The Portland daily press., 1879-03-25
AGRICULTURAL.
Gerauinns.

1t is safe to assert that among the bedding
plants in use within few years, the egera.
mum is unequalled. Fortunately, the num-
per now In this class of plants is so great that
they may become the staple of many groups
In the same garden or yard without an appar-
ent sacrifice of variety. Formed in parterres
by themselves, mixed with ANIMALS or grouped
In almost any way, they become browning
excellence. l counted more than 200 of the
Golden Bronze among other geraniums in
the grounds belonging to public institution
and amid all the variety of fine plants and
gorgeous flowers, the flowers, the foliage OF
the Bronze was conspicuously beautiful.
Having fresh importatiOns from all paris OF
the world, we may ultimately obtain some
thing better than geraniums; but, in the
meantime, we shall do we'll to utilize what
we have,and seek for their undeveloped capa-
bilities.
We read good deal of European styles of
gardening; OF ribbon planting; of grouping
the same kind and different kinds of plants.
Our own people are doing something in this
line, and will, doubtless, do much more in
future, and in the doing will find that gera-
NUNS of some sort may, with advantage en-
ter into almost any combination. One occa-
sionaly sees things worth mentioning. Very
good In its effects was large circular bed
that saw near one corner OF lawn. For
centre was plant of Ricinus Sanguineus,
about ten feet high; then row of tall Can
mas around 1t, shen circle of Saliva Splen-
dens and another of Golden Bronze Gerani-
ums with an edging OF Sedum that harmon
lied with the velvet turf that reached it. So
people are beginning to think of snowy and
attractive corners in their yards as ladies
study up pretty corners for their parlors,
Another admirable group which has come
under my observation commenced, at the
edge OF the circle with blue Lobelia; then
came thickly set line OF Mountain OF Snow
Geranium; against that another of Double
Pink G-ranium-Madame Lemone-whe
the centre was mass OF Heliotrope laden
with sweet flowers. One acquainted with
these plants needs no very active magma
tion to see the exquisite beauty of this ar
raugement. The plants were all vigorous,
properly trimmed, and made shapely-the
only conditions upon which vegetation of any
kind looks well. We all know that large
mass Of Scarlet Geraniums surrounded with
Rocket or Tom Thumb Candytuit, and edged
with blue annual gives the national colors
in q most pleasing form.
There are ANIMALS as enduring In their
bloom as geraniums which may appropri-
ately be planted with them. OF such are
Viscaria, Ageratum Mexicanum, Browallia
and should place Drummond Phox and
Eschscholtsia first on the list but for their
procumbent habits. There are good plants
that have hardly enough color to form beds
by themselves. A mass of Lantanas is i'm.
mensely improved by lew plants of the
Jewel Geranium so disposed as not TO hide
the sprays of Lantana or be hidden by them.
To use geraniums in this way would be
very expensive, it may be urged. reply
that there are many people who do not mind
the expense so that their grounds may be OIL
namented. Unfortunately, some have moth
ing but money to spend-no time to give to
the subject. Consulting florist helps but
little, for he knows nothing of the place or
situation, and often fails to recommend what
Is needed. The planting of trees and shrubs
is always with reference to walks and drives
and fine views from the house, so that there
must be adaptation of smaller plants to
places. There must be reasons for planting
this or that or the ether, out of the variety
from which we have to choose.
The purchaser often makes heavy outlay,
and places his stock in the hands of an un-
skilfal gardener. The consequence is that
some things live, and some die. Nothing is
where it should be, and everything is unsat-
isfactory. Out of patience with the florist,
and wishing the gardener in Joppa, etc.,
etc., the man may yet find the principal
fault in himself. in not knowing what he
wanted, or what would thrive on his premi-
ses. A person cannot make fine picture
unless he have the thoughts, habits and gen.
ius of an artist. But though one have no
time to study this subject, he may still have
geranium beds, and probably this is the SAT-
est investment that he can make.
Those who are able to depend on them
selves for bedding plants may multiply gera-
NUNS at pleasure. We are told to take slips
in July and August to MAKE plants for next
summers bloom. Very few of us can spare
cuttings in any considerable number from
our beds al that season, good as the advice
undoubtedly is. have taken cuttings in
September, kept them close and shaded for
week or more, then exposed them to the
heat and light of south window, dropping
thick, heavy curtain behind them, and they
have rooted well, and grown during the Au-
tumn as ii in a greenhouse. Water must
be used very spairiugly, failure comes nearly
always from too much moisture.
If we cannot get slips before the frost de-
stroys the beauty of the bed, they NAV be
taken, even at that time, if managed skiilful-
~. Instead of planting each ir tiny pot.
(which Is the proper way), put dozen or
more In ten-inch pot. place them mostly at
the sides, so that each shall have but little
space and little soil. Give this pot bottom
heat for ten DAYS. But how shall we do II?
one inquiries. Have you not reservoir of
hot water in the kitchen? Perhaps you have
base-burner with fiat top in the dining
room. Any woman with interest in the SUBJ
ject may safely be trusted to manage little
matter like this-necessity is the mother of
invention.
The old leaves have been destroyed by the
frost, fresh ones will start in three or four
day from their axis, and if the young plants
be well cared for during the Winter. they will
be fine for bedding in the Spring. Even with
less trouble, without bottom heat, the cut
tings will become rooted during the Winter,
III the not ic kanf in O warm rooun AID oI,
though looking like little more than sticks
when planted, yet with roots below aud buds
above, they will make a very fair display
through the Summer. 1t is best TO have good
sized PLANTS to start with in the Spring, but
If that IS impossible, we may do the next
best thing Only let US be sure to have plen-
ty Of geraniums for our ornamental garden.
-Am. Garden.