Dahlias In Bloom

September is the great month of the Dahlia, and the most must be got out of the plant that it can possibly give. Sometimes the flowers do not show up very well, owing to being partially hidden among the leaves; a little judicious thinning and staking will do something to remedy this trouble. Soakings of water and mulchings of manure will help to maintain the display of flowers.

Dracaenas

The Dracaena is one of the most popular of foliage plants for warm houses, and is very handsome when well grown. Now is a good time to repot plants which need it. Moreover, the tops of long, overgrown plants may be taken off, inserted in small pots, and struck in a warm, moist propagator.

Dividing Pinks

I spoke of the propagation of Pinks by pipings in an early chapter. If desired, large plants of the free-growing varieties can be increased by division. The clumps can be pulled into several pieces, each with roots attached, and planted separately.

Striking Rose Cuttings

The propagation of Roses by budding was dealt with in Chapter VII (July. The Heart Of The Year)., and it was stated that although a good many Roses are budded on to standard Briers taken from the hedges, still more - especially in the nurseries - are budded on to dwarf Brier stocks which were raised from cuttings. This may have suggested the question: "If Brier cuttings can be struck, why not Rose cuttings? Why make two operations, the first the propagation of the Brier, the second that of budding the Rose on to it, when one will do?" Roses may be struck from cuttings, but it is not general for the different varieties to come so strong and early as from buds. Those who wish to try home raising may do so. and the present time is suitable. It is well to take firm shoots of the current year's growth (those that have borne flowers will do) seven or eight inches long, and insert them nearly to the top quite firmly. They may be put in two inches apart in a row. Brier cuttings for stocks may be struck in the same way.

Fig. 70. - Striking the Top of a Dracaena.

a. The top of the plant and the point where it should be cut off.

b. The top tied loosely.

c. Sand placed around the base of the cutting in a deep, narrow pot.

Forcing Tulips For Early Bloom

Bulb dealers supply a class of Tulip called the Due van Thol which is very much earlier in bloom than the majority of Tulips, and it can be utilised for forcing. The typical variety has red and yellow flowers, but scarlet, yellow, and white, in separate colours, can be got also. Bulbs and flowers are alike small. As many as six bulbs may be put into a 5-inch pot. A compost of loam, leaf mould (one quarter), and sand will suit, and the bulbs should be buried nearly, but not quite, to the tips. They may be plunged in ashes or cocoa-nut fibre refuse for a few weeks, and then pushed on in a warm house, like Roman Hyacinths and early Narcissi.

Fig. 71. Striking Rose Cuttings.

a. Point of severing cutting.

b. Portion to be cut off.