Timely Garden Suggestions 
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of the year, will effect an early and vigorous spring 
growth. The mulching of rose and other plants, the 
roots of which are near the surface, prevents alternate 
freezing and thawing. Therefore in latitudes where 
the roots are liable to freeze, or freezing thaw 
out during the winter, heavy mulching should be 
done. 
Chrysanthemum exhibitions are features this 
month. It will be well for the gardener to attend one 
or more of these shows. In all probability there will 
be seen a variety of the flower the acquisition of which 
for next season will be very desirable. Some of these 
exhibitions are remarkable for the variety and fine 
quality of the blooms shown. 
The Crimson Rambler and all other roses in pots 
should be kept rather dry, with full exposure to the 
sun, that the wood may become thoroughly ripened 
to better withstand winter freezes. 
Tree planting is now in order. Planting now 
means the gain of a season with many trees, and it can 
be done vastly more satisfactory than in spring. 
Plants which are desired to bloom by Christmas 
should show buds by the loth or 15th of this month. 
For forcing give the plants the best possible sunny 
location indoors where a minimum temperature of not 
less than sixty-two degrees is maintained; give 
liquid food at least twice a week. For succession of 
blooms, advance the plants to the light in the house. 
Hybrid perpetual roses, pots or boxes, do best 
when left out until rather severe weather sets in. It 
is a mistake to drench rose plants after they are 
housed: they only require sufficient water to keep 
them from shriveling. 
When the annuals have been exhausted; when but 
few perennials are seen, the Japanese anemones come 
in their loveliness and beauty. There is nothing 
more charming than the “wind flower. ” A sheltered 
position, yet with plenty of sun and protection in the 
event of early frost before bloom is necessary. 
Lily-of-the-valley and spiraea are now coming to 
hand. After unpacking soak the clumps and pips 
for a lew hours and keep either in the open ground or 
a cold frame where they will freeze. The roots must 
be frozen before forcing is begun. 
Lily-of-the-valley is clamorous for a brisk, moist 
heat of from seventy-five to eighty degrees, while 
the bottom heat may be raised to ninety degrees. 
The pips may be placed in sand, loam or moss, and 
kept close and dark until grown about three inches. 
Then admit light to allow development of foli¬ 
age; the flowers are not half so beautiful without 
foliage. 
If the spiraea is not to be used until Easter let it 
remain dormant for some time yet. The best varie¬ 
ties to grow are S. compacta grandtflora, S. astilboides 
florihunda, Gladstone, and Washington. The two 
latter are comparatively new varieties. 
How often does the house plant need to be watered ? 
Just as often as it needs it is the only logical answer. 
Nor is this any arbitrary answer. The weather, 
atmosphere and temperature of a room may vary so 
much that no rule as to watering at regular intervals 
would apply. 
A good test is to strike the pot sharply with a hard 
implement, and if the sound is sharp and clear the 
plant needs water; if the sound is dull, water is not 
needed. When water is needed give a good water- 
ing- 
Set pots in saucers or plates. Cleanliness, drainage 
and air passage are then provided and all roots get 
the necessary supply of oxygen to induce growth. 
Mignonette calls for cool weather. The plants 
should be supported before they become too large. 
Disbud to secure stout stalks. Night temperature 
of forty or forty-five degrees is sufficient. Keep the 
benches moist and apply liquid manure in periods 
of ten days. 
Tuberoses, gloxinias, ackinenes and begonias are 
to be put away. Do not place them too near hot 
water or steam pipes. Do not let the pots become 
sodden from drippings from the benches. 
Have a supply of turt cut and stacked. It fern 
fibre of sphagnum moss is needed now is the time to 
provide for all requirements. 
Some of the bulb dealers are offering this year 
choice collections of hardy bulbs for outdoor culture. 
There are but very few sections of the country but 
where hardy bulbs can yet be planted in the open- 
in beds and in the lawn. The very finest outdoor 
displays of the early spring months are obtained from 
bulbs planted about this time. What is more charm¬ 
ing than a bed of hyacinths and tulips following close 
upon the disappearance of the winter snows ^ Bril¬ 
liant effects can be had by massing different colors 
in hyacinths, having regard for those that grow about 
the same height and bloom at the same time. 
Tulips are unequaled for brilliancy of coloring 
and beauty of form. There is nothing more popular 
for bedding of all the hardy bulbous plants. In 
selections, as with the hyacinth, have regard for color 
and average height to get the best effect. The 
best plan is to allow a reliable nurseryman to make 
the selection. 
The Bermuda Easter lily is easily grown and can 
be forced into flower in a very short time. It is well 
adapted to garden culture, but in latitude north of 
Washington should have good cover of ashes or litter 
to protect during the winter months. 
Iris (fleur-de-lis ) can now be had. The Spanish 
iris {Iris Hispanica) is grown largely by florists. 
Protect lightly during the winter months and about 
April cover the beds with glass; the flowers will be 
ready for cutting in May. 
Crocus, narcissus, and anemones do better planted 
now in beds. They require only little protection and 
give good results in early spring. 
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