THE GARDENING WORLD. 
February 4. 1905. 
88 
Among the Orchids. 
Phaius. —The plants of the Madagascar species, P. simulants, 
better known in gardens as P. tuberculosus, have now their 
flower-scapes in a forward state ; every care will be necessary 
to induce them to expand their flowers in a satisfactory manner. 
Fluctuation of temperature combined with too* much moisture 
in the atmosphere or excessive root moisture is most fatal at 
the time the flower-buds are developing. To expand the flowers 
successfully, the plants require to be placed in a position in 
the house where the temperature is least subjected to outside 
conditions, and where they may obtain the assistance of all 
available light. P. simulans was considered a species which 
could only be successfully cultivated in a hot, humid atmo¬ 
sphere. There is no doubt in my mind that it is to this system 
of treatment we can attribute the gradual decline of the con¬ 
stitution of the plants and their ultimate destruction. 
There is generally an alternative method in cultivation 
which is not always attempted, but sometimes leads to success. 
Several plants here had been subjected to the orthodox system 
of cultivation for many years, not proving altogether success¬ 
ful. A few of the plants were removed from their hot quarters 
and given a position in an intermediate house among the 
Cypripediums. The result has been remarkable, for, notwith¬ 
standing the fact that the plants have been used for hybridisa¬ 
tion purposes and carried seedpods, they have gained strength, 
some of them at the present time having stronger growth than 
the normally imported ones, and the flower-scapes are far more 
satisfactory than we have ever had them before. 1 do not 
attribute anything to potting compost, as only peat, sphag¬ 
num, and a few chopped leaves are included, thus leaving 
nothing to be added to the usual compost that has been given. 
It is simply the lower and more even temperature that has 
proved satisfactory. 1 have no hesitation in advising my 
readers to try the system with a few of the plants under the 
cooler treatment, placing them well down among the plants on 
the stages, and not suspending them near the roof glass. 
The hybrids that have been derived from the influence of P. 
simulans form a most interesting and desirable section of 
spring-flowering plants. Where they do satisfactorily they 
quickly make large specimens, and are most useful for exhibi¬ 
tion or house decorative purposes. "W e have had plants in the 
drawing-room here for as much as six weeks at a stretch, and 
the plants have suffered no- ill effects. It has been rather bene¬ 
ficial than injurious, for the plants thus used seemed to be 
benefited by the rest thus afforded. We have so many objec¬ 
tions to the hybrid Phaius, because, like the deciduous 
Calanthes, they are subjected to disfigurement by the same 
black spot on the foliage and flower-scapes. I am convinced 
thev are both brought about by the same cause too high tem¬ 
peratures and excess of moisture in the atmosphere. Let those 
who have failed attempt their culture in the Cattleya house, or 
if this proves too overcharged with atmospheric moisture, the 
drier conditions afforded in the Mexican house. A winter tem¬ 
perature of from 55 deg. to 60 deg. is ample. P. Cooksonii, 
P. Norman, in its remarkable and varied characteristics, P. 
Harold and P. Clive, will thrive successfully under this, or even 
a few degrees lower than the above-mentioned temperatures. 
These are now advancing their flower-scapes and may need 
careful observation to protect them from insect pests. Tlirips 
and red spider are very troublesome on the foliage with exces¬ 
sive-fire-heat in request- Cockroaches attack the flower-buds 
in a young state. Poison, laid about the stages and their 
haunts, and hollowed-out Potatos, searched nightly, prove 
effective remedies. There are many who advise the use of 
liquid manure, but I find if the plants are properly provided 
for. there is no need of feeding of any description for Orchids. 
There has been no manure or feeding of any description gir en 
our plants since I have had charge of the collection, excepting 
the Calanthes. I have always been opposed to feeding Orchids, 
and have no reason to advocate a formula of any description. 
H. J. Chapman. 
The Flower Carden. 
Sweet Peas. — There are few annuals which for beauty and 
general utility can vie with the garden forms of Lathyrus 
odoratus. In practically all gardens Sweet Peas are grown in 
some way or other, either for cutting or for ornamental effect. 
The conventional method is like that adopted for culinary 
Peas, viz., long straight lines, usually of mixed colours or of 
distinct colours adjoining each other ; the latter method is pre¬ 
ferable to the former, but best of all I consider is the plan of 
growing in separate groups of distinct colours. In this way, 
Sweet Peas may be made to form a striking feature of the 
mixed border, as with the wide range of colours, passing 
through red, white, blue, and pink, some very charming effects 
can be produced. An excellent arrangement is to have alter¬ 
nate groups of Sweet Peas and Dahlias; the former will give a 
sweet and pleasing display in the earlier part of summer, while 
when the Peas are over the Dahlias will be effective through 
late summer and far into autumn. 
The season of the Sweet Pea will be much extended by 
making successional sowings. The first batch may be sown in 
5-in. pots early in February, and should be grown from the 
first in a cold frame from which frost is excluded. When ger¬ 
mination has taken place the seedlings should be accorded all 
the light and air possible, and if kept near the glass, growth 
will be slow but sturdy and by the beginning of April they may 
lie planted out. The usual method is to plant in circular form, 
as this allows of staking being done- more conveniently, but the 
exact form is a matter of taste and may vary with the size of 
the clumps. Usually one sowing in pots will be sufficient, the 
successional batches being sown in their flowering quarters. As 
varieties are so numerous and individual tastes differ so 
greatly, it would be futile to attempt to say which are the best 
varieties, but the following are all good:—Whites: Blanche 
Burpee, Emily Henderson. Beds: Salopian and Prince of 
Wales. Pinks: Lovely, Duchess of Sutherland. Salmon : 
Miss Willmott. Bose: Lord Kenyon. Blue: Captain of the 
Blues and Navy Blue. The list might be extended indefinitely, 
but reference to any good catalogue will reveal a wealth of 
varieties from which it is difficult to pick the best. 
General Work. A few roots of Dahlias may now be placed 
in heat to afford cuttings in several weeks’ time ; strong bottom 
heat is not essential, but a position exposed to full light 
should be chosen, thus ensuring cuttings of firm texture that 
will not “ flag ” when removed from the old tuber. 
The tops of stock plants of Iresines and Lobelia Erinus may 
be removed and inserted as cuttings, while seeds may be sown 
of Albizzia lophantha and Eucalyptus G-lobulus. B. W. J. 
Hardy Herbaceous Border. 
Replanting Heucheras.—At the time of writing, the sur¬ 
face of the soil is frozen too hard to allow any operations to 
be carried out in the flower borders, but as soon as the ground 
is in a suitable condition the dividing and replanting of the 
various subjects can be resumed if not yet completed. W lien 
it can be induced to flower freely, Heuchera sanguinea is a. 
favourite with everyone, but unfortunately it often proves very 
shy in this respect. I know a considerable difference of opinion 
exists as to the proper method of culture, but we have always 
found thh best results are obtained by dividing the clumps at 
least every two years. W here one intends planting, the 
ground should be well dug, and a good quantity of well-decayed 
leaf-sbil and coarse road sand added, the latter being a veiy 
important ingredient. The position must always be considered, 
and one in total shade, under a north wall, for instance, is in 
my opinion the most suitable. The plants should be at least 
