File:The century book of gardening; a comprehensive work for every lover of the garden (1900) (19968716483).jpg

Title: The century book of gardening; a comprehensive work for every lover of the garden
Identifier: centurybookofgar00cook (find matches)
Year: 1900 (1900s)
Authors: Cook, E. T. (Ernest Thomas), 1867-1915, ed
Subjects: Gardening
Publisher: London, The Offices of "Country life" (etc. )
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Text Appearing Before Image:
WINDOW AND ROOM GARDENING. S93 winter if not exposed to frost, and may even lie hung up by its roots in a dry, frost-proof cellar until the spring, when new growth signifies that soil and light are required. In many an old stuffy cottage window the Geranium grows luxuriantly, partly because only an oil lamp or candle is burned at night. Henry Jacoby, that rich crimson flower, mav be thus grown, and in fact all Geraniums, and their name is legion, may 1 e placed in this position. In few classes ol indoor flowers is there a greater range of colour, from snow white, through shades of crimson, salmon, pink, rose, and an infinite variety almost of subtle tints. Almost any kind of soil is suit- able, and during the summer months especially give plenty of water. When the plants become leggy, cut back the shoots hard, and this must be carried out in spring when new growth begins. Cuttings of moderately ripened shoots may be struck in the window. Cut them just beneath a joint, and remove the two lower leaves to provide a clean stem for insertion in the soil. Roots will be emitted in less than a month, and then the cuttings may be potted off separately. A soil composed of loam, leaf mould, and silver sand is usually given, but, as previously mentioned, Geraniums are nol particular in this respei t. It is almost impossible to remove dust from the foliage. One cannot sponge a tender, solt leaf, bill when the plant is exposed to a soft rain it becomes refreshed. lw leaved Pelargoniums must not be grown in a room — they are only suitable for the window-boxes; but all the other Pelargoniums—French, Regal, Show, and so forth—are not suitable for this treatment.
Text Appearing After Image:
WINDOW - BOX GARDENING. Window-box gardening differs greatly, sometimes taking the form of elaborate orders to some leading florist to maintain the boxes bright with colour during the season, or reflecting the mind of the owner, who rejoices in the use of as many interesting plants as possible for this purpose. In Winter ma n y shrubs can be brought into use. In many instances the shrubs are so handsome that they are allowed to remain throughout the summer as well, and sometimes are left undisturbed for several years. It is a matter of selection and position. For example, coniferous shrubs should cer- tainly not be put in a window- box facing due south, except for winter furnishing. They would become too dry in the summer, and either die out- right, or present a very shabby appearance. But where not fully exposed to sun all day, few plants are more useful. One need not have green foliage only. There are many forms of variegation. Nor are we at a loss for several very graceful trailers to droop over the box. If a box of shrubs is not crowded, it is easy to insert a few bulbs, such as Crocuses, Scillas, and Snowdrops, or even the Hyacinth and Tulip. One does not need much colour to enliven a box of various coloured evergreens. As soon as the bulbs are over, Lobelias, Nierembergias, Sedum gracilis, and one or two Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums can be utilised to advantage, and will give a summer change. So few give sufficient water to window-boxes in the winter, and yet it is the ARALIA S1EBOLDI, VALLOTA, AND OTHER FLOWERS IN A ROOM.

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