The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-10-22
Anhmond 9ispatth.
observation-disclosures y, 1919.
preparinr for Notwithstanding.

The desire to grow plants in the dwelling
= nm almost universal one. Some DO II sue
cessfully year after year, while with others
the attempt ends in annoyance ana taiiure.
There are many reasons for failure, out we
can nj present only speak OF two OF these
beginning too late, and the selection OIL M
proper plants. Many put of all preparation
for window. gardening until cold weather
has actually set in, when they 60 10 q
florists, order lot of plants, and soon hnd
that they have plant hospital Instead OF a
source of pleasure. The reason for this Is
nlain enough. The florist has had his plants
for month or two growing in greenhouse,
where artificial heat and q moist atmosphere
baye induced tender and rapid growth.
Taking plants from such 81 situation into the
atmosphere of All ordinary dwelling Is like
bringing Foridian to Boston when No.
yember east wind is prevailing. 1t IS not
the change of temperature that a1ects tne
plants 90 much as the difference IN lignt,
moisture of air, and, not the least OF all, dust.
Again, Others VINO have plants growing in
the open borders that they propose 10 lake
into the houses. being naturally deslrous tial
the garden shall remain attractive as long as
possible, allow their plants TO remain out
until the hast moment, and DO not llIt ana
Dot them until the nights become very chliiyy,
if they do not leave them until frost actually
warns them that their pet, are in danger. 10
those who have plants growing IN DedS,
which they propose to bring IN tue house, we
wonld advise them to pot ut once. The plants
will lie considerably disturbed at The removal:
their roois have had freedom TO wander, ana
generally cannot be brought Wltnln tue
comross OF a Dot without cutting back.
dc "a HQrrESDOn0lno
cutting back of the top; and the plant must
have time 70 recover before cold weather
comes. The question Of soil is often great
problem. Any good, fresh garden SOIL or
that from beneath the sod in pasture Will
answer for most plants as well al any OF the
prescribed mixtures. 1t must be so open
that |, will not cake hard, and If not natur-
allv porous it may be made 80 by adding cleun
sand. When the plant will bear fertiizinS
il is better to apply 1t in the liquid form than
TO mix manure with the soil. The plants
being pot,ed in good, fresh soil, and properly
pruned into shape, keep them in the shade for
4 few days aud then give sun gradually.
They will probably be established and have
commenced "A new growth before the nights
become so cool as to make 1t necessary to
hiring them indoors. The change from
omen air TO the house must be made gradu-
ally. For some weeks after the first frost
the plants only need shelter at night. Place
them in room where there is no fire, and
omen the windows every day until the
weather becomes too cool for it to be safe to
do so. Plants so treated will be, 80 to speak,
ac,limated. and slight change will not affect
them. If plants are to be purchased from
florist, get them before the houses are closed
and tire-heat is used, and gradually inure
them to the house rs just described.
As to the selection ofplants, wide range
is offered, and we will only name few that
are quite sure to do well with any fair treat
ment. We strongly advise beginners-for
whom this article is written, experienced
growers needing no advice-not to under
take too much, nor expect too much. A few
plants with healthy green foliage are bless
ing in winter, even If there are no flowers.
If we could have but one plant for a window
it would be an ivy. 1t will grow almost
everywhere; can be trained 10 please the
fancy, aud is always bright and CHEEKY.
Among plants for flowers, we place at the
head OF the lis, the Chinese piimroses. They
are single and double, and from white to deep
crimson. With half q chance they will bloom
nearly all winter long; but don't get plants
that have made forced growth, or they
will fail. Tue old "Cally Liz" (Richardia)
is another admirable plant, succeeding with
the simplest treatment. The winter-flow- |
ering Begonias of the fuschioides style are
to be commended. The Grabs Claw Gao
tus" (Epiphyllun,l Cyclamens, Geraniums,
Hcliotrope, Carnations, and Cataionlan JeS. |
samine most make list quite large enough
for most amateurs. But you have not in |
Guided roses and camcliaS," says an am
bilious amateur. These two are very desi. |
rabsc, bat amorg:the most difficult to man |
are, and their treatment may be spoken of
another month. Nor have we mentioned
the bulbs, which are Of the easiest culture.
Directions for The po,tinS Of these require 4 |
separate artice.-Americdn ATacuiturist.