Gardening Notes.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume IX, Issue 2804, 21 January 1888, Page 2

Gardening Notes.

Culture of Window Plants,—There is no branch of gardening which embraces a wider range than that relatiiuL ' ! to the culture and preservation in,®' healthy state, of plants in dwelling - houses, There are, and always will be, so many who have no frame or greenhouse that the question of how to grow plants successfully in windows is necessarily of the greatest interest to them, Those who have even the convenience of a .cold frame will, of course, find the task of decorating their dwelling much facilitated: but, as I have said, there is, unhappily, a great number who are only not provided with this simple accommodation, but whose garden is of the most fragmentary description. There is, however, no reason for anyone to despair of attain- . ing success, for it is more from want of knowledge than from adverse circumstances that failures occur. General treatment: It will naturallybe understood that cleanliness is of the first importance to plant life, Leaves breath, as it were, through their pores, and if these be choked byimpurities.of any kind, the functions ot the plant are in a manner, paralysed. TjgLmore confined the atmosphere greater need is there for frequent wash' ing and syringing. All plain, hard foliaged kinds shonld l>e well sponged, using plenty of clean tepid water. Ferns, mosses, etc,, may he gently, but thoroughly syringed, taking care that the under surface of the foliage is well cleaned. Insects often make their appearance, and must be kept under, either by brushing them off with a soft brush, or by . means of fumigation. The latter is the most effectual method, although, if the stitch in time principal be acted upon, and the first insects destroyed, there will seldom bo any need for it; should a plant, however, become badly invested, place it under a tub and fill the same with tobacco smoke. Two applications at the interval of a few days will generally suffice to clear them all off, When we come to watering we touch the most difficult part of our subject. lii' is utterly impossible to lay down hijA and fast rules, the attempt would oifly ! c result in disastrous failure; nothing but j practice will bring proficiency in this branch of plant culturo. The great point to be kept in view is, that in winter water is merely required to maintain life, whereas, in summer, when the functions are active, and growth progressing, enough must be given, not only to supply, waste, but to allow of the extension and formation of new tissues. Were these facts kept constantly in mind, there would not be many disasters arise from overwatering. In dull summer weather, let each plant dry out thoroughly, and then give just enough to well moisten the ball of earth. In a hot parching time this care is not so needful, if the roots are healthy, and the plant growing freely, copious and frequent waterings must be the rule. These general rules will form a basis upon which the grower may safely work. They will, however, have to be varied and modified according to circumstances, and the plants oultiyated, but for acquirement of this knowledge he muE#p rely upon constant practice and unremitting attention, In the matter of ventilation be careful to avoid cutting draughts; much harm iB often done by injudicious air giving. Do not, either, run into the common error of putting plants out on the doorsteps or balconies in weather which,, although sunny, may yet be o£ a : chilling nature. Harden gradually on . the approach of spring, by increasing the amount of air, . and only turn them out of doors on mild, moist days, A good rule is to be guided by one's own feelings; if the atmosphere be congenial to the human frame it will be beneficial to plant life, and vice versa, Many who grow window plants make a point of getting them shifted by a professional cultivator. This is,, however by no means necessary, and is wrong in principle, as the nature of a plant is but imperfectiy understood if its root action cannot be observed. L would advise that the soil be procuri® from a nurseryman, stating for what kind of plant it is required. Be careful never to give large shifts, and see that youv soil is not too rich; any little deficiency in nutriment can easily be supplied by. top dressing of any of the concentrated manures,. For ferns, :> and delicately rooted subjects, allqiy " plenty of draiuage; in fact, all of plants grown in rooms shouloe amply, provided for in this respect. Ifofcjring cap be more injurious than stoppage of the drainage, and to secure immunity from injury in this respect, each plant should be examined at. the ' commencement of the winter, and fresh drainage given, if necessary, using some good clean potsherds or. bro.ken charcoal for that purpose.