Gardening for the Million · Chapter 3T. Fisher Unwin (3)
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Bog or Marsh Land.—By planting a few of the more distinct species adapted for such positions, bogs or marshes may be made interesting. The following plants are suitable:—Arundo Donax, Bambusa Fortunei, Cypripedium Spectabile, Dondia Epipactis, Drosera Rotundifolia, Gunnera Scabra, Iris Kaempferi, Iris pseud-Acorus, Juncus Zebrinus, Myosotis Palustris, Osmunda Regalis, Parnassia Palustris, Pinguicula Vulgaris, Polygonum Sieboldi, and Sarracenia Purpurea.
Boltonia Asteroides.—This is a hardy perennial which flowers in September. The same treatment that is given to Asters is suitable for this plant. Height, 3 ft.
Bomarea.—A useful greenhouse climber, the flowers of which are valuable for cutting, as they last a long time in water. It thrives best in a mixture of sand, peat, and loam.
Borago Laxiflora.—This very choice Boragewort is a trailing hardy biennial. It produces lovely pale pendent flowers from June to August, will grow in almost any soil, and can be increased by seed or division. Height, 1 ft.
Borecole, Kale, or Curled Greens.—Sow towards the end of March or early in April. Plant out as soon as ready in moderately rich soil in rows 3 ft. apart, and the plants 2 ft. apart in the rows. If the seed is sown thickly, the young plants must be pricked off into another bed until ready for planting, as strong, sturdy plants always produce the best results. They may succeed peas without any fresh manure.
Boronias.—Greenhouse evergreen shrubs. A single plant of B. Megastigma is sufficient to perfume a good-sized house. B. Drummondi, Elatior, Heterophylla, and Serrulata are all good plants. The pots should be filled with sandy peat and be well drained. They are propagated by cuttings taken at a joint and placed under glass. May is their flowering month. Height, 2 ft.
Bougainvillea.—A greenhouse evergreen climber, thriving best in a loamy soil. It flowers in June, and may be increased by cuttings. Height, 15 ft.
Bousingaultia Basselloides.—A rapidly growing climber, beautiful both in flower and foliage, the former of which is pure white, produced in July in elegant racemes from 6 in. to 8 in. long. It is nearly hardy; very suitable for a cool greenhouse. Any garden soil suits it. Height, 6 ft.
Bouvardias.—Favourite stove plants. They are propagated by pieces of the thick fleshy roots, about 2 in. long, inserted in light, rich, sandy soil, and plunged in a bottom-heat. Plant out in May in rich, light soil, cutting back all the over-vigorous growth, so as to form a well-balanced plant. At the approach of cold weather they may be taken up and potted off, using small pots to prevent them damping off. In a warm greenhouse they will flower all the winter.
Box Edging.—A deep loam suits the box best. Cuttings should be taken early in autumn. Dig a trench, and make the bottom firm and even. Set the young plants thinly and at regular intervals, leaving the tops 1 in. above the surface. Tread the soil firmly against them. Cover with 1 in. of gravel to prevent them growing too luxuriantly. The end of June is a good time for clipping. May be transplanted early in spring or late in autumn. (See also "Buxus.")
Brachycome (Swan River Daisy).—Beautiful little half-hardy annuals bearing cineraria-like flowers that open well in the border in summer. If well watered in autumn and removed to the greenhouse they will continue to bloom during early winter. Sow the seed as for ordinary half-hardy annuals in rich, light mould, covering them sparingly. Bloom in May. Height, 6 in.
Bravoa Geminiflora (Twin Flower).—This hardy bulbous plant bears lovely racemes of coral-coloured flowers in July. A rich loam suits it best. Height, 1 ft.
Briza (Quaking Grass).—There are several varieties of this ornamental hardy annual grass. Briza Gracillis is slender, and very pretty both in a green and dried state. Briza Maxima bears large and handsome panicles. Each variety should be sown in pots, or on a sheltered bed out of doors, early in spring. Height, 1 ft.
Broccoli.—Requires a heavy, deep, rich soil, and liquid manure during growth. For earliest crop sow thinly in beds early in March, giving a little protection if necessary. Successional sowings should be made to the end of June, to produce a constant supply till Cauliflowers are ready. Transplant, when large enough to handle, about 2 ft. from each other. Keep the ground free from weeds, and earth the plants up as they advance in growth. Sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in May for late spring supplies.
Brodiaea Coccinea.—Handsome plants for rock-work or the border. On a dry, light, sandy soil, with plenty of sunshine, their gorgeous spikes of brilliant scarlet flowers are very attractive in May. The bulbs may be planted in November, and left undisturbed.
Broom.—Hardy shrubs thriving in almost any soil. Cuttings will strike if planted in sand under glass. (See also "Genista" and "Spartium.")
Broussonetia Papyrifera.—A very effective deciduous shrub, with large, curiously-cut leaves. It likes an open soil, and is propagated by cuttings. February is its blooming time. Height, 12 ft.
Browallia.—Very handsome half-hardy annuals; will grow readily from seed in any garden soil, but prefer a sandy one. They bloom in July. Height, 2 ft.
Brussels Sprouts.—For a first crop sow early in March, and in April for succession. Transplant as soon as ready into deeply-trenched, well-manured soil, about 2 ft. apart. Hoe well, and keep clear from weeds. For exhibition and early use sow in a greenhouse, or in a frame over a gentle hotbed, about the middle of February; prick off into a cold frame, gradually harden off, and plant out in May.
Bryanthus Erectus.—A hardy evergreen shrub, which will grow in any soil if the situation is shady and damp. It thrives without any sunshine, but will not endure the constant dropping of moisture upon its leaves from trees. Cuttings strike readily. April is its flowering time. Height, 1 ft.
Budding.—Budding consists in raising an eye or bud from one part of a bush or tree and transplanting it to another part, or to any other plant of the same species. The process is not only more simple and rapid than that of grafting, but many leading nurserymen contend that a better union is effected, without the risk of dead wood being left at the junction. It may be performed at any time from June to August, cloudy days being most suitable, as the buds unite better in wet weather. It is chiefly employed on young trees having a smooth and tender bark. Of the various systems of budding, that known as the Shield is probably the most successful. Make a small horizontal cut in the bark of the stock, and also a vertical one about an inch long, thus forming an elongated T shape. Next select a branch of the current year's growth on which there is a well-formed leaf-bud. Pass a sharp knife 1/2 in. above the bud and the same distance below it, taking about a third of the wood with the bud. If in the process of detaching it the interior of the bud is torn away it is useless, and a fresh bud must be taken. Now hold the bud in the mouth, and with as little delay as possible raise the bark of the stock with a knife, insert the bud, and bind it on with raffia. When the bud begins to grow the binding must be loosened. To prevent the shoots being torn away by the wind a stake may be tied on to the stock, and the new shoot secured to it by means of raffia. Fruit trees are sometimes budded close to the soil on stocks 1-1/2 ft. in height. The buds are rubbed off the stock as soon as they appear, but the stock is not cut away until the following spring.
Buddlea.—Half-hardy, tall, deciduous greenhouse shrubs, delighting in a loamy soil mixed with peat. They may be grown out of doors during the summer, but need the protection of a house in winter.
Bugloss (Anchusa).—This showy plant, bearing large blue flowers in June, may be increased by division of the roots into as many plants as there are heads, from slips, or from seed sown in the open border in spring. It is popularly known as Ox-Tongue.
Bulbocodium Trigynum (Colchicum Caucasium).—A miniature hardy bulbous plant, which produces in February and March erect flowers about the size of snowdrops. Set the bulbs in sandy loam or leaf-mould, choosing a sunny situation. The bulbs may be divided every other year. Height, 2 in.
Bulbocodium Vernum (Spring Saffron).—This bulb produces early in spring, and preceding the foliage, a mass of rose-purple flowers close to the ground. It is perfectly hardy, and valuable for edgings or rock-work. Plant in autumn in light vegetable mould, and in a sheltered, well-drained position. It will not grow in stiff, clay soil. The bulbs may be divided every two years, after the tops have died down. This dwarf plant flowers from January to March. Height, 6 in.
Buphthalmum Salicifolium (Deep Golden-yellow Marguerite).—Showy and ornamental hardy perennials. They will grow in any good soil, and flower from May to September; may be increased by suckers. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Burning Bush.—See "Dictamnus" and "Fraxinella."
Buxus (Tree Box).—A useful evergreen shrub which may be grown in any soil or situation. The B. Japonica Aurea is one of the best golden plants known for edgings to a walk. The closer it is clipped the brighter it becomes. Increased by suckers or layers.
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Cabbage.—Sow from February to April for an autumn supply, and in July and August for spring cutting. As soon as the plants have made four or five leaves, transplant into soil that has been liberally manured and trenched, or dug deeply, placing them 18 in. or 2 ft. apart, according to the kind grown. Keep the soil well broken up, and give a liberal supply of liquid manure while they are in a growing state. An open and sunny situation is necessary. Among the best varieties for spring sowing are Heartwell, Early Marrow, Little Pixie, Nonpareil, Sugarloaf, and Early Dwarf York. For autumn sowing, Ellam's Dwarf Early Spring, Defiance, and Enfield Market may be recommended.
Coleworts may be sown in June, July, and August for succession, placing them about a foot apart, and cutting before they heart.
Chou de Burghley is of great value for spring sowing, and will be found very useful during autumn and early in winter. This vegetable is sometimes called Cabbage Broccoli, on account of the miniature Broccoli which are formed among its inner leaves towards autumn.
Couve Tronchuda, known also as Braganza Marrow and Portugal Cabbage, should be sown in March, April, and May for succession.
Savoy Cabbage is sown in March or April, and given the same treatment as other Cabbage. Its flavour is much improved if the plants are mellowed by frost before being cut for use.
Red Dutch is used almost solely for pickling. Its cultivation is precisely the same as the white varieties.
Cacalia.—Hardy annuals, remarkable for their awkward-looking stems and discoloured leaves. They grow best in a mixture of sandy loam, brick rubbish, and decomposed dung, well reduced. They require very little water while growing, and the pots must be well drained. Cuttings, laid by for a few days to dry, strike readily. Flower in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Cactus.—A sandy loam with brick rubbish and a little peat or rotten manure suits them. Echinopsis is a good plant for cool houses or windows. During the summer it should be syringed over-head with tepid water, and weak soot water should be given three times a week. It is propagated by off-sets planted in sand, also by slicing off a portion from the top of the plant and placing it in light, rich, porous loam.
Caladiums.—Favourite hothouse foliage plants, generally grown in peat soil at a temperature of 70 degrees. They require plenty of light while growing, and to be kept moderately moist at the roots. As the leaves lose colour less water should be given, and during winter they must be kept almost dry. When fresh growth begins, shake them out of their pots and put them into fresh mould. In syringing the plants use nothing but the purest rainwater, but the less the leaves are wetted the better for the appearance of the plants. They may be increased by dividing the root stock into as many pieces as there are crowns. These should be planted in very rich, sandy soil, an inch or so below the surface.
Calamintha Grandiflora.—This hardy herbaceous plant has sweetly-fragrant foliage, and bears rose-coloured flowers from May to September. Any loamy soil suits it, and it is easily increased by suckers. Height, 1 ft.
Calampelis.—A species of half-hardy climbing plants of great merit. They are elegant when in flower, and will endure the open air. They should be trained to a south wall, or over a vase, or up a pillar. Any light loamy soil suits them, and they are easily increased by cuttings. Flower in July. Height, 10 ft. (See also "Eccremocarpus.")
Calandrinia.—Very pretty hardy annuals. They grow well in sunny places in a mixture of loam and peat, and may be raised from seed sown in the spring or by cuttings placed under hand-glasses. Bloom in July. Height, 6 in. to 1 ft.
Calceolaria.—Many of the varieties are suitable for the greenhouse only. They may be grown from seed, but as this is so small it should not be covered; and in watering them it is best to stand the seed-pans in water so that the moisture ascends, as watering from the top might wash the seed too deeply into the soil. July and August are the two best months for sowing. The half-shrubby kinds make fine bedding plants. They are easily reared from cuttings. These are best taken in October. Put them in light, sandy mould on a well-drained north border; press the earth round them, and cover with a hand-glass. In very frosty weather a mat should be laid over the glass. Pot them off in spring; give plenty of air, and plant them out at the beginning of June, or before, if weather permits.
Calendula (Marigolds).—Very showy hardy annuals. They merely require sowing in the open in autumn for an early display of bloom, or in spring for a later show, but the autumn sowing gives the more satisfaction. Flower during June and July. Height, 1 ft.
Californian Plants.—Great care should be taken not to allow the sun to strike on the collar of any of the plants from California, as they readily succumb if it does so.
Calla.—These showy plants, sometimes called Arum, are worth cultivating. They make handsome pot-plants, bearing fine white flowers in the spring. May be grown from seeds, or roots may be divided. They are quickly increased by off-sets from the root in August or September. Plant the off-sets from the fleshy roots singly in small, well-drained pots of sandy loam with one-fourth leaf-mould or well-rotted manure, and keep them in a very warm situation. Water them well while in growth, scantily after the leaves begin to wither, and afterwards give only enough moisture to keep them alive. Leave the plants in the light while the leaves die off, and then place them in a shed, in complete repose, for a month or so. Re-pot them in October or November, and give plenty of water. They may stand in saucers of water, but this must be changed daily. They flower from May to July. Height, 2 ft.
Callichroa.—A hardy annual which well deserves a place in the garden border, both on account of its dwarf and slender habit and also the colour of its flowers. It is satisfied with any ordinary soil. The seed is raised on a hotbed in March, or in the open in April, and it blooms in the autumn. Height, 1 ft.
Calliopsis.—See "Coreopsis."
Callirhoe (Digitata).—Hardy annuals demanding but little attention. The seed is sown in the open in March. Height, 1 ft.
Calochortus Luteus.—This very handsome hardy perennial thrives best in sandy peat with a little loam. It produces yellow flowers in July, and is propagated by offsets from the bulbs. Height, 1 ft.
Caltha.—Early-flowering, showy perennials, all thriving in a moist or boggy situation. C. Leptosepala is especially choice, its pure white flowers resembling a water-lily. They may be increased from seed, or by division. Height, 1 ft.
Calthus Palustris Flore-Pleno (Double Marsh Marigold).—This hardy herbaceous perennial is very useful for mixing with cut flowers. It will grow anywhere, but prefers a clayey soil and a boggy situation, and may be increased by dividing the roots in spring. A succession of flowers are borne from April to June. Height, 9 in.
Calycanthus Floridus (Allspice).—This shrub likes an open loamy soil; flowers in July, and is propagated by layers. Height, 6 ft.
Calystegia.—A perfectly hardy climbing convolvulus, and a beautiful plant for covering arbours, etc., growing 20 ft. to 30 ft. in one season. It thrives in any loamy soil or situation; flowers from May to September, and may be increased by division of the roots.
Camassia Esculenta.—A handsome, hardy, bulbous plant, bearing clusters of beautiful blue flowers in July. It needs a sandy peat border under a north wall, and is increased by bulbs or seeds. Plant the bulbs early in October, 4 in. deep and 5 in. apart. Height, 1-1/3 ft.
Camellias.—The best soil for these beautiful greenhouse evergreens is a mixture of rough peat, plenty of sand, and a little turfy loam. The greenhouse should be kept rather close, at a temperature of 55 degrees to 60 degrees, while the plants are growing; but abundant syringing is necessary at all times. Induce a vigorous growth of wood, and let this be well matured by exposure to the sun and free ventilation. Old and straggling plants may be renovated by cutting them hard back as soon as they go out of flower, and placing them in a warm house where a moist atmosphere is maintained. This will induce them to break. Comparatively little water should be given for some time after they are cut back. When the state of the roots require the plants to be re-potted, remove as much of the old soil as possible without injuring them, and put them into the smallest sized pots into which they can be got, with fresh soil. This may be done after the last flower has fallen, or after the buds have fairly commenced to push. The plants may be placed out of doors at the beginning of June, and returned to the greenhouse in October. There are several varieties suitable for growing in the open. These should be provided with a soil, 2 ft. deep, composed of peat, leaf-mould, and cows' dung. The roots should always be kept moist and cool, and the plants disturbed as little as possible. A top dressing of fresh soil may be given each winter, and the plants protected from frost by binding straw round the stems.
Campanula.—A showy genus of plants, mostly hardy perennials, which need no special treatment. They are readily raised from seed, or division of roots. The less hardy kinds may be sown on a hotbed or in the greenhouse, and when large enough potted off. Campanula Mayii is a grand plant for hanging baskets, and also grows well trained up sticks in a pyramidal form. A rich, gritty soil suits them all. The tall-growing varieties make fine pot-plants. Flower in July. Height, 1 ft. to 5 ft.
Canary Creeper (Tropaeolum Canariense).—This is eminently suitable for trellis-work or for walls. Its elegant foliage and bright yellow flowers make it a general favourite. It may be raised from seed on a hotbed in spring, gradually hardened off, and planted out in May. Height, 10 ft.
Candytuft (Iberis).—Very pretty hardy annuals. Sow the seed in autumn in a light, rich soil, or in spring if a less prolonged flowering season will give satisfaction. Bloom in May or June. Height, 1 ft.
Canna (Indian Shot or Hemp).—For pot-plants on terraces, gravel walks, and such like places, few things can equal and none surpass Cannas. They are half-hardy perennials, and may be increased from seed or by dividing the roots late in autumn, allowing them first to partially dry. File the tough skin off one end of the seed, and steep it in hot water for a few hours before it is sown, then stand it in a hot place till it has germinated. Harden off and plant out, or shift into larger pots in June, using a rich, light soil. Lift and store the roots in autumn in the same way as Dahlias. Different kinds flower at various seasons, so that a succession of bloom may be had throughout the year. Height, 2 ft. to 10 ft.
Cannabis Gigantea (Giant Hemp).—This half-hardy Hemp is grown for its ornamental foliage, and is treated as above described. Height, 6 ft.
Canterbury Bells.—Showy hardy biennials, which may be raised from seed sown in the spring. Transplant in the autumn to the border where they are intended to flower. The seed may also be sown in a sheltered position in August or September. Flower in July. Height, 2 ft.
Cape Primroses.—See "Streptocarpus."
Caprifolium.—See "Honeysuckle."
Capsicum.—Sow early in March in well-drained pots of rich, light, free mould; cover the seed with 1/2 in. of soil, and keep it constantly moist at a temperature of 65 degrees. When strong enough to handle put two or three plants in a 5-in. pot, and replace them in warmth. Keep them rather close till established, then shift them into 7-in. pots. When established remove them to a cold frame and harden off. Plant out at the end of May in a warm situation. Keep them well supplied with water in dry weather and syringe the leaves. By stopping the shoots they become nice, bushy shrubs. Flower in July. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Cardamine Pratensis (Cuckoo Flower, or Milkmaid).—This hardy perennial thrives in a moist, shady situation. It produces its purple flowers from May to August, and is easily propagated by seeds or division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Cardamine Trifolia.—A hardy herbaceous plant; will grow in any soil, flowers in May, and is easily raised from seed. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Cardoons.—Sow two or three seeds together in clumps 1 ft. apart, in trenches prepared as for Celery, in April or May. When 6 in. high pull up the superfluous plants, leaving the strongest one in each case. When they have attained the height of 1-1/2 ft, tie the leaves lightly to a stake and earth-up the stem. Keep them well supplied with water, adding a little guano. They will be ready for use in September. Another sowing may be made in June for a spring crop.
Carduus (Milk Thistle).—Coarse hardy annuals; somewhat ornamental, but are hardly more than weeds. They grow freely from seed, and flower from June to August. Height, 2 ft. to 4 ft.
Carex Japonica.—This is a graceful and very beautiful variegated grass, striped green, silver, and gold, and makes a fine decoration for the table. It will grow in any moderately moist soil, and bears dividing. Sow in spring.
Carlina.—Ornamental, thistle-like, hardy perennials, which will grow in any ordinary soil. Flowers are borne from June to September. Seed may be sown as soon as it is ripe. Height, 9 in. to 2 ft.
Carnations.—These are divided into three classes, but they are all said originally to come from the clove: (1) Flakes, which are striped with one colour and white; (2) Bizarres, those streaked with two colours and white; (3) Picotees, which have each petal margined with colour on a white or yellow ground, or dotted with small spots. For pot culture, about the end of March put two roots in an 11-in. pot, filled with light, turfy loam, well drained (too much moisture being injurious), pressing the earth firmly round the roots. Stand them on a bed of ashes in a sheltered position, and when the flower-stems appear, stake and tie up carefully. As the buds swell thin out the weakly ones. To prevent them bursting unevenly put an india-rubber ring round the bud, or tie it with raffia. They will flourish in the open borders even in towns if planted in light loam, and may be propagated by layers at the end of July or beginning of August. Choose for this purpose fine outside shoots, not those which have borne flowers. Cut off all the lower leaves, leaving half a dozen near the top untouched. Make incisions on the under sides of the layers, just below the third joint. Peg down, and cover the stems with equal quantities of leaf-mould and light loam. Do not water them till the following day. The young plants may be separated and potted off as soon as they have taken root—say, the end of August. They may also be increased by pipings. Fill the pots nearly to the top with light, rich mould and fill up with silver sand. Break off the pipings at the third joint, then in each piping cut a little upward slit, plant them pretty thickly in the sand, and place the pot on a gentle hotbed, or on a bed of sifted coal ashes. Put on the sashes, and keep the plants shaded from the sun till they have taken root, then harden off gradually, and place each of the young plants separately in a small pot. Carnations may also be grown from seed sown in spring. When the seedlings have made six or eight leaves, prick them out into pots or beds. They will flower the following year. The beds must be well drained, as stagnant wet is very injurious to them.
Carnation Margaritae.—May be sown in heat during February or March, pricked out when strong enough, and planted in the open in May or June.
Carpenteria Californica.—The white flowers of this evergreen shrub, which make their appearance in July, are delicately fragrant. The plant is most suitable for a cool greenhouse, but does well in the open, in warm, well-drained situations. When grown in pots the mould should consist of two parts turfy loam, one part peat, and a little sharp sand. It may be increased by seeds or by cuttings planted in sandy soil, with a medium bottom heat.
Carrots.—To grow them to perfection carrots require a deep, rich, sandy soil, which has been thoroughly trenched and manured the previous autumn. For the main crop the seed should be sown in March, either broadcast or in rows 18 in. apart. A calm day must be chosen for sowing, as the seed is very light and liable to be blown about. It has also a tendency to hang together, to obviate which it is generally rubbed into some light soil or sand previously to being scattered. Thin out to a distance of from 4 to 7 in., according to the kind grown. For early use the French Horn may be sown on a hotbed in January and February. Keep the surface of the ground well open with the hoe.
Cassia Corymbosa.—This stove shrub is an evergreen. It should be grown in a mixture of loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings planted in sand under glass in a little heat. It flowers in July. Height, 3 ft.
Castor Oil Plants.—See "Ricinus."
Catananche.—Pretty hardy biennials that will grow in almost any soil, and may be increased by seed or division. They bloom in August. Height, 2½ ft. to 3 ft.
Catchfly.—See "Silene."
Cathcartia Villosa.—A beautiful Himalayan poppy, possessing a rich, soft, hairy foliage and yellow flowers, borne in succession from June to September. Any light, rich soil suits it, but it requires a sheltered position. It is propagated by seeds sown in spring. Height, 1½ ft.
Cauliflowers.—Sow thinly in pans or shallow boxes early in February and March on a gentle bottom-heat. Make a larger and the main sowing in the open ground in March, April, and May for autumn cutting. A sowing should also be made in August for spring and summer use. These latter should be pricked into a frame or under a hand-glass during the winter, and in spring planted out so as to stand 30 in. apart. When the heads appear break some of the large leaves down over them to afford protection, and during the whole of their growth pour plenty of water round the stems in dry weather. They require a thoroughly rich and well-tilled soil to grow them to perfection.
Ceanothus.—A genus of handsome and ornamental evergreen shrubs. They are free-flowering and suitable for the conservatory or outdoor decoration if placed in warm situations. They flourish best in peat and loam, and are increased by cuttings planted in sand and subjected to gentle heat. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Cedronella.—Ornamental hardy perennials; will grow in any soil, but require a little protection in the winter. They produce their deep purple flowers in June. Height, 3 ft.
Cedrus Deodora.—A beautiful and graceful conifer, its arched branches being thickly set with long grey-coloured or whitish-green leaves. In its young stage it makes an exquisite specimen for the lawn. It is the best of all the Cedars for such a purpose. The usual method of propagating it is by grafting it on to the common Larch.