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Gages.—The cultivation of Gages is similar to that of Plums.
In the open they may be grown as dwarfs or pyramids, and in orchard-houses
as gridirons, cordons, or in pots. The chief points to observe are to
thin the branches in order to admit plenty of light into the middle
of the tree, thus inducing the production of a plentiful supply of fruit
spurs, and to occasionally lift and root-prune the tree if growing too
strong. Among the choicest sorts are: Bonne Bouche (producing its fruit
at the end of August), Coe's Golden Drop (end of September), Old Green
Gage (August), Guthrie's Late Green Gage (September), M'Laughlin's Gage
(end of August), Oullin's Golden Gage (end of August), and Reine Claude
de Bavay (beginning of October).
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).—Very ornamental flowers,
which will grow in any common soil, but thrive most in a light, rich
one. Seeds of the annual kinds are sown in the spring. The perennials
are increased by dividing the roots. Bloom in July. Height, 1 ft. to
2 ft.
Galanthus.—See "Snowdrops."
Galax Aphylla (Wand Plant).—The Heart-shaped Galax is
a charming little plant for rock-work. It is perennial, and does not
lose the old leaves till the new ones appear. A rich, light mould is
required for its growth, and its situation should be a somewhat shady
one. Its flowers are borne in July and August, on stalks 1 ft. or more
high. The plant may be increased by taking up a strong clump, shaking
it apart, and transplanting at once. (See also "Shortia.")
Galega (Goats Rue).—Ornamental hardy perennials, requiring
plenty of room. They are readily increased by seed or division of the
root, and flower in July. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.
Galium.—This hardy herbaceous plant blooms in July. It will
grow in any soil, and can be increased by division of the root. Height,
1 ft.
Gardenias.—Plant in a hothouse in fibrous peat mixed with a
large proportion of sand. Give plenty of heat and moisture during growth,
with a thin shade to keep off the sun's midday rays. Lower the temperature
as soon as growth is completed, and in the middle of summer stand the
plants out in the open for a week or two for the wood to ripen. Height,
3 ft.
Garlic.—Plant small cloves from February to April in rows 9
in. apart and 6 in. from each other in the row. Lift them when the leaves
die down, dry them in the sunshine, and store in an airy, cool shed.
Garrya Elliptica.—A hardy evergreen shrub, which is very suitable
in its early stages for pot-culture. A light, loamy soil is what it
likes. Cuttings taken in August and placed in sand under a hand-glass
will strike freely, but it is most readily increased by layers. In October
it bears graceful yellowish-green tassels of flowers from the ends of
its shoots. Height, 6 ft.
Gasteria Verrucosa.—This plant grows best in pots of turfy loam
and leaf-mould, to which has been added a little old mortar. Good drainage
is essential. Water freely in summer, and keep just moist in winter.
Keep the foliage clean by sponging. Give plenty of light, and during
warm weather turn the plants out of doors.
Gastrolobium.—Elegant evergreen shrubs which flower in April
and May. They are most suitable for adorning the greenhouse, and grow
best in a soil of loamy peat and sand. Cuttings of half-ripened wood
planted under glass will take root. Height, 2 ft.
Gaultheria.—Dwarf, creeping evergreen shrubs, having dark foliage
and producing white flowers in May, June, or July. They require to be
grown in peat, and are increased by layers. G. Procumbens is suitable
for rockeries, as it only grows to the height of 6 in. G. Shallon attains
the height of 2 ft.
Gaura Lindheimeri.—This free-flowering, hardy, herbaceous plant
will thrive in any light, rich soil. It bears elegant spikes of white
flowers from May onwards, followed by red bracts in September, and is
readily propagated by seeds. Height, 4 ft.
Gazania Splendens.—A showy greenhouse plant. It may be planted
in the open in warm positions, but will require protecting in winter.
Grow it in peat and loam. Cuttings will strike if placed in sand under
glass. It flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.
Genethyllis.—Greenhouse evergreen shrubs which thrive best in
sandy loam and peat. Cuttings of the young wood planted in the same
soil and plunged in heat will take root. Their flowering season is in
August. Height, 3 ft.
Genista (Broom).—G. Canariense is an exceedingly ornamental
and free-flowering greenhouse shrub. It should be planted in a mixture
of loam, peat, and sand. Young cuttings inserted in sand under a glass
take root readily. It blooms in June. Height, 2 ft. Hardy species of
Genista may be placed in the front of shrubberies. They are increased
by seeds or by layers.
Gentians.—The herbaceous kinds do best in a light, rich soil,
such as loam and peat mixed with vegetable mould. The annuals are raised
from seed sown as soon as it is ripe; if left till spring before it
is sown it will probably not come up till the second year. The perennials
are increased by dividing the roots. Both of the latter kinds do best
in a dry, sandy soil. Gentiana Acaulis, or Gentianella, is very suitable
for edgings, or for rock-work; it is an evergreen creeper, and bears
large trumpet-shaped flowers of rich ultramarine blue. All the Gentians
need plenty of free air, and some of them moisture at the roots. Bloom
in July. Height, 4 in. to 2 ft.
Geranium Argentium(Silvery Crane's-Bill).—This hardy
perennial alpine is very effective on rock-work, especially in front
of dark stones; but provision must be made for its long tap roots. A
rich, deep loam suits it well. Its seeds germinate freely when sown
in peat and sand. Flowers are borne from May to July. Height, 6 in.
Geraniums.—Take cuttings in July or August, and let them he
to partially dry for twenty-four hours before planting. When rooted
pot them off in 60's, and keep them under glass during the winter at
a temperature of 55 degrees. If the cuttings are taken in September
put three or four slips in a 48-size pot. In the spring they should
be re-potted singly and hardened off as early as possible. A suitable
soil for them is made by mixing two parts of good turfy loam, one of
leaf-mould, one of well-decomposed cow-dung, and a good proportion of
silver sand. Bone dust is an excellent addition to the soil. Old plants
stripped of their leaves may be packed in sand during the winter, and
re-potted in spring.
Gerardia.—These hardy perennials form pyramidal bushes bearing
Pentstemon-like flowers, thickly set and varying in colour from light
pink to dark purple. A peat soil suits them best. They may be propagated
by cuttings placed under glass, but are best grown from seed. July is
their flowering season. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.
German Seeds.—These require to be sown in a cold frame in seed-pans,
in the greenhouse, or under a handglass, in good, rich compost, composed
of old turf, leaf-mould, some well-rotted manure, and silver sand. The
seeds should be sown thinly and watered sparingly. Sow early in April,
and transplant in the middle or end of May in rich soil. Water occasionally
with weak liquid manure.
Gesneria.—Handsome greenhouse perennials. They thrive in any
light, rich soil. Cuttings will strike readily either in sand or soil
if placed under glass in heat. They may also be raised from seed sown
in a temperature of 75 degrees in March or April. They flower in October.
Height, 18 in.
Geum.—Very handsome hardy perennials. They grow well in any
light, rich, loamy soil, and may be increased either by seeds or by
dividing the roots. G. Coccineum is extremely pretty. Flower in July.
Height, 18 in.
Gherkins.—Sow the seed the first week in April in small pots,
and cover it lightly with fine soil. Plunge the pots in a hotbed covered
with a frame. When grown to nice little plants, remove them to a cold
frame to harden, and plant them out on a warm border towards the end
of May. When the fruit begins to form, give liquid manure twice a week.
For pickling they must be cut while small.
Gilia.—Extremely pretty and free-flowering hardy annuals, deserving
of a place in every garden. They are very suitable for small beds. They
should be sown in the open early in spring. G. Tricolour may be sown
in autumn. Bloom in July. Height, 1 ft.
Gillenia Trifoliata.—The Three-Leaved Gillenia is a hardy herbaceous
perennial which is very useful as a cut flower for the decoration of
vases, etc. It should be grown in large clumps, delights in a deep,
moist soil and partial shade, and may be propagated by dividing the
roots early in spring. It lasts in bloom from June to August. Height,
1 ft.
Gladiolus.—Dig the ground out to a depth of 1 ft. or 15 in.; put in
a layer of leaf-mould or rotted manure, and then 4 or 5 in. of earth
mixed with sand; insert the bulbs (6 in. from the surface and 9 in.
apart), cover them with 1 in. of sand, and fill up with earth. In frosty
weather cover with a thick layer of litter. Give plenty of water when
they begin to throw up their flower-stems. They may be planted at any
time between December and the end of March. If planted late in the season,
a depth of 3 or 4 in. is enough. The roots must be kept dry in winter.
They are increased by off-sets, taken when the bulbs are removed from
the ground after the leaves have turned yellow. These should be planted
at once in well-drained earth. If early flowers are required, plant
the old bulbs in pots (three to six bulbs being placed in a 5-in. pot)
any time between December and March. Give them frame culture up to the
second week in May, when they may be transferred to the border. The
flowers are invaluable for vase decoration.
Glaucium Flavum Tricolor (Hardy Horn Poppy).—The large,
brilliant, orange-red flowers of this plant are very effective in the
border, and the bloom is continuous during the greater part of the summer.
The seed is rather slow to germinate, but when sown in the open ground
in autumn, it blooms from June to August; when sown in early spring
it flowers from July to September. Height, 2 ft.
Glaux Maritima (Sea Milkweed).—A pretty little hardy
trailing plant bearing flesh-coloured flowers in June and July. It grows
in sandy loam, and is raised from seed sown in spring. Height, 3 in.
Globe Amaranthus (Gomphrena).—This tender annual is well
known for its clover-like heads of everlasting flowers. It will grow
in any rich soil, but to produce really fine plants, much attention
must be given to shifting, watering, etc. Increased by seed in the same
manner as other tender annuals. Blooms in July. Height, 1 ft.
Globe Flower.—See "Trollius."
Globe Thistle.—See "Echinops."
Globularia Trichosantha.—A pretty dwarf perennial rock-plant
bearing pale blue flowers in May and June. It is hardy, thrives in light,
sandy soil, and is increased by either seeds or cuttings planted in
sand. Height, 6 in. The greenhouse varieties of Globularia grow best
in loam and peat.
Glory of the Snow.—See "Chionodoxa."
Gloxinias.—A very ornamental family of tuberous-rooted hothouse
plants. They are of two classes, the drooping and the erect. Pot at
any time during January and March in a mixture of equal quantities of
loam, peat, and sand, with the addition of a little vegetable soil,
and place in a warm (60 degrees), moist temperature, where they can
be favoured with a little shade. In summer supply the roots plentifully
with water, but give them very little in winter. Overhead watering is
likely to rot the leaves and flowers. G. Maculata is increased by division.
The leaves of most of the others, if taken off close to the stem, and
planted, will soon make young plants. They may be raised from seed sown
from March to July in a hothouse or frame having a temperature of 65
to 75 degrees. They flower in June, and on into September. Height, 6
in. to 1 ft.
Glycine.—See "Wistaria" and "Apios."
Gnaphalium (Edelweiss).—Hardy everlasting flowers, which
are covered with a woolly substance. They may be grown in any light,
rich soil. The shrubby and herbaceous kinds may be increased by cuttings
or division. The annuals are easily raised from seed. They flower in
July. Height, 1 ft.
Goat's Rue.—See "Galega."
Godetia.—Very pretty hardy annuals, that may be grown in any
garden soil. Sow in the autumn for early flowering, or in spring for
later blooms. July is their ordinary season of coming into flower. Height,
1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.
Golden Feather.—Hardy annual foliage plants. They are not particular
as to soil, and are easily raised from seed sown early in spring. They
bloom in July. Height, 1 ft.
Golden Rod.—See "Solidago."
Gompholobium.—Delicate greenhouse evergreen shrubs requiring
a soil of sandy loam and peat and but little water. They flower in June,
and are propagated by cuttings planted in sand under glass. Height,
2 ft.
Gomphrena.—See "Globe Amaranthus."
Gooseberries.—From the middle of October to the end of November
is the best time for planting. To produce good crops the soil should
be rich, deep, and well drained. The position should be somewhat cool
and sheltered, and a liberal quantity of liquid manure is beneficial.
In dry seasons mulching may be resorted to with advantage. Cuttings
are taken in autumn as soon as the leaves begin to fall. Select strong
shoots about 1 ft. long. Cut the bottom end straight across, just below
a joint, and with a sharp knife remove all the buds or eyes from the
base to within a couple of inches of the top, so as to prevent the formation
of suckers. Plant the shoots firmly 3 in. deep, in rows 1 ft. apart
and 6 in. apart in the rows, on a north border. At the end of the second
season cut back all leading shoots to two-thirds of their length. In
after years remove weak and superfluous branches, as also any that are
growing near the ground, but plenty of young wood must always be left
on the bushes. The pruning may be done either in spring or autumn. The
following varieties may be recommended:—Red, White, and Yellow Champagne,
Wilmot's Early Red, Golden Drop, Ironmonger, and Warrington Red for
dessert; while for preserving and culinary purposes Old Rough Red, Conquering
Hero, Favourite, Broom Girl, British Crown, Ironsides, Lady Leicester,
Thumper, Green Walnut, Leader, and Moreton Hero may be classed among
the leading varieties. When grown in bush form ample room must be allowed
between each to enable one to get round the bushes to gather the fruit.
Gooseberry Caterpillar.—To prevent caterpillars attacking Gooseberries
syringe the bushes with a decoction of common foxglove (Digitalis),
or dust the leaves with Hellebore powder. If the caterpillar has begun
its attack, sprinkle some fresh lime below the bushes, and shake the
bushes vigorously, so that the insects are dislodged.
Gorse.—See "Ulex."
Gourds.—Sow at the end of March or the beginning of April on
a slight hotbed; pot off when the plants are sufficiently advanced,
and transplant to the open border in June. They are well adapted for
arbours, trellis-work, or sloping banks. The following are among the
most ornamental:—Abobra Viridiflora, Benincasa Cerifera (Wax Gourd),
Bryonopsis Erythrocarpa, Coccinea Indica (scarlet fruit), Cucumis Anguinus
(Serpent Gourd), Cucumis Dipsaceus (Teasel Gourd), Cucumis Dudaim (Balloon
Gourd), Cucumis Erinaceus (Hedgehog Gourd), Cucumis Grossularoides (Gooseberry
Gourd), Cucumis Perennis, Cucurbita Argyrosperma, Cucurbita Melopepo,
Cyclanthera Explodens (Bombshell Gourd), Cyclanthera Pedata, Eopepon
Aurantiacum, Eopepon Vitifolius, Lagenaria Clavata (Club Gourd), Lagenaria
Enormis, Lagenaria Leucantha Depressa, Lagenaria Leucantha Longissima,
Lagenaria Plate de Corse, Lagenaria Poire a Poudre, Lagenaria Siphon,
Luffa Cylindrica, Luffa Solly Qua, Melothria Scabra, Momordica Balsamina,
Momordica Charantia, Momordica Elaterium, Mukia Scabrella, Scotanthus
Tubiflorus, Trichosanthes Anguina, Trichosanthes Coccinea, Trichosanthes
Colubrina, and Trichosanthes Palmata.
Grafting.—The objects of Grafting are to bring a bush or tree
into an earlier state of bearing than it would do naturally; to produce
good fruit from an inferior plant; and to save space by putting dwarf
scions on to rampant-growing trees. By the process of uniting strong-growing
trees to those of a weaker nature their exuberance is checked, and weaker
ones are improved by being worked on those of a stronger growth. Whatever
form of Grafting is adopted, the inner layers of the bark of the stock
or tree on which the operation is performed, must be brought into direct
contact with the inner layers of the bark of the branch which is grafted,
or, as it is called, the scion. This scion should be a branch of the
early growth of the previous year's wood, and should be in the same
state of vegetation as the stock. If the scion is in a more advanced
state than the stock, its growth may be stopped by cutting it off and
burying it in the earth under a north wall until the stock has advanced
sufficiently in growth. Grafting of all kinds is best done in March,
when the sap is flowing freely. Many methods of Grafting are adopted,
the following being the principal:—
Whip or Tongue Grafting is suitable for almost any description of trees.
Saw the stock off level at any desired height, then make a deep upward
slanting cut through the bark at the top 2 or 3 in. in length, and in
the middle of the cut turn the knife downwards and cut out a thin wedge-shaped
socket. Next cut the scion in a similar manner so that it will fit exactly
into the incision of the stock, bringing the bark of each into direct
contact. Bind it firmly in position, and cover it over, from the top
of the stock to the bottom of the scion, with grafting wax or clay.
When the scion and the stock are united, which is demonstrated by the
former making growth, remove the wax and cut away all shoots that may
be produced on the stock.
In the French mode of Grafting known as the Bertemboise, the crown
of the stock is cut at a long level, about 1 in. at the top being left
square, and an angular piece is cut away in which the scion is inserted.
It is then bound and waxed over.
Theophrastes or Rind Grafting is used where a tree has strong roots
but inferior fruit. The branches are cut off about 1-1/2 or 2 ft. from
the main stem. A sharp cut 2 or 3 in. in length is made down the bark
of the branches, and the lower parts of the scion, selected from a superior
tree, having been cut into tongues resembling the mouth-piece of a flageolet,
the bark of the branches is lifted with a knife, and the tongues of
the scions are slipped in, bound, and waxed.
Side Grafting is useful where it is desired to replenish the tree with
a fresh branch. A T-shaped cut is made in the stem of the tree,
extending to the inner bark; the scion is prepared by a longitudinal
sloping cut of the same length as that in the stem, into which it is
inserted, and the two are bound together and treated like other grafts.
Approach Grafting is the most favourable method of obtaining choice
varieties of the vine, or of growing weak sorts on roots of a stronger
growth. The scion is generally grown in a pot. A portion of the bark
is cut from both scion and stock while the vine is in active growth,
and the two wounded parts brought into contact, so that they fit exactly.
They are then tied together, and moss (kept constantly wet) is bound
round the parts. The union may be completed by the following spring,
but it is safer to leave the cutting down of the stock to the point
of union and the separation of the scion from the potted plant until
the second spring.
Grafting Wax (Cobbetts), etc.—Pitch and resin
four parts each, beeswax two parts, tallow one part. Melt and mix the
ingredients, and use when just warm. It may be rolled into balls and
stored in a dry place.
Clay bands are frequently employed for excluding the air from wounds
caused in the process of grafting. These are liable to crack, unless
the clay is well kneaded and mixed with wood ashes or dry horse droppings.
Grapes.—The cultivation of Grapes in the open in our cloudy
and changeable climate cannot be looked forward to with any certainty
of success. Two successive favourable seasons are indispensable—one
to ripen the wood, and the next to ripen the fruit. Nevertheless, the
highly ornamental foliage of the vine entitles it to a place on our
walls, and every facility should be afforded for the production of a
chance crop of fruit. The soil most suited to the growth of the vine
is a medium loam, with which is incorporated a quantity of crushed chalk
and half-inch bones. It should be given a south aspect, and be liberally
supplied with water in dry seasons. April is the best time to plant
it, spreading the roots out equally about 9 in. below the surface of
the soil, and mulching with 3 or 4 in. of manure. Should mildew set
in, syringe the vine with a mixture of soapsuds and sulphur. To secure
a continuance of fruit, cut out some of the old rods each year as soon
as the leaves fall, and train young shoots in their places. Last year's
shoots produce other shoots the ensuing summer, and these are the fruit-bearers.
One bunch of grapes is enough for a spur to carry. Professional gardeners
cast off the weight of the bunches, and allow 1 ft. of rod to each pound
of fruit. Tie or nail the bunches to the trellis or wall, and remove
all branches or leaves that intercept light and air.
The vine may be increased by layers at the end of September. Cut a
notch at a bud, and bury it 4 or 5 in. deep, leaving two or three eyes
above ground. It may also be propagated by cuttings, about 1 ft. in
length, of the last year's growth, with 1 in. of old wood attached,
taken the latter end of February. Plant these deep in the ground, leaving
one eye only above the surface. Both the Black Hamburgh and Royal Muscadine
ripen as well as any in the open.
It is under glass only that Grapes can be brought to perfection. Here
a night temperature of 55 to 65 degrees, with a rise of 5 or 10 degrees
in the day, should be maintained, the walls and paths damped once or
twice a day, and the vine syringed frequently until it comes into bloom,
when syringing must cease, and a drier atmosphere is necessary; the
moisture being reduced by degrees. As the grapes ripen, admit more air,
and reduce the heat, otherwise the fruit will shrivel. After gathering
the grapes syringe the vine frequently to clear it from spiders or dust,
and keep the house cool to induce rest to the plant. The fruit may be
preserved for a long while in a good condition by cutting it with about
1 ft. of the rod attached, and inserting the cuttings in bottles of
water in which a piece of charcoal is placed: the bottles to be placed
in racks nailed on to an upright post in any room or cellar where an
equable temperature of 45 or 50 degrees can be kept up. The system of
pruning adopted is that known as spur pruning (see "Pruning").
Mrs. Pearson is a very fine variety, and produces very sweet berries;
the Frontignan Grizzly Black and White are also delicious.
Grasses, Natural—
AGROSTIS STOLONIFERA (Creeping Bent Grass).—Useful for
damp meadows.
ALOPECURUS PRATENSIS (Meadow Foxtail).—Strong-growing
and very nutritious.
ANTHOXANTHUM ODORATUM (True Sweet Vernal),—Hardy and
gives fragrance to hay.
AVENA FLAVESCENS (Yellow Oat Grass).—Fine for sheep;
grows freely on light soils.
CYNOSURUS CRISTATUS (Crested Dogstail).—Suitable for
any soil.
DACTYLIS GLOMERATA (Cocksfoot).—Strong and coarse-growing;
cattle are fond of it.
FESTUCA DURIUSCULA (Hard Fescue).—Dwarf-growing; excellent
for sheep.
FESTUCA ELATIOR (Tall Fescue).—Useful for cold, strong
soils.
FESTUCA OVINA (Sheep's Fescue).—Fine for dry, sandy soils.
FESTUCA OVINA TENUIFOLIA (Slender Fescue).—Suitable for
mountain pastures.
FESTUCA PRATENSIS (Meadow Fescue).—Good permanent grass
for rich, moist soil.
PHLEUM PRATENSE (Timothy, or Catstail).—Suitable for
strong soils; nutritious and hardy.
POA NEMORALIS (Wood Meadow Grass).—Good for poor soils.
POA PRATENSIS (Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass).—Grows well
on light, dry soil, and also in water-meadows.
POA TRIVIALIS (Rough-stalked Meadow Grass).—Fine for
damp soil.
Grasses, Ornamental.—Fine for mixing in a green state with cut
flowers, or in a dried condition for the decoration of vases, winter
bouquets, etc. To have them in perfection gather them while quite fresh,
with the pollen on them. Cut with as long stems as possible, arrange
lightly in vases, and keep them in the dark till they are dried and
the stems become stiff. The Grasses may be divided into two sections,
viz., those for bouquets or edgings, and those grown in the border or
on lawns for specimen plants. The class is numerous, but the following
(which may be found described herein under alphabetical classification)
may be mentioned:—
For bouquets and edgings: Agrostis, Anthoxanthum, Avena, Briza, Coix
Lachryma, Eragrostis, Festuca, Hordeum Jubatum, Lagurus, and Stipa Pennata.
For specimen plants: Eulalia, Gynerium, Panicum, Phalaris, and Zea.
Gratiola Officinalis.—This hardy herbaceous plant bears light
blue flowers in July. A rich, moist soil is its delight. It is propagated
by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.
Grevillea.—Handsome greenhouse shrubs, which require a mould
composed of equal parts of peat, sand, and loam. Give plenty of water
in summer, a moderate amount at other seasons. Ripened cuttings may
be rooted in sand, under a glass. Young plants may also be obtained
from seed. They bloom in June. Their common height is from 3 to 4 ft.,
but G. Robusta attains a great height. Grevilleas will grow well in
windows facing south.
Griselinia Littoralis.—A dwarf-growing, light-coloured evergreen
shrub, which will thrive near the sea. It requires a light, dry soil,
and may be increased by cuttings.
Guelder Rose.—See "Viburnum."
Guernsey Lily (Nerine Sarniense).—Soil, strong, rich
loam with sand, well drained. Plant the bulbs deeply in a warm, sheltered
position, and let them remain undisturbed year by year. Keep the beds
dry in winter, and protect the roots from frost. They also make good
indoor plants, potted in moss or cocoa-nut fibre in September, or they
may be grown in vases of water.
Gunnera Manicata (Chilian Rhubarb).—This hardy plant
bears large leaves on stout foot-stalks, and is very ornamental in the
backs of borders, etc. Planted in a rich, moist soil, it will flower
in August. It can be propagated by division. Height, 6 ft.
Gunnera Scabra.—Has gigantic leaves, 4 to 5 ft. in diameter,
on petioles 3 to 6 ft. in length. It prefers a moist, shady position,
and bears division. Makes a fine addition to a sub-tropical garden,
where it will flower in August. Height, 6 ft.
Gynerium (Pampas Grass).—This unquestionably is the grandest
of all grasses, and is sufficiently hardy to endure most of our winters.
It is, however, desirable to give it some protection. It requires a
deep, rich, alluvial soil, with plenty of room and a good supply of
water. Plants may be raised from seed sown thinly in pots during February
or March, barely covering it with very fine soil, and keeping the surface
damp. Plant out at end of May. They will flower when three or four years
old. The old leaves should be allowed to remain on till the new ones
appear, as they afford protection to the plant. It may be increased
by division of the root. Height, 7 ft.
Gypsophila.—Of value for table bouquets, etc. They will grow
in any soil, but prefer a chalky one. The herbaceous kinds are increased
by cuttings; the annuals are sown in the open either in autumn or spring.
They bloom during July and August. Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.
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