CALENDAR FOR APRIL. 
77 
Flower Garden. Among the first and most beautiful spring 
flowers is the Auricula, which reaches perfection this month, 
and at no season does it require more attention than the fort¬ 
night previous to the expansion of its flowers ; the least neglect 
proving fatal to a fine bloom ; and from the variable state of the 
weather, generally in April, the florist’s anxiety and cares cease 
not but with the blooming; they require plenty of air to give 
strength to the rising stem ; green-edged flowers cannot be 
bloomed too gradually; these the sun should never reach after 
the pips are full-sized ; seifs also should be kept back as much 
as possible, as most of them are early flowerers and last but a 
short time; if manure water is used it should be very sparingly, 
but keep the plants constantly moist with pure soft water ; pro¬ 
tect them from frost, cold winds and rain. 
Picottees and Carnations, if not potted last month, should be 
done without delay; stand them where they will receive the 
benefit of sun and air, and be protected from cutting winds. It 
is sometimes recommended to shelter tulips with an awning at 
this season ; this we are of opinion is unnecessary and hurtful, 
as tending to draw them up weakly ; if protection is at all ne¬ 
cessary this month, it is only on frosty nights succeeding wet 
days, at any other time tulips should have all the weather. 
Cuttings of Dahlias may still be taken, those already struck 
should be potted singly in small pots, and gradually inured to 
the open air. Keep Chrysanthemums well watered, that the 
shoots may grow strong ; their propagation had better be deferred 
till next month. Sow more Annuals, both tender and hardy, for 
succession ; those which were sown last month for pot culture 
should be encouraged by repotting; bottom heat, &c. as they 
require it. See that plants for bedding out, and which are now 
in small pots, do not want for water; some of the hardiest may 
be planted out by the end of the month. The beds and borders 
of the flower garden should now wear a neat appearance; alte¬ 
rations and planting should be finished without delay. Mow 
and roll the grass frequently; this if attended to in the begin¬ 
ning of the season, saves much labour, and causes a much finer 
sward. Gravel walks should be turned and dressed, hedges 
clipped, and all ground work finished, that it may not interfere 
with the business of furnishing the beds next month. 
