the exhibit. Mr. T. S. Mare, Hale 
Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, was awarded a Silver 
Banksian Medal for a group of cut Narcissi, in combi¬ 
nation with numerous other hardy plants such as 
Anemone fulgens, Freesia refracta alba, Orchis undulae- 
folia, 0. papilionaceus, Doronicum Clusii, and Megasea 
ligulata with its variety speciosa. Messrs. Collins Bros. 
& Gabriel, "Waterloo Road, London, S.E., were awarded 
a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of cut Narcissi, 
staged in neat coloured glass vases. Anemone fulgens 
and Chionodoxa Lucille were also staged in considerable 
quantity. A Silver Banksian Medal was awarded Messrs. 
James Yeitch & Sons for a splendid group of Hyacinths, 
besides several plants certificated, as noticed in another 
column ; they also staged a good group of five seedling 
Amaryllis in flower ; Cypripedium Bartetti, a hybrid 
between C. barbatum and C. Chantini, and Angriecum 
citratum ; for the latter they received a Cultural Com¬ 
mendation. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, 
received a Silver Banksian Medal for a fine group of 
Hyacinths in pots. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old 
Nurseries, Cheshunt, were awarded a Silver Banksian 
Medal for a group of well-flowered Roses in pots ; they 
received a vote of thanks for Saxifraga sancta and S. 
Frederici Augusti, two yellow-flowered [species ; and 
they also showed Lilac, Marie Lemoine, with white 
flowers. Mr. K. Drost, Kew Nursery, Richmond, 
Surrey, was awarded a Bronze Banksian Medal for a 
large group of Astilbe japonica ; he also exhibited a 
finely flowered group of Lily of the Yalley, a new 
Tulip and a large bunch of cut-flowering branches 
of English-grown Lilac, in various shades of white, 
purple and lilac, for the latter of which he was 
awarded a Cultural Commendation. A Silver Bauk- 
sian Medal was awarded the St. George’s Nursery, Co., 
Hanwell, for a finely-flowered group of Cyclamen. 
Mr. Ballant.yne, gardener to Baron Schroder, The 
Dell, Egham, exhibited a handsome spike of Odonto- 
glossum crispum Sanderiana, with all the segments 
conspicuously blotched and spotted with brownish 
purple. He also showed another fine unnamed variety. 
H. A. Mangles, Esq., exhibited a plant of Rhododen¬ 
dron Falconeri, about 2 ft. high, bearing a noble truss 
of white flowers, spotted at the base with black. Mr. 
Charles Turner, the Royal Nurseries, Slough, received 
a vote of thanks for a group of a large single-flowered 
blue Yiolet, named Wellsiana. G. F. Wilson, Esq., 
Heatherbank, Weybridge, exhibited Ccelogyne cristata, 
Trentham variety, and a fine Hellebore, a cross between 
H. colchicus and H. guttatus, for the latter of which 
he received a vote of thanks. Mr. B. Gilbert, nursery¬ 
man, Bourne, Lincolnshire, received a vote of thanks 
for some yellow Primroses. T. Harcourt Powell, Esq., 
Drinkstone Park, Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. G. Palmer, 
gardener), received a vote of thanks for Odontoglossum 
excellens, and he also showed a rose-coloured variety of 
0. Pescatorei. Mr. Todrnan, Rose Park Nurseries, 
Upper Tooting, was awarded a vote of thanks for some 
new varieties of Azalea. Besides the Orchids certificated, 
De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (Mr. 
Cooke, gardener), showed a specimen of Odontoglossum 
Rossi majus, bearing fourteen flowers on a branching 
spike. Mr. George Maw, Ivenley, Surrey, received a 
vote of thanks for a living specimen of a Pine tree about 
15 ins. to 18 ins. high ; it came from Yokohama, Japau, 
and was said to be thirty years old. Mr. Grise, gardener 
to Sir James Kitson, Bart., Gledhow Hall, Leeds, 
received a vote of thanks for a panicle of Habrothamnus 
elegans Newelli, and cut blooms of a white variety of 
Cineraria. 
At the meeting of the Fruit Committee, Mr. W. 
Roupell, Harvey Lodge, Roupell Park, S.AY, received 
a vote of thanks for eight varieties of Apples. Mr. S. 
Ford, gardener to L. A. AYallace, Esq., Leonardslee, 
Hoisham, received a Cultural Commendation for four- 
