Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/161

 hole, and work the finest soil gently around the roots, afterwards filling in and treading firmly, so that no holes are left underneath. When the work is finished, the collar — i.e., the point at which stem joins root — should be just below the surface. All " standard " trees, and such bushes as seem to require it, should be supported with a stout stake, driven in before planting is concluded, so as to injure roots as little as possible. Spread a layer of manure over the ground after planting. The figure shows a gooseberry-bush, trained in palmate or gridiron form, "mulched" in this way. This form of training allows plenty of air and sunshine to play about the branches. The largest shoots of the trees may be slightly shortened at planting-time. Wall fruit-trees will be untied, the walls washed, and the trees re-trained. Cuttings of apples, pears, etc., should be inserted this month. These must not exceed a foot in length, and should be taken off the lower portion of a shoot springing from an older one, and, where possible, having a portion of the old wood attached. Insert the cuttings, three-quarters of their length and 4 inches apart, in sandy, well-pre- pared soil, and tread the ground down firmly. This last detail should be attended to whenever the ground is disturbed by frosts. The principles laid down above apply with equal force to rose-trees and ^ other shrubs. Any fruit-trees which have become rank or unfruitful must be root- pruned. This is done by digging out a serviceable trench, chopping off woody tap-roots, and adding good soil to en- courage surface fibres. It should be remembered that the smaller and finer roots really feed a tree or plant ; the woody portion serves only as an anchor. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Jerusalem artichokes will be dug during this month. Other root crops, such as turnips and beetroots, should be lifted and stored. Globe artichokes which have been cut down should be covered with leaves or litter. Asparagus must also be cut down, and the beds cleaned. Clear all vegetable plots which have been cropped, and keep all growing crops clean and free from slugs. Seakale and rhubarb should be covered for forcing. In very warm localities, peas and beans may be sown, with lettuce or radishes between. Potatoes may be set in a sheltered border; but early vegetables can be grown with much success under glass only. THE CONSERVATOR y At this time of year the conservatory should be able to compensate for the increasing dulness out of doors. Chrysanthemums, begonias, camellias, crinums, gladioli, mesembryanthemum conspicuum, and salvias should be in full bloom : also cinerarias 141 THB QARDKN and cyclamens, Scarborough lilies, tuberoses, abutilons, Chinese primulas, pelargoniums, epiphyllums, and such orchids as Odontoglossum crispum and Oncidium Forbesii. One or two uncommon plants for the con- servatory, distinguished by pink flowers, are the following: Luculia gratissima, Bredia hirsuta, and Centropogon Lucyanus. The last is a hybrid of French origin, and is very pretty for hanging baskets. Daphne odora Mazelu is also uncommon and attractive. Much more frequent use might be made of permanent climbers in conservatory decoration. Such plants include Hoya, Clerodendron, Thun- bergia, Solanum, Bougainvillea, Bignonia, Aristo- lochia, and Habrothamnus Newellii. The hand- some seed-vessels of the Cup-and -saucer plant (Coboea scandens) are highly decorative in autumn and winter. Watering should now be done in the morning, and sparingly in dull weather. If mildew appears, dust at once with flower of sulphur. THE GREENHOUSE In the cooi greenhouse — minimum temperature to aim at, 45^ Fahr. — successive batches can be brought on of chrysanthemums, winter- flowering begonias, perpetual carnations, etc. These can be followed by early Roman hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs. Summer-flowering heaths and kindred "American" plants will __^ need keeping as cool as possible. W^here more heat is avail- able, many early-flowering shrubs and roses may be forced, starting th .;m slowly, however. Spiraea confusa, t 1 hunbergias, Prunus sinensis, flore pleno, lilacs, deutzias. Azaleas, Philadelphus, and Viburnums can be treated in the same way ; as also can such flowers as Solomon's seal, lily-of-the-valley, bleed- ing heart, and Astilbe japonica, FRAMES AND PITS Christmas roses should be planted in frames with plenty of soil. This is a far better plan than leaving them out of doors, where the snowy flowers soon become splashed or smutted. Give some mild stimulant twice weekly to bouvardias and cinerarias whose flower- spikes are coming on. Violets must have plenty of air, also lately-rooted bulbs The lights should be removed from rooted cuttings on all mild and Gridiron or palmatC'trained gooseberry Copyrisht VeiUh and lilies. frames of open days. Put stakes to pots of mignonette. Auriculas must be watered carefully. Frames should be protected from frost by a packing of straw or leaves. See that all glass is in a perfectly watertight condition. During wet weather, the inside painting of glass-houses can be done, woodwork and tools repaired, mowing-machines taken to pieces and thoroughly cleaned, fresh labelling attended to, stakes bundled, etc. Plans can also be made for rotation of crops, ajid for fresh planting or other improvements next year.