The American garden (1881) (17529823223)

Title: The American garden
Identifier: americang1418811883broo (find matches)
Year: 1873 (1870s)
Authors:
Subjects: Horticulture; Gardening
Publisher: Brooklyn, N. Y. : (s. n. )
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library



Text Appearing Before Image:
1883.) THE AMERICAN GARDEN. 87 JUNCUS ZEBRINUS. This beautifully variegated plant, of which the accompanying illustration gives an accu- rate representation, enjoys, not inappropri- ately, the popular name Porcupine plant. It is a native of Japan, and was originally brought here by Mr. Thomas Hogg. The entire stock passed into the hands of a nur- seryman in England, where it has been prop- agated and made famous, and whence it is now re-introduced to America. The plant is semi-aquatic, and belongs to the family of Bushes. Its round, glossy leaves are transversely variegated with green and ivory- white bands, of varying widths, making in some the white, and in others the green predominating. The species is almost deciduous; that is, the larger portion of the leaves die off during win- ter. When the leaves first appear in spring, they do not show their pecul- iar variegation very de- cidedly ; but as they grow to maturity, — at which time they attain a height of three feet in strong plants,— they be- come more distinctly SPRING TREATMENT OF ROSES. One of the principal causes of failure with Roses is uncovering them too early. It is seldom advisable to remove the covering be- fore the first of April, and then only a part should be taken off, leaving the remainder about two weeks more, or longer if the season is very backward. The plants should then be pruned, and the beds receive a good dressing of well rotted manure, slightly forked under, and the beds leveled, so as to present a neat and tidy appearance. From present appear- ances the plant seems to be perfectly hardy in our climate, and will prove a most valuable addition for various purposes: in the mixed border, as sin- gle specimens on lawns, and especially for the margins of ponds, and in bog-gardens. When used as speci- men plants on lawns, where the soil is sandy or not naturally moist enough, it will be found a good plan to use a large flower-pot, stop up with a cork the hole in the bottom, and fill with rich soil about two-thirds full; then place the plant in it, press the soil firmly about the roots, and fill with water. The pot should then be plunged up to the rim in the ground in the place de- sired. The soil should never be allowed to be- come dry, and whenever necessary, the pot should be filled with water. Such a condition is more in conformity with the natural require- ments of the plant, which will thrive much better in this way than planted out in a soil subject to the fluctuations of drought and moisture common in our climate. In winter the pot should be lifted and placed in a cellar. For indoor ciilture the plants are equally desirable, and may be effectively used as sin- gle specimens in windows, in vases and baskets, or in Wardian cases and aquariums. John Thorpe.
Text Appearing After Image:
JUNCUS ZEBRINUS. Hybrid, Perpetual, and Moss Roses bloom best on the strong, new wood ; they require, therefore, to be cut back pretty severely before the shoots start into growth. This pruning should be carefully performed, so as to give the plants a symmetrical form ; and, as the plants will attain considerable size in a few years, it is quite essential that a per- fect shape should be preserved. The Everblooming Roses, Teas, Bourbons, etc., require to be cut back about one-half, and all weak and dead shoots should also be removed. It often happens that some are killed to the ground; but if the roots are not injured, they will soon put forth new shoots, and flower as well as ever. Climbing Roses should also be pruned in the spring, re- moving all dead and weak wood, and as much more as is necessary to keep the plants in their proper limits. Baltimore Belle is one of the very best sorts; when in flower, the whole plant appears a perfect mass of bloom. The flowers are very double, and are produced in immense clusters. In this vicinity spring is the best season for planting Roses, and if the plants have been grown in the open ground, the earlier they are planted after the ground has settled the more likely are they to live and flourish. When grown in pots, it is best not to plant them out before the first of May, which allows them suf- ficient time to take hold of the soil before the hot, dry summer weather sets in. In preparing beds, it is well to remember that the Roses do not thrive in a very moist or heavy soil; so, if the ground is wet, it must be well drained or, if heavy or clayey, all the soil in the bed will have to be changed before Roses will thrive in it. Roses luxuriate in a deep, rich soil, and pro- duce flowers in the great- est profusion and per- fection, both as regards size and color, if this essential requisite be given them. To attain the best success, the en- tire bed should be dug over to the depth of two feet at least, and a good quantity of well rotted manure and bone-dust should be thoroughly in- corporated with the soil. All this preparatory work should be done as early in the season as possible, so that the soil may be- come well settled before the time for planting- arrives. In planting, it is im- portant to firm the earth tightly around the roots ; and in selecting a situation for the bed, choose a sunny place, fully exposed to light and air. Keep the ground light and mellow, free from weeds, the plants free from insects, and an abundance of beautiful buds and flowers will be the reward. When making a selection of varieties, hardiness, vigor of growth, beauty of form and color, fragrance and constancy of bloom have to be considered, bearing in mind that all the best qualities are not to be found in one Rose. Charles E. Parnell.