HOUSE AND GARDEN 
December, igio 
343 
fall. As winter comes on, they 
will require very little water—a 
thorough soaking only when the 
pots threaten to become dried 
out. 
Of late years the Araucaria has 
been a great favorite at Christ¬ 
mas time, and certainly its sym¬ 
metrical and beautiful foliage 
and strong habit of growth make 
it very desirable. Nothing looks 
healthier or stronger than one of 
these fine evergreens, but I have 
seen many that had made the 
trip from abroad and had spent a 
year or more in the florist’s care, 
only to turn brown and die after 
a few weeks’ neglect, or, more 
frequently, over-care, in their 
final destination. The trouble is 
that they don’t give us warning, 
by shedding their leaves, that 
they need a rest. In spite of its gay appearance, the Araucaria 
that comes in to us at Christmas Eve is in the middle of its resting 
period. It should be kept in a cool, almost cold, place, and watered 
only often enough to prevent its drying out. Too much heat and 
water will promptly kill it. In early spring plunge it outdoors in 
a large pot, where it will have shade part of the day and will not 
be so likely to dry out. Rich loam, two parts, with one each of 
leaf-mould and sand, with a little wood ashes, will make the right 
potting soil. 
The azalea is another Christmas plant that goes too frequently 
to an untimely and unnecessary grave or pyre. It also is often 
killed by care, as promptly as by neglect. When your plant comes, 
it will probably be in full bloom. At this time — in fact, during the 
whole growing season—it requires abundant water. As soon as 
the blooming season is over, you must do the work for next year’s 
success with this beautiful shrub. 
Either mix for yourself, or procure from the florist’s, soil com¬ 
posted as follows: Three parts peat, one part each of sand, leaf- 
mould and loam. It is important that it be thoroughly mixed, not 
merely in layers. Use pots only one size larger than that in which 
the plant is growing. Loosen up 
the ball of roots with the fingers, 
shaking off all loose soil; wash it 
off, if necessary, but be careful 
not to injure the roots. See that 
the new pot is thoroughly drain¬ 
ed, and with a little broken char¬ 
coal on top of the crocking. If 
the ball of roots is still compact 
and hard, loosen it still further by 
carefully working holes in it with 
a spike or sharp piece of wood. 
This is to insure penetration of 
air and water. Now comes the 
important part — ramming the soil 
about the old ball of roots in the 
new pot. With the trowel handle 
or a blunt stick of handy size, 
pack down each handful of dirt 
put in around the old root-ball. 
There is little danger of your 
getting it too hard. Where the 
roots leave the stem of the plant near the top of the soil, they 
should be left exposed, and the soil sloped up toward the edge of 
the pot to within half an inch of the rim. This leaves a saucer¬ 
shaped space for the water, deepest about the stem of the plant, 
which will insure some of its getting to the center of the ball of 
roots. Give the plant one thorough soaking, and no additional wa¬ 
ter for several days, or until new growth starts. Keep in a shady, 
sheltered place, to prevent too rapid drying out. Syringe the 
leaves daily for a week. If the plant is not shapely, trim it imme¬ 
diately after blooming, to the desired form. From now on keep in 
a cool place, with plenty of air and light and frequent syringing, 
until it can be plunged in a well-drained spot in the border. Here 
it will need little attention except watering, and can stay until 
there is danger of frost. When brought into the house again, keep 
as cold (without danger of freezing) as possible. The longer the 
plant is held back, the better the flowers will be. When the buds 
begin to swell, applications of mild liquid manure or top-dressing 
of prepared plant-food will give good results and will greatly 
assist in keeping the azalea in bloom all winter. 
(Continued on page 386) 
When your azalea reaches you it will probably be in full bloom 
and will require abundant water; this is best given by letting 
the whole pot stand for an hour in a bucket of water 
The begonia is a splendid all-year-round The Chinese primrose is another favorite '1 he baby rambler, a dwarf hybrid of the 
plant for the house. It likes plenty of Christmas plant. Keep it rather cool and crimson rambler, should be kept in a mod- 
liquid manure and water avoid wetting the leaves erate temperature and repotted in the spring 
