Oleander

This well-known shrub, originally a native of India, is of easy culture, and flowers freely the greater part of the year. In warm, moist climates, it requires no protection, and attains the proportions of a good-sized tree. The flowers have a salver-shaped corolla, with a crown of torn appendages in the center, and are of a beautiful shade of pinkish-red. They can be produced successfully in the house if the atmosphere is kept moist and warm. Sow seeds in gentle heat in February or March, in light, rich soil, which must be kept moist. When young plants are three or four inches high, repot in rich soil. The temperature in which plants are grown should not fall below 35°. The young shoots made one season should bloom the next.

Pansy

These lovely flowers are favorites with all, not only for the brilliancy and variety of their colors, but for the durability of their bloom. Seed may be sown in open ground in spring or summer, or in hot-bed early in spring. Young plants produce the largest and best flowers. The plants should always occupy a cool, partially shaded situation, and the ground cannot be too rich; coolness and moisture are necessary. Transplant when an inch high. Seed sown in July will blossom late in autumn; if sown in October, will bloom the following spring. Hardy biennial; four inches high.

Geranium

Probably the geranium is better known and more universally admired than any other plant grown. The constant succession and durability of bloom till frost comes, the brilliancy of the scarlet and other colors, and the exquisite markings of the leaves of some of the varieties, render them very desirable for pot culture and bedding. No garden seems complete without a bed of them, and in every collection of conservatory or parlor plants we are sure to find the geranium. Propagation by seed is the only sure way to obtain superior varieties. Sow in March, in gentle heat, in well-drained pots. Water moderately, and as soon as the third leaf appears, pot singly in two-inch crocks, exchanging for larger ones as the plants require. As soon as the weather will permit, plunge the pots in open border, and on the approach of frost remove them to a shed. They will blossom the succeeding spring. Propagation for common varieties can be made from cuttings.

Ferns

Flowerless plants, too well known to need description. Many of the varieties are exquisitely beautiful. There are so many sorts, varying so widely in habit, that to give explicit directions for the culture of each would require a volume of itself. As a general rule they should be kept in a warm, humid atmosphere, and watered abundantly. The soil best adapted to their growth is a turfy, fibrous peat, mixed with sand and leaf mold, and underlaid with pieces of broken crock. In places too shady for other plants to thrive, they grow in great beauty. Coming as they do from every clime, we find them a very interesting-study. They are alike good for baskets, vases, rock-work, ornamental plants for parlor or conservatory, and the pressed leaves of some of the varieties are marvels of graceful beauty. Many of the most beautiful sorts are propagated from seed only. Their exceeding grace and beauty will well repay all care bestowed upon them.