518 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
April 13, 1889. 
for by a luxuriance of vegetative growth, which shows 
itself in many plants by the formation of fasciated 
stems. 
The Chilian Crocus. 
When first introduced much was said about Tecophilwa 
cyaneo-crocea, and much more was expeeted from it 
than has ever been realised. The peculiar conditions 
of climate necessary for its well-being are evidently not 
to be found in this country, as when the bulbs are left 
in the open ground without protection they die away 
and disappear. The intense blue colour of their flowers 
is sufficient to make the plant worthy of cultivating 
under more favourable conditions, such as a frame or 
greenhouse from which the frost is kept out. The 
chief point to be observed is that the bulbs should be 
kept comparatively dry during their period of rest. 
The popular term of Chilian Crocus is not inaptly given 
on account of the stature of the plant, the size and 
general form of the flower, though structurally it is 
very different. The intense blue is also of a shade 
never seen in the true Crocuses. The plant also 
belongs to a totally different natural order—namely, 
Hmmodoraces, few of the members of which outlive our 
winters in the open without protection. There is a 
variety with a larger white throat than usual, but it is 
not so pretty as the typical kind which may be seen in 
the hardy plant house at Kew. 
Aponogeton distacliyon. 
Wherever this beautiful aquatic can be grown, it can 
never fail to be appreciated by all lovers of flowers. It 
is generally known to be perfectly hardy, and will grow 
and increase pretty freely in rather deep ponds or rivers 
where there is a constant supply of fresh water, but 
does not seem to appreciate any approach to stagnation. 
Swans and ducks appear to be very fond of it, so that 
it is useless to try and grow it where these abound. I 
have seen ponds full of it yielding a plentiful and 
constant supply of beautiful and deliciously fragrant 
flowers during the summer months. I was reading in 
an old botanical work by Professor Burnet a short time 
ago that in Cape Colony the Hottentots eat the roots 
roasted, and I have heard that the flowering tops are 
sometimes used as a substitute for Asparagus.— 
Alfred Gaut. 
Cineraria cruenta. 
The original or wild state of this plant would be 
considered weedy now, in comparison with the fine 
forms that have been evolved by the florist’s care. 
When first introduced, however, we can understand 
with what favour it was received, for the numerous 
starry flower-heads have really a graceful appearance. 
Besides the enlargement of the heads, and the increased 
breadth of the rays, the plants have been greatly 
dwarfed in stature by continued selection. A group of 
plants of the wild type, from the Canary Islands, may 
be seen in the greenhouse at Kew, ranging from 3 ft. 
to 5 ft. in height, with loosely-branching stems, occu¬ 
pying a considerable amount of space. Associated 
with other plants the effect is pretty, while the wilding 
is altogether different in appearance from any cultivated 
form. The starry heads have short lilac rays, and a 
violet-purple disk. For decorative purposes the wild 
type would be much more graceful than the finest 
garden forms, with heavy, massive heads, notwith- 
withstanding the florist’s idea to the contrary.— J. 
Prunus divaricata. 
One of the earliest Bosaceous trees to flower is the subject 
of this note, and which, notwithstanding the lateness of 
the season, has been in flower for some time. It is a 
native of the Caucasus, and is of low spreading habit, 
with much ramified branches divaricating in all 
directions, and should therefore, to get the best results, 
be planted by itself on the ground where other trees 
cannot interfere with it. The flowers are produced 
singly, but in such enormous quantities as to render 
the whole tree a mass of bloom. The leaves commence 
to make their appearance at the same time as the 
flowers. The fruit is yellow, globular, and resembles a 
small Plum, but does not seem to be produced iu this 
country. 
Streptocarpus paniculatus. 
Compared with the species and varieties most generally 
seen in cultivation, this is a veritable pigmy so far as 
the flowers are concerned. The plant, however, bears 
erect leafy stems about 4 ins. or 5 ins. high, while 
from the axils of the upper leaves small axillary cymes 
of flowers are produced. The latter are of a pale 
lavender colour, with violet spots in the throat. The 
leaves are small, ovate, hairy, and altogether unlike 
the long strap-shaped leaves of the better-known kinds. 
It is a native of Madagascar, and may be seen in the 
Begonia house at Kew. 
-- 
The Amateurs' Garden, 
Ornamental Grasses. 
A number of these are so ornamental and so easily 
managed that their cultivation might more frequently 
be undertaken by amateurs than is at present the case. 
By cutting them, tying up in bunches, and drying 
slowly in a shed or similar place where direct sun¬ 
shine does not strike upon them, they will acquire a 
condition fit for preserving for comparatively any length 
of time without being brittle. Those who study the 
question from an economical point of view can avoid 
future expense in that direction by saving their own 
seed. To do this, all that is necessary is to allow the 
plants to grow until they naturally lose their colour 
and become mature. They may then have their heads 
or panicles cut off, dried in the sun, and after being 
rubbed in the hands, so as to remove the stalks and 
other unnecessary matter, stored away in paper bags 
until required for sowing the succeeding spring. The 
following are cheap, easily obtained, and above all of 
easy culture—namely, Briza maxima and B. gracilis 
(Quaking Grasses), Agrostis nebulosa, Eragrostis 
elegans, with spray-like panicles of flowers ; Lagurus 
ovatus (Hare’s-tail Grass), Hordeum jubatum (Maned 
Barley, with long bronzy awns), and Bromus brizre- 
formis. The latter usually flowers the second year. 
Hardy Annuals. 
The ground is now in excellent condition, and the 
weather having become much milder all of the hardy 
annuals may now be sown in the open ground. Under 
this heading may be included Mignonette, Shirley and 
other Poppies, Candytufts in great variety, Lychnis 
cceli rosa, in blue, rose and scarlet colours, Virginian 
Stocks in variety, Calliopsis tinctoria, C. Drummondi, 
Collinsia bicolor, Sweet Peas, Larkspur, and others. 
One thing that must be pressed upon the attention of 
amateurs, is that the seeds should not be buried too 
deeply ; and the smaller the seeds—as in the case of 
Poppies and Mignonette—the thinner must be the 
covering of soil. One of the leading necessities for 
covering the seeds at all, is to maintain them in a 
moist condition till germination has taken place, after 
which the roots strike downwards and find moisture for 
themselves. The seeds may be sown broadcast, or 
what is better, in lines. In the latter case there is a 
primary saving of seed, and when weeding has to be 
done, matters are greatly expedited by the plants being 
in lines, so that the hoe can be run through them, and 
the weeds lightly raked off while the annuals are still 
in a young state. When there are doubts about the 
vitality of the seeds it may be advisable to sow thickly; 
but if they germinate too thickly, as they are liable to 
do, they should afterwards be thinned out to allow of 
their proper development. 
Hardy Plants in Flower. 
Where spring flowers, and particularly bulbous and 
tuberous-rooted subjects, are largely grown, the flower 
garden will now begin to wear a gay aspect. Snow¬ 
drops, Crocus, and Snowflakes in the shape of 
Leucojum vernum have not entirely left us, which, no 
doubt, may be largely attributed to the. cold late spring ; 
and as these die away or develop leaves only, then 
Narcissi of various kinds as well as Tulips and 
Hyacinths will make their appearance. Independently 
of these, however, there is a large and varied assortment 
of Hepaticas, in rose, blue, white, and other shades, 
both single and double, as well as Primroses and 
Polyanthus. Chionodoxa or Glory of the Snow, and 
Scilla bifolia will soon be over, but their place will be 
supplied in part by Scilla siberica and other species. 
The old-fashioned Pasque Flower (Anemone pulsatilla), 
with its purple flowers heavily coated with silver) 7 hairs, 
affords some variety, but in beauty will be far exceeded 
presently by the beautiful varieties of Anemone 
coronaria in many charming tints. The white Arabis 
and the purple Aubrietias will be the pride of many a 
garden for some weeks to come. The above includes 
but a small portion of tbe easily grown herbaceous 
types ; but there is a number of beautiful shrubs that 
cannot be overlooked—namely, Erica carnea, Polygala 
chamfebuxis, P. c. purpurea, and the red and white 
forms of the common deliciously fragrant Mezereon 
(Daphne Mezereum and D. M. alba). 
The Gardeners’ Calendar. 
THE STOVE. 
Climbers. —Considerable attention will have to be 
given to the plants trained up the rafters or on trellises, 
whether they are grown in the stove or warm con¬ 
servatory. Twining kinds are liable to get so intri¬ 
cately interlaced with one another that it is impossible, 
after a short time, to separate the shoots without 
breaking them. Therefore, as growth proceeds, tie in 
the shoots of Stephanotis floribunda, Thunbergia 
laurifolia, T. (Hexacentris) mysorensis, Ipomsea Hors- 
falliae, Stigmaphyllum ciliatnm, and others. The last- 
mentioned may be grown either in the greenhouse or 
stove, and will flower tolerably well in either. A great 
host of other kinds that climb by means of tendrils 
also demand increasing attention at present. A few of 
these are Allamandas, Clerodendrons, Mandevillea 
suaveolens, Dipladenias, Asystasia scandens, Aristo- 
lochias, Passion Flowers, Bougainvilleas, and others. 
"Where their shoots cannot be laid in without incon¬ 
veniently crowding, it is well to cut away a few of the 
more worthless, so as to admit a proper amount of light 
and air, as well as to facilitate the operation of cleaning, 
as many of them are very liable to insect pests, 
especially mealy-bug. 
THE GREENHOUSE. 
Solanums. —With the abundance of spring flowers it 
is not necessary to keep these any longer, even if the 
berries are still retained. Cut the plants well back, 
place them in a cold frame or pit, where they may be 
kept rather dry till the buds commence pushing, or till 
time to plant them out. Some prefer a frame in which 
to plant, but this is by no means necessary, as the 
plants grow freely, flower, and set their fruit well in 
the open borders. In a sheltered but sunny position 
they grow into close bushy specimens. 
Carnations. —Pot off seedlings as soon as they have 
formed the first pair of rough leaves, or even sooner. 
Keep them on shelves near the glass in an airy, well- 
ventilated house or pit. Even in establishments where 
a good collection of named sorts is grown, seedlings, in 
addition to the interest attaching to new kinds, are 
generally more vigorous than old plants, and furnish a 
large quantity of flowers for cutting. Look over the 
old stock and see that they are perfectly free of green¬ 
fly, which is liable to increase at an enormous rate at 
this season of the year. Plants so affected should be 
dipped in a mixture of soft soap and water, afterwards 
washing them with clean, soft water. Stake up all 
that require it. 
Climbers. —As in the warmer houses, so in the 
greenhouse, a large number of climbers now require 
timely attention. Some of the Kennedyas, such as K. 
Marryattae and K. prostata, and Hardenbergias, such as 
H. Comptoniana and H. monophylla, are in flower, and 
should be disturbed as little as possible. Such things 
as Bignonia Cherere, Jasminum, Tecoma, Passiflora 
ccerulea, Tacsonias, Trachelospermum jasminoides, 
Mandevillea suaveolens, Swainsonias, Cobaea scandens 
and its variegated variety, all require unremitting 
attention to maintain order and regulate the shoots as 
growth proceeds. Encourage the production of strong 
young shoots from the base of the Lapagerias, and 
assiduously guard against slugs, which are very fond of 
the fleshy and tender young stems. Baits in the shape 
of slices of Carrot, Turnip, or Cabbage leaves will offer 
counter attractions ; and it may even be necessary to 
place glass round the young shoots till they get firm. 
THE FRUIT HOUSES. 
Peaches. —The fruit in the earliest house is now past 
the critical period of stoning, or will soon be so, and 
when such isthe case the temperature at night may safely 
be raised to 60°, with an increase of 15 3 by day, or even 
more if the fruit be required at an early date. A high 
temperature by da) 7 , especially from sun-heat, is of 
much more material advantage to the trees than a high 
night temperature. Close the house early, syringing 
and damping down heavily. Attention to stopping 
and tying is also of great importance, as well as the 
thinning out of the fruit where it is too crowded, or 
if the crop is too heavy for the trees to mature. 
The Orchard House. —During the prevalence of 
cold, blustering north and east winds the house must 
not be too freely ventilated on the exposed side ; but 
at the same time it is essential that a current of air in 
the house should be permitted, in order to prevent 
stagnation and to assist in a free dispersion of the 
pollen, as a good crop cannot otherwise be secured. 
