Zonal Geraniums For Winter

Zonals in pots, struck from cuttings a few weeks ago, will be sturdy plants now, possibly in a cold frame. It is Geranium nature to start flowering at the first opportunity, and all healthy young plants may be expected to produce buds as naturally as a cockerel tries to crow. The early bloom should be suppressed in the interests of future excellence. If there are any very weak thin shoots on the plants, they had better be removed also. Four or five strong branches will be quite enough. An occasional application of fertiliser will do good. Watering and ventilation should have constant attention. There is not likely to be any trouble from insects.

Fig. 57. - Staking Gladioli (p. 305).

a. The lowest ligature, b. The central one. c. How the end of the spike must be drawn to the stake, d. e. The spike staked and growing quite straight.

Gladioli

These beautiful flowers will be near the flowering stage, if not actually blooming. The stems ought to be supported with stakes if they are being left to develop, or they may be broken off by a heavy wind; but the amateur should never fear to cut the spikes while young, on the ground of spoiling the bed, because if the plants are strong, successional spikes will appear. Good judgment should be exercised in cutting. If some spikes are taken, and others near them left, the bed will be kept gay, while at the same time the house vases are kept furnished. It is a great pleasure to see flowers unfolding in water. Soakings of liquid manure will help the plants to throw up abundance of successional spikes.

Support For Dahlias

Some Dahlias are opening their first flowers, and all are developing rapidly. Old plants generally bloom earlier than young ones, and no impatience need be felt if the latter do not show signs of being at their best before September. We want our Dahlias for late summer and autumn, and are rather pleased than annoyed if they refuse to bloom early. The plants ought to be looked over now, in order to make sure that they are adequately supported. August gales are not common, but they come sometimes, and are apt to do a great deal of damage by catching gardeners unawares. It is often thought that plants are quite safe, when examination reveals that the tying material has partially rotted away, and needs renewal. If the shoots of Dahlias are numerous and crowded, they must be thinned out - that is, if fine flowers are wanted. Liquid manure will be of great help to the plants.

Fig. 58. - Staking Dahlias.

a. The stake so inserted as to avoid damaging the tubers.

b. How to fasten the main stem to the stake.

Butterfly Flowers For Spring

Mid-August is a suitable time for making a sowing of Butterfly Flowers (Schizanthus) to bloom in the greenhouse next spring. They are charming plants, and give very little trouble. About a dozen seeds may be sown in fine soil in a 6-inch pot, and when the seedlings appear they can be thinned down to five of the best; or the plants can be raised in boxes, pricked off, and potted singly in 5-inch. They will be all right on a light, airy greenhouse shelf through the winter.