Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1914-11-28

v 49, a AO'
ers OF flowers who have not the time
to bother with an indoor window-box.
enjoy keeping a number Of ported
plants in the living room during the
winter. Some, in fact, have turned
a bay window into a small conserva-
tory or winter garden merely By an
attractive arrangement Of plants in
separate pots. When a window-box
is filled, the plants must be of the
same general character I o be success
full, but if ones winter garden is
made up Of plants in separate pots
a greater variety may be kept, as
each plant may receive different
treatment in the matter of light, wa
tering, soil, etc, and palms. rubber
plants and cacti, which call for spe-
cial handling, may be added Begon-
las ivy, smilax and aspidistra, all
good plants for indoor culture. de-
mand or less the same treat
ment, as was explained in a previous
article sent out by the L. S. Depart
menr of Agriculture. describing the
indoor window-box.
Inc Ht9nt SOH.
Those who do not have gardens
would do better to get potting soil Of
the nearest florist for their ported
plants. Good potting soil may be pre-
pared at home, but it usually takes
considerable care and foretlought.
Those willing to take the trouble may
prepare it by using one part com
post, one part good loan and one
part sand. The compost should Ue
gether for a year and turned two or
three times in the interim. Well de-
composed leaf mould would answer
as q partial substitute for the ON
post. One-tweltieth part bone meal
is a good addition to the mixture. If
the loan is very heavy, containing
much clay. its proportion should be
somewhat diminished. If the loan is
light and sandy, reduce the amount
Of sand, or in some localities omit it
altogether.
occasionally to see whether or not
the plant requires repotting. This
is done by holding the hands over the
top of the pot. inyerting plant and
all, tapping the edge Of the post SO
as to loosen it. then lifting the pot
Off. This cannot be done unless the
soil is moderately moist. If the ball
of earth is completely covered with
roots, the plant should be put in a
slightly larger pot with new potting
soil "irmed" about the old ball OF
cn~tl. ~ ~S;r,"- uish tho EnDorS
Then wet thoroughly.
Can Use Cans.
a housewife who desires a fsw pot
ted plants, but does not possess the
regulation flower pots. may prepare
tin cans that will be quite satisfac.
tory. A small hole should be made
in the bottom of the can ald a piece
Of broken crockery or a few stones
put in the bottom of the can before
earth is added, in order to give the
proper drainage. The stones or crock,
cry should be also used in the regu.
lar flower pot
Hanging baskets may be used adj
vantageously to make N indoor VIII
ter garden attractive. They should
be hung near a light window.
Geraniums-If geraniums are pot
ted so that the root growth is re
stricted, and if they r kept fairly
dry, they may DE forced to bloom dur.
ing the winter. Geraniums are at.
tractiye in the ordinary wi1dow-boS
because of their foliage alone. They
should not be placed in a windov-box
with the expectation that they will
bear flowers.
Ferns-Ferns as they come from
the florists. prepared for indoor cul.
ture. should be placed in a strong
light, though they grow well without
sunlight. They should be watered
sparingly. but should be kept moist
at all times. Improper watering. es
pecially keeping the plant soaked OF
permitting it to get dry, is the found
alton OF most fern difficulties. 1t is
especially difficult not to Overwater
when the fern is in a jardlniere
aMN yea