Window Gardening the Old-Fashioned Way by Henry T. Williams

Author:Henry T. Williams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2012-01-31T05:00:00+00:00

Fig. 37.—Glasses used as Bouquet Holders.

Achimenes.

These tuberous rooted plants, generally classed with bulbs, are charming for growing in pots, pans and hanging baskets, either in assorted or individual colors. The flowers combine great individual beauty with richness and brilliancy. Much importance should be attached to the Achimenes from the ease in which they can be induced to flower in the winter. The best soil for growing them is a light rich loam. The tubers should be put singly in three inch pots and placed in as warm a situation as the conservatory affords. Where bottom heat can be given them they will do much better. A moist atmosphere, with the thermometer from 70 to 80 degrees at mid-day, are requisites for specimen plants. After flowering, gradually withhold water, turn the pots on their sides, in a dry place where they can remain until wanted the following season. When at rest they should remain in the pots. If long exposed to the air the roots become worthless. By starting at intervals of three to four weeks a succession of bloom may be kept up the whole season.

Lily of the Valley.

Who does not know and admire this, the loveliest child of the floral family? Why it is not found in every garden, conservatory, “window,” or greenhouse, it is difficult to imagine, for there is scarcely a plant more easily cultivated than this. It is easily forced into bloom, and may be kept in succession from Christmas until May. For winter or spring flowering, take from the border, clumps as large as will fill pot, box, or any device in which they are wanted to bloom, using a rich strong loam. After potting, plunge out of doors, where they will be sure to freeze hard. Any time after, they may be brought into the greenhouse or conservatory, where they should be given bottom heat, and kept at the highest possible temperature; 100° with a moist atmosphere, will very soon bring them into flower; a less heat will answer, but they will not come into flower as quickly. Light is by no means necessary, as they do quite as well on the floor, under the bench, or the pipes, as anywhere else. When once in flower place in any desirable situation. To maintain a succession a reserve should be kept in a cold frame or pot, and brought in as required. For small pots it is best to select only the strong crowns; place four to six in a pot three inches in diameter, and treat as above stated. After flowering, separate and plant in a strong rich soil, where they should remain undisturbed for two years, when they will be strong enough for forcing again.

Illustrations.

The Jardinets illustrated in Figs. 24 to 27—are constructed of pottery ware, filled with sand in the interior, with here and there an opening for the spike of flowers to grow from the bulb. Figs. 28, 30 and 31—are costly porcelain, intended as elegant mantel piece ornaments. The remaining illustrations are very SIMPLE, and need no special explanation.

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