Fibrous-Rooted Begonias

The tuberous Begonias are rightly esteemed for their magnificent flowers, and we have seen how they may be raised from seed in winter, or grown from tubers in spring. So fine are they that they are apt to overshadow the fibrous section, as far as summer flowering is concerned. The non-tuberous Begonias, such as Gloire de Lorraine, Turnford Hall, and Semperflorens, are greatly esteemed for winter flowering under glass, and the qualities which render them desirable for that purpose, namely, compact habit, profuse blooming and bright colours, distinguish certain varieties when grown as flower garden plants in summer. Two which may be highly recommended, a red and a white, are Crimson Gem and Snow-flake. They make charming lines and beds. Young plants may be purchased and planted now, in rich moist soil.

Growing Fine Fuchsias

Fuchsias that were struck from cuttings in spring, repotted when rooted, and pinched to make them bushy, will now be sturdy little plants. They may be grown into fine specimens by giving them pots two inches larger, pinching them again when they begin to make fresh growth, and feeding them with liquid manure three times a week.

Disbudding Prize Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums that are being grown in pots for large blooms will have made good progress. If treated as previously advised, they will now be in their flowering pots (8 or 9 inch), and have three main stems. Various side shoots will break from these growths, but they must not be allowed to extend, or the prospect of getting fine flowers will be very poor. As fast as breastwood shows, it should be pinched out, thus restricting the plants to three shoots. It is natural for Chrysanthemums to form this trio of main growths. The shoots start after the production of an early flower bud, either in April or May, and grow on throughout the remainder of the year, eventually producing one large flower each. If the side shoots which start from them were allowed to extend at will, the energies of the plants would be spread over a greater number of shoots. More flowers would be produced, but they would be smaller. When the plants are stood out of doors for the summer, the three growths should be tied to stakes, in order to guard against their being broken by gales. The position chosen should be a sheltered one, if possible, but not overshadowed by large trees. The plants benefit by full exposure to sun.

Fig. 42. - Stopping Fuchsias.

a. Tip to be removed at the dark line.

b. The first side shoots growing.

c. The second lot of shoots, resulting from the next stopping.

Hardy Biennials And Perennials

Seeds may be sown as advised in the previous section. A task that will be likely to call for early performance in herbaceous borders is that of staking. The plants will be full of growth now, and many will be developing flower stems. The habit of the plants, and their behaviour under exposure to strong wind, will give the grower a ready guide to their requirements. Dwarf, bushy, compact plants like Paeonies will not need stakes, but tall columnar growers, such as Michaelmas Daisies, will certainly call for support. It is frequently better to fix three stakes to one plant, and loop string round them, thus enclosing the growths, than to use one stake and tie the plant tightly round the middle. A little extra expenditure in stakes is fully compensated for by the more graceful and natural appearance of the plants. Herbaceous plants that are growing in poor, shallow soil will be greatly benefited by soakings of water and liquid manure. One sometimes sees plants doing badly when the soil is apparently moist and fertile. Before the amateur seeks for some secret cause, let him note if there are large trees, such as Elms, or a large hedge, such as Laurels, near. If so, he may safely assume that the roots have got into the herbaceous border, and are making the most of the good things which he has put there. The more freely he manures, the more eagerly the roots will come. One way of coping with a difficulty of this kind is to cut a trench between the border and the hedge or trees, and sever any roots which are found.

Fig. 43. - Staking Herbaceous Plants. a. The wrong way. b. The right way.