Medium Growers

Alstromerias, in variety Anemone Japonica, and varieties Campanula Persicifolia, blue.

„ „ Alba, white.

Chrysanthemum Maximum, in variety Geranium Pratense, blue Gypsophila Paniculata, white Iris, German, various colours.

Liliums, various.

Lychnis Vespertina, double white Michaelmas Daisies, in variety Paeonies, in variety Pentstemons, in variety Phloxes, in variety Spiraeas, in variety Veronicas, in variety.

Tall Growers

Aconitum (Monkshood), blue Asters, perennial, in variety Bocconia (Plume Poppy), cream Delphiniums, mostly blue Epilobium (Willow Herb), red Eremurus Himalaicus, white Galega (Goat's Rue), lavender and white Gynerium (Pampas Grass),white Helianthus(Sunflower), in variety Hollyhocks, in variety Kniphofias (Tritoma), in variety Liliums, in variety Michaelmas Daisies, in variety Polygonum Baldschuanicum, white Romneya Coulteri, white Rudbeckias, in variety Solidago (Golden Rod), yellow Verbascums (Mulleins), yellow Christmas Roses, Crocuses, Crown Imperials, Daffodils, Gladioli, Galtonia (Hyacinthus) Candicans, Tulips, and other bulbous and allied plants will also prove useful.

Half-Hardy Annuals

In our glance through the seed catalogues we saw that Asters, Ten-week Stocks, Neme-sias, Marigolds, Phlox Drummondii, and Zinnias could be procured in mixed packets, or in assortments of separate colours. The latter are only superior when colour grouping or bedding is desired. Early March is a good time to sow, because then there is a prospect of their being strong when the time comes for putting them out of doors. It is an advantage to have a hotbed, because the seeds germinate the quicker for bottom heat; but they will grow in a warm greenhouse. The hints on sowing small seeds given in the first chapter may be followed. The great points are - (1) fine, moist soil; (2) thin sowing; (3) light covering; (4) careful watering; (5) abundant ventilation directly the plants come through; (6) early pricking-off to prevent overcrowding. In the absence of a greenhouse, and if there is only one frame, it will be wise to defer sowing for a month, as it is dangerous to raise plants in a hotbed frame and have nowhere to harden them. The seeds will germinate in an unheated frame in April.

Propagating Dahlias

With mild weather there may be signs of growth in the Dahlia stools that were taken up and stored in autumn. Should there be no such signs, the grower who wishes to get some shoots for early cuttings can easily stimulate the roots by putting them in heat. As soon as growth starts the tubers ought to be raised near the glass, so that the shoots may be kept short and sturdy. If the stools are left in a low, semi-dark place, such as under a greenhouse stage, the shoots become long and weak. The shoots make good cuttings when they are thickset, and about three inches long. They should be taken off without any of the neck to which they are attached, and inserted singly in 3-inch pots, in very sandy soil. They should be made quite firm. With warmth they will soon strike root. If kept near the glass (and in April they will be safe in a frame, with protection in frosty weather) they will extend slowly, but sturdily, and by the end of May will be about a foot high, strong, short-jointed, and just right for planting. Buyers of Dahlias should not try to get the plants from the nurseryman yet; in the first place because he has not had time to get his stock prepared, and in the second because, if he had, they could not be planted for several weeks. But it may be desirable to order the plants now, for delivery in May, especially if new and scarce varieties are wanted, to avoid the risk of the dealer being sold out of special sorts required.

Fig. 32. - Propagating Dahlias.

a. A cluster of old tubers.

b. Young growths.

C. One suitable for a cutting.

d. Cutting prepared for insertion.

e. Cutting inserted in a deep flower pot.

NEMESIA STRUMOSA SUTTONI - A PRETTY AND FREE-FLOWERING HALF-HARDY ANNUAL FOR GREENHOUSE OR GARDEN.