82S 
THE GARDENERS’ MAGAZINE. 
Noveiibeb 1 
♦ 
t WORK FOR THE WEEK. 
❖ 
❖ 
THE ORCHID HOUSES. 
DENDROBIUM PHAL^.NOPSIS. — In 
private gardens where cut flowers are in de¬ 
mand for decorative purposes during the 
months of October, November, and Decem¬ 
ber, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is one of the 
most serviceable orchids for this purpose. 
During late years this has been imported 
almost annually in large quantities, and 
plants have b^n procurable at a modest 
outlay, either through the importers or at 
the sale rooms. Those requiring this den¬ 
drobium in quantity should purchase im¬ 
ported plants. Not only is there a great 
amount of interest in first flowering imported 
plants, but, what is more important, such 
plants retain their native vigour, and flowers 
are not only produced from the growth de¬ 
veloped, but many spikes proceed from the 
old p.seudo-bulbs. There is also considerable 
variety, varying from pure white to rich 
purple colouring. 
IN OR NEAR TOWNS.—I wish to warn 
all gardeners and amateurs against growing 
D. Phalaenopsis in the immediate neighbour¬ 
hood of London and other large towns where 
fogs are frequent ini the autumn and winter. 
The least fog is sufficient to destroy all ex¬ 
panded flowers, and it is difficult to induce 
the flower buds of any of the plants to ex¬ 
pand after the second week in October in 
fog-affected areas. With a pure atmosphere 
these disadvantages are not felt, and the 
plants are quite easy to grow. 
GENERAL TREATMENT.—The treatment 
this dendrobium requires can usually be 
provided in the plant stove. Pots or shallow 
pans suffice, with very little potting com¬ 
post about the roots. We find the plants do 
best when suspended near the roof glass. 
They commence to make their growth about 
the months of April and May, and potting is 
best attended to when the new growths first 
make their appearance. For potting com- 
po.st use two parts fibrous peat, to one of 
sphagnum, with sufficient broken charcoal 
and .sand added to render it porous. Make 
th,e material firm about the roots and base 
of the plante. From the time growth com¬ 
mences, until the spikes are cut or pass out 
of flower, the plants must have liberal treat¬ 
ment. During the summer they may be 
freely syringed overhead whenever the out¬ 
side conditions permit. During their dor¬ 
mant season they must not be permitted to 
become unduly dry for any lengthened 
period. When the flowers have expanded 
■they should be placed in a position where 
■they do not get wet, and if they can be re- 
rnoved to a slightly drier atmosphere they 
last in perfection for several weeks.—H. J. 
Chapman, Oakwood Gardens. 
CONSERVATORY AND GREEN¬ 
HOUSE. 
PERPETUAL - FLOWERING CARNA¬ 
TIONS.—The watering of these will require 
more than ordinary care during the next two 
or three months, and, although they wiU not 
require so much moisture at the roots as in 
the summer, they must not become too dry. 
K^p the flower buds and young growths 
neatly tied to the stakes, and let them have 
all the light possible. Should the glass out- 
iside become dirty through fogs. Hose no 
time in cleaning it, as this would quickly 
cause the plants to Income weak. Give plenty 
of fresh air during favourable weather, but 
avoid cold draughts. A minimum tempera¬ 
ture of 45 or 50 degrees will suit them dur- 
dng the wiinter. Recently-rooted plants 
should be kept growing near the glass in a 
light structure. Shift them when the pots are 
full of roots, and attend to stopping and 
tying. Use artificial heat sparingly at all 
times. If not already done the young plants 
of Malmaisons must be shifted into 6-inch 
pots. Pot them firmly, using a compost of 
fibrous loam, naturally decayed leaf-soil, 
finely crushed brick-rubble, and coarse sand. 
Keep rather close until they have settled in 
the new soil, and give water with great 
care all through the winter months. 
FREESIAS.—The earliest batch of these 
useful plants may now be given a slightly 
higher temperature. See that they are se¬ 
curely and neatly staked, and keep them 
growing quite near to the glass. As the 
pots b^ome filled with roots a little stimu¬ 
lant may be afforded, increasing this in 
.strength when the flower buds l>egini to de¬ 
velop. Attend to the staking of the later 
plants. 
GENERAL WORK.—Cannas must now be 
induced to rest by gradually withholding 
water. When the foliage begins to die down 
the plants may be laid on their sides be- 
neatli a stage in a cool house, or packed 
closely together in a frostproof shed. Fuch¬ 
sias may also be induced to rest by treat¬ 
ing them similarly. Cinerarias should be 
])laced in a cool house now, giving them a 
position near the glass. Place them, if pos¬ 
sible, on a cool base of ashes or gravel. Use 
fire-heat only to keep them safe from frost, 
and give air abundantly on all favourable 
occasions. Keep a sharp look-out for the leaf 
grub; hand-picking is the surest way of 
eradicating this'pest. Lightly fumigate the 
house at fortnightly intervals to keep the 
plant.s free from aphis. The blinds may now 
i>e removed from most of the houses and 
stored away in a dry place. See that they 
are quite dry l>efore taking them down, and 
mark those which are unfit for another 
season.—E. IIareiss, Lockinge Gardens. 
HARDY FRUITS. 
GATHERING AND STORING.—By this 
date the greater part of our apples and pears 
will have been gathered from the trees, and 
carefully stored, with the exception of a 
few of the very latest kinds. A'orkshire 
Greening, Wellington, and Sturmer Pippin 
all keep much the best when left on the trees 
till very late. Keep the fruit room sweet 
and well ventilated; if a free circulation of 
air can be secured and the temperature kept 
somewhat dry and even, a superior flavour 
will result. Examine the frxiits at intervals, 
remove any that have commenced to decay, 
but do not handle the fruits more than is 
possible. With us apples have this season 
coloured up well and grown to a good size. 
Pears should be kept in a slightly drier and 
warmer place than apples if good fruits are 
to l>e expected after Christmas. One of the 
best pears grown here to ripen at Christ¬ 
mas and in January is Nouvelle Fulvie, raised 
by M. Gregoire Nelis, of Joidoigne, Belgium, 
al>out the year 1854; and Josephine de 
Malines. The latter, in some seasons, keeps 
well till February. 
PEACHES AND NECTARINES. — Any 
necessary root-lifting and pruning should be 
pushed forward, so that the roots may take 
to the fresh soil by the end of the season. 
I have lifted trees bodily early in October 
with every success, and also in March, but 
the latter date only in cases where it was 
really necessary, as the trees do not break 
away so freely or fruit well the first season 
after the operation. Young trees growing 
strongly should receive attention at once; 
take out a trench at a reasonable distance 
from the stem and deep enough to get well 
beneath the roots, then gradually work to¬ 
ward the tr^ and lift the roots 
Any damaged tips should be cut 
root* wplaaS 
If the borders were well prepared 
time of planting new soil need not he ^ 
save a few shovelfuls of a moderjS 
fine compost to shake well amoof 
roots. For older trees soil gb^ u 
renewed to give them a good chaixv to 
and fruit freely for many years to 
Peach trees crowded with'useless wood rS 
be all the better if somewhat thinnwl - Z 
to allow the remaining shoots all the 1^; 
possible. This mostly applies to tm* 
have not received the right attentioB duna 
the growing season. Do not plant too aia 
varieties that ripen about the same Xtm, 
but endeavour, as far as is possible, to 
the best kinds to keep up an unbroken 
for some weeks. In the north and mow » 
favourable parts late kinds must not hi 
planted, as they rarely ripen satisfactorily a 
the open. 
CUTTINGS of gooseberries and black aal 
i-ed currants may be prepared and plaatil 
for supplying plants to fill up gaps. In d 
gardens a few should be propagated » 
nually of the most approved varieties, as tky 
will take up very little space for the te 
.season, and later on prove exceptionally 
fill. See that the cuttings rest firmly oe t 
sandy base, and make them firm. .\ny \nm 
to be planted should receive prompt tttca- 
tion.—H. Markham, Mrotham Park Gardesa 
THE KITCHEN CARDEN. 
ASPARAGUS.—Tlie permanent beds *1 
now require attention; cut down the 
growths close to tlie soil, clear the ground ^ 
all weeds and rubbish, and apply a thoroafi 
dressing of half-decayed farmyard niaaiJ*. 
Soils deficient in potash will be materinlh 
improved by a go^ dres.sing of kainit, a» 
this should be applied at tha rate of 4 
5oz. per square vard, previous to puttmg « 
the manure. 'The alley-ways should » 
marked out and the trimmings spread o** 
the manure, making all tidy for the 
Preparations for forcing will have to 
considered where early asparagus is m » 
mand. Though it can be brought for^ 
quite easily under various condition * _ 
heat can be employed, one of the nio« » 
factory methods is that of starting i 
mild hotbed made up in a deep pit, w • 
required, artificial heat can be 
during severe weather. hen ^ 
do not expo.se them to the air 
is absolutely necessary; take up and 
with the greatest possible speed. 1 , 
to bear in mind that the « 
improved when the asparagus is g . 
near the glass as possible, ^ 
beds should be made up 
thin layer of soil should first 
the hotbed material; on this 
packing them as closely as gn 
the crowns with throe o' 
soil, and thoroughly water in . 
water; if a moist atmosphere . 
the new growths will ^ 
batches should be introduced 
requirements. 
MUSHROOMS.—Beds 
alx>ut six weeks ago are showi g be 
and from now onwards will , f *be 
amined frequently. eO deg’'** 
room house can be maintain ,-arf** 
the litter can be removed. ^ degre** 
.soil becomes dry, apply , jj be 
The atmosphere of tl^ the walls 
reasonably moist by ^re ina<k 
paths; where Buccessional 
at regular intervals, the i atnia?^ 
arising from them will render t^ 
most suitable for the 
materials for forming othe ^ ^ 
HERBS.—Some r<»ts ^ 
mint should be potted or . for ^ 
purposes and stood -nid be g^®** ^ 
present. bed of che^il » band-lig!*^''. 
a border and protected it.— 
have a garden frame p p Gard^**' 
Messenger, Woolverstone 
