H. On the point of the shield Lemon Verbena, the remainder, Monthly Roses, border of Gypsophilia.
I. On the point, one Lemon Verbena, the rest to be filled with Monthly Carnations, bordered with Alyssum Variegatum.
F. Varieties of Zonale Geraniums.
G. Varieties of Fuchsias (if there is not too much sun). If so, plant Japan Lilies; border both F and G beds with Double Feverfew. Perhaps a bed of roses, arranged with standards in the centre, as we have described, might be prepared for the centre bed A, and the Salvia, &c., planted in the bed H, in place of the roses.
4.—CARNATIONS.
The cultivation of the Carnation is very simple. It is rooted from cuttings at any time from October to April, and as the plant is almost hardy, it may be planted in early spring with safety in the open ground. It is safe to put them out as soon as cabbage plants are set out. Many from ignorance keep their Carnations in a pot or green-house until the last of May, thereby losing six weeks’ growth.
The Carnation cannot flourish in a wet soil, and care should be taken to secure good drainage. As the Carnation grows, if winter flowering is desired, the young shoots that the plant throws out should be cut off; this induces a steady growth. There are many fine varieties for summer growth, and but few suitable for winter flowering.
5.—FUCHSIAS.
These flowers are very easily cultivated from slips; any amateur florist can make these slips grow, either by planting in wet sand, or in a bottle of water. Their lovely and graceful flowers add to every bouquet. They require rich light soil, such as decayed leaves and peat, moist atmosphere, and shade. Like the Lemon Verbena, the plants will keep all winter in a cellar. There are but few varieties that bloom well in winter. Bianca Marginata, white, with crimson corolla. Speciosa, flesh-colored, with scarlet corolla (this variety will bloom the year round, if well cared for). Serratifolia, greenish sepals, with orange scarlet corolla. These are recommended for winter flowering by all florists. We will mention a few varieties for summer culture.
Elm City, crimson, very double. Venus de Medicis, white, magenta corolla. Rose of Castille, sepals white, corolla violet rose. Snowdrop, sepals bright scarlet, corolla white, semi-double. Striata Perfecta, double striped blue and crimson. Queen of Whites, double white corolla. Charming, violet corolla, crimson sepals, clusters immense. Lady of the Sea, corolla violet purple, flowers two inches in diameter.