Garden Notes - Lilium to Nerine

Lilium

The following beautiful Liliums are especially suitable for cultivation in pots; L. aeration. L. speciosum, L. longifloruon Harrisii, and others. Small varieties may be grown in 6 inch pots, one bulb in each; while four to eight bulbs of the larger varieties may be grown in 8 to 12 inch pots, good drainage being given. Compost: turfy loam one part, fibrous peat one part, decayed manure and leaf-mould half part each, together with a little sand. Weak liquid manure may be given until the buds form, a free circulation of air being admitted.
 

Marguerite

For greenhouse cultivation small bedding plants may be potted singly in 4 inch pots, and grown outdoors during summer, removing tips from time to time to ensure bushy growths. Rich soil is not required. Transfer to larger pots in September, and place under glass to protect from frost, though they should be kept cool during winter, as much heat spoils the blooms completely. During blooming season feed with weak liquid manure, and never allow roots to become dry. Cuttings strike easily in pots of sandy soil placed in cold frame early in September.
 

Poet's Narcissus

For indoor culture turf roughly broken up is admirable, or a compost of fibrous loam two parts, leaf-mould one part, and sand one part may be used. Bulbs should be potted with apex just above soil, from August to November, in 5 inch or 6 inch pots; number of bulbs to pot depending on their size. Set in frame until growth begins, then remove to greenhouse or window. Water when leaves show, and apply weak soot-water carefully when flowers appear. After blooming stand in open, watering regularly. When leaves die down plant in garden.

 

Nemesia

These fragrant half-hardy annuals are admirable for beds or for cultivation in pots. Seeds should be sown in March, about 1/16 inch deep, in well-drained pots filled with fibrous loam and a little wood ashes, and set in moderate heat to germinate. Transplant seedlings when three-leaves are formed, 1 inch apart in pots, and set in very moderate heat. At no time should more than the necessary minimum of heat be used for Nemesias. From June to October pots should be set in sunny position in the open for flowering.
 

Nerine

Nerines are admirably adapted for cultivation in the greenhouse. There are numerous varieties, all flowering in August and September. Bulbs should be grown in a compost of sandy loam two parts, decayed cow manure one part, and plenty of sand. Three bulbs should be set firmly in a well-drained 6 inch pot. Re-pot every three or four years in August. Water freely when growth begins, continue to keep moist until May, and feed with liquid manure occasionally. From May to September stand outdoors in the sun and cease watering. Offsets removed when potting may be planted, and will flower in due course.