As boisterous winds, heavy rains, and other atmospheric changes
occur about this time, it is advisable to draft the choicest out-door
greenhouse plants to their winter quarters. Each plant to be carefully
examined, dead leaves removed, and any defects in the soil or drainage
of the pots to be remedied. If worm-casts, or other indications of
the presence of worms, appear on the surface of the soil, by carefully
turning the ball of soil out of the pot they can generally be picked
out. If they are not visible on the outside of the ball, a small peg
stuck in will direct particular attention to it until the intruder is
removed. When staging the plants, a pleasing variety may be introduced
by placing a few on inverted pots. Sufficient space to be given to
each plant to allow the air to circulate freely around. If there is
not sufficient room for all, the oldest or mis-shapen plants may be
rejected, or wintered in a pit or vinery. When housed, all the air
possible should be given in fine weather by the entire withdrawal of the
lights, and only reducing the ventilation when unfavourable changes in
the weather take place.
Heliotropes.--Pay attention to keep them in a growing, healthy state for
winter flowering.
Mignonette.--Sow now and a month hence, for winter and spring blooming.
Pinks.--Pot _Anne Boleyne_ and other sorts, to be well established
before they are wanted for forcing.
Roses.--Some of the Tea-scented and China kinds, being placed under
glass, and to be repotted if requisite, will promote immediate growth
and early blooming.
Violets.--Take up with good balls, to be potted in rotten turf, or leaf
mould and road-scrapings, in 48 or 32-sized pots, placed in a pit or
frame near the glass, for flowers in the winter and early spring.