378 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
which is nearly a pure white at this date. I send a 
few blooms for you to see. Before leaving the glass 
structures, notice ought to be taken of the new seed¬ 
ling Orange, Edith Cave, which was certificated 
about two years ago. Small plants in 6-in and 7-in. 
pots are carrying three and four fruits respectively, 
and I learned they were exceptionally good eating. 
A house of Tomatos was quite a sight, dozens of 
ripe fruits were hanging, and hundreds in a green state 
to come on. Quantities have been gathered almost 
daily during the past three months- They were all 
in 9-in. and 10-in. pots and by name Challenger. A 
few Pines are grown, but not in quantity, while the 
Fig house had just been started. The pleasure 
grounds are not very extensive, though a good sized 
piece was taken in last year and planted with 
Conifers and flowering shrubs. These, in spite of 
the severe drought last summer, were all thriving 
nicely. 
The kitchen garden is of good size and had been 
relieved of its various winter crops, and all vacant 
ground had been dug and in readiness for spring 
cropping, The family do not reside here very much, 
their longest stay being about three months from 
August. The produce is sent them twice a week 
when at Stoneleigh House, Clifton. The whole place 
reflects great credit on the able young gardener, Mr. 
Reynolds, who took charge here a little over two 
years ago, and came from Gunnersbury Park, Acton, 
the seat of Messrs, de Rothschild, where he gained 
good experience, especially with their favourite 
flower the Carnation.— J. M.,B. 
[The flowers of the Chrysanthemum still in bloom 
at Sidbury Manor, as related by our correspondent, 
duly reached us. They are of moderate size, as 
becomes a purely decorative variety, and of the 
purest white till getting old, when a few of the outer 
florets assume a blush tint. The variety belongs to 
the Japanese section, and has curled and twisted 
florets, reminding us somewhat of Florence Percy. 
It has every appearance of being a valuable late 
variety.— Ed.] 
--•*>- 
DECORATIVE PLANTS IN SMALL 
POTS. 
(1 Concluded from p. 363). 
Let us take the case of Palms or other decorative 
plants of large size to be used as single specimens in 
vases. When it is known what is the maximum size 
of pot these will take, it is not at all advisable to 
come up to this size by at least one shift. By keep¬ 
ing to the smaller pot there will be room for a lining 
of moss around the outside of the pot, which must 
act favourably to the roots, and to the plant itself, by 
reason of the protection in a measure from extreme 
variations of temperature. When plants from the 
stove or temperate house take water pretty freely, 
there is less need of any apprehension of harm 
coming to them. Decorative plants should be potted 
at various seasons, so that there is always a stock in 
hand with their pots full of roots. Where it is 
possible, those fit for use should have the more airy 
situation and less atmospheric moisture accorded 
them. In other words, there should be a pit for 
growing the plants up to a certain stage, and then a 
house in which to keep them afterwards. It 
always pays to have such a pit to supply the stove in 
any case. This does not imply that a surplus over 
and above what is needed should be grown ; it is a 
mistake, and one which most of us, I think, make in 
some form or other of growing more plants than we 
actually need to do. It should be borne in mind 
that three well grown plants are better than four 
average ones, or half-a-dozen indifferent ones, the 
latter frequently taking the most room. 
After all, in regard to table plants (i.e., those for 
the dinner table) more particularly, but which 
I have not hitherto alluded to for this special 
purpose, I must say that in my opinion the 
size of pot is often excessive. Anything beyond 
4j-in. pots (48 ’s) is not needed. Plants large 
enough for all average dining tables can be grown in 
this size of pot. If 6-in. pots (32’s) be used, it means 
that the size is doubled and about twice the amount 
of soil used in which to grow the plants. Horticul¬ 
tural societies are, in a measure, responsible for the 
6-in. pot ; but it is for all practical purposes an 
absurd limit to permit. (Plants of uniform size, as 
usually shown for this purpose generally carry the 
most weight, but most certainly they ought not to do 
so. We never think of using such plants all of one 
height at home—why, therefore, show them ?) Many 
good plants of useful table size can be grown in 60- 
pots, being better suited to small tables in the smaller 
size of vases. Small Crotons, Aralias, and Palms 
can be used in these small pots with good effect. 
Plants of the slender growing Palms, such as Cocos 
weddeliana, Chamaedorea glaucifolia, &c., when in 
these small pots make excellent centres to dwarf 
arrangements of cut flowers. 
Plants used for dinner tables are frequently left 
too long at one time in the room, and thus they more 
easily suffer. No doubt others besides myself have 
noted that the dining-room, when not in use, has 
its windows (and dcors frequently) thrown open ; and 
this is done quite irrespective of the season of the 
year. This must be trying to the constitu¬ 
tion of any comparatively tender plant. In 
supplying plants for this purpose my plan has been 
to change them every day at the time most con¬ 
venient ; so that with these precautions there will not 
be much fear of harm. By this means it is always 
possible to give greater variety, and also to select 
such, day by day, during severe wintry weather, as 
are best suited to withstand the cold. As a protec¬ 
tion to table plants, whilst being taken from their 
growing quarters to the dining room, I have used a 
long box in which each one could be laid down. 
When the Kentias were first introduced in any 
quantity for decorative purposes, I recollect seeing a 
batch of well-grown half specimens in extremely 
small pots compared with the size of the plants. 
That sight impressed me more than ever of the 
mistake made when over-potting or any approach to 
it was tolerated. Kentias are particularly well 
adapted for confining in quite small pots. They 
make more fibrous roots than some Palms, appearing 
to penetrate every atom of soil. Of course everyone 
who has any acquaintance with decorative Palms 
knows the great, and quite indispensable uses, that 
are now made of the Kentias. They are most 
accommodating plants, lasting a long time in good 
condition, under adverse circumstances, being 
quite at home in a cool house, a temperate 
house, or a hot-house. I have grown small plants in 
a house, that every night with sharp frosts, falls to 
40 0 and even lower. 
Cocos weddeliana is another instance in which 
overpotting is a mistake. With less pot-room the 
growth is hardier, and thus the plant will withstand 
a lower temperature that in which it is usually 
grown. Cocos plumosa under the same conditions 
makes a far more useful plant. This, too, I have 
kept in a minimum temperature of 40® during the 
winter, but the pot itself stood immediately over the 
hot-water pipes. Of other plants, I would briefly 
allude to the species of Chamaedoreas, such as C. 
glaucifolia and C. graminifolia, two most useful 
species, particularly in exhibition groups, both being 
of slender, elegant growth, thriving well under small 
pot culture. Euterpe edulis and Areca lutescens are 
two other examples. Since the advent of the Kentias i 
however, these and other good Palms do not find so 
much favour, yet they are equally as beautiful and 
quite distinct also. Grasses in pots, such as Eulalia 
japonica and the varieties of Carex and Cyperus are 
all more enduring when confined at the roots. If 
they be overpotted, the growth will exceed what is 
actually required. The varieties of Asparagus, such 
as A. plumosa and A. deflexus will both be of good 
service when pot-bound, the growth thus made 
rendering them better suited for the purpose. 
Of plants of rapid growth, the Coleus affords an 
example of the futility of over-potting when required 
for use as decorative subjects, this being the special 
purpose for which many grow them. With the pots 
full of roots and the growth not quite so luxuriant, 
but the colour oftentimes better, the chance of 
injury is more remote. Take again of annuals, the 
Celosia. Unless large plants be aimed at, by far the 
best results will be secured by keeping to 4J in. aDd 
6 in pots. 
Looking at decorative plants in the widest aspect 
possible, I am fully convinced that over-potting only 
aggravates the case and hastens the end of the plants 
themselves, reasons for which have been given. The 
mere fact of neediDg more frequent waterings is as 
nothing compared with the corresponding advantages 
in other ways. The length of time during which 
some plants will endure in pots of confined size is 
quite remarkable. I had an Aralia elegantissima in 
a 4$ in, pot which was about 5J ft. high, with healthy, 
well-developed foliage within a foot of the pot. 
February 13, 189?. 
Crotons will carry their leaves down into the soil as 
struck from the cutting until they reach a height of 
2 ft. and upwards on the single stem. Firm potting 
and good soil are ample until the pots are full of 
roots, then it is necessary to feed them pretty freely. 
I have tried most of the artificial manures of past 
years for Palms, but after all no better results have 
been accomplished than when using Standen's 
Gardeners' and Amateurs' Friend, for some fifteen 
years back. This manure is highly concentrated, 
hence less is needed ; but as it penetrates the soil it 
does specially good service. As a change of 
stimulant I advocate the use of soot and liquid 
manure from the farm yard, used of course in a clear 
state. Once a week for each of these stimulants will 
be sufficient, it being borne in mind that it is a very 
easy matter to overdose the plants and make the 
soil in time sour ; this m eans a decline in health and 
vigour before long. 
Bulbs. —I have not alluded thus far to bulbs, but 
here again the evil of over potting is quite manifest. 
These, taken as a class of plants, are predisposed to 
make excessive leaf growth when over-potted, 
particularly such as are given entirely fresh soil every 
season. Besides imported bulbs, Tuberoses, 
Begonias, and Gloxinias are cases in point. Those 
of more permanent character, such as Clivias, Pan¬ 
cratium fragrans, and Eucharis, all evergreen kinds, 
will flower more freely when not over-potted, being 
likewise of more sturdy character. 
Primulas from amongst plants annually raised 
from seed are instances of what may be accomplished 
under small pot culture. Plants of these useful 
decorative subjects will do better service in 48-sized 
pots than in 32’s. Grow them in the latter of course 
for large plants to stand in conservatories, &c., but 
keep to the smaller pots when their use is chiefly in 
request in the house. Instances could be multiplied, 
if it were needed, but the chief point at which I have 
endeavoured to direct my remarks has been the 
culture of decorative plants generally. I have not 
attempted to give lists of suitable plants ; these are I 
think sufficiently well known amongst most of us. 
— Jas. Hudson, Gunnersbury House, Acton, IF. 
—f—- - 
CANFORD MANOR WIMBORNE. 
Ex, ensive improvements have recently been made 
in the beautiful gardens here. The pleasure grounds 
have been greatly increased and well-planted. A 
splendid new Rose garden has been formed ; many 
hundreds of all the leading varieties have bean 
planted. A beautiful rock-work garden is of addi¬ 
tional interest; and is well-formed and planted with 
plants suitable for that purpose. When it looses its 
new appearance, it will be a valuable addition to the 
many features of interest here. Lady Wimborne is 
an enthusiastic gardener, and takes great interest in 
the garden. She is well-supported by Mr. Wilfred 
Ward, who has charge of this important part of the 
estate. The grounds are well kept, and well planted 
with numerous hardy trees, shrubs and Coniferae. 
Herbaceous plants are extensively planted in suit¬ 
able positions. All parts and places in the garden 
seem to have been studied, receiving the necessary 
attentions to make the same interesting. 
Additions in the way of plant houses have recently 
been erected. A large imposing house, divided into 
sections, now contains useful plants for decorative 
work, and cut flowers. A grand lot of Palms 
occupies one division ; various other foliage plants 
another. A splendid lot of Gardenias fills another, 
and these are very well done, abundantly set with 
buds, and should produce a fine lot of flowers about 
Easter. Another range of span-roof houses contains 
a grand collection of stove flowering and foliage 
plants, grown principally for table work. A few 
good useful Orchids are noticeable, also ; not rare 
sorts, but those which one can make good use of. 
A special feature here is Carnations. How popular 
these have become, and justly so when done as seen 
here. One span-roof house is full of the Malmaison 
varieties, which are grand examples of cultivation. 
The plants have twenty to thirty and forty shoots, 
all clean, strong and vigorous; in fact for strength 
and cleanliness I have never seen them excelled. 
These are giving some grand flowers, and will 
continue to do so for months. In another house are 
all the leading varieties of tree Carnations, which are 
equally well done, and producing grand flowers, which 
are cut in great quantities. 
