Chapter 8

Fruit Trees, the Pruning of.--Cut away all growths that have an inward tendency, and do not allow any shoot to cross over or come in contact with another; also keep the centres of the trees or bushes open. The fruit of trees thus treated is not so liable to be blown down by the wind, and the sun can more readily ripen it. If the ground is poor a dressing of rotted manure worked into the soil will be beneficial to the roots.

Fuchsias.--These like a warm and moist atmosphere. The hardy sorts do well out of doors in rich, light soil. On the approach of frost cut them down and cover the roots with 3 or 4 in. of coal dust, ashes, or moss. Remove the ashes in April and thin out the shoots in May. They will also grow well from cuttings taken off the old wood as soon as they are 1 in. long, inserted in sand and placed under glass, or plunged in dung at a temperature of 60 degrees. Cuttings will also strike in loam and leaf-mould. If grown in pots, take them indoors before the frosty weather begins, and give them very little or no water at all during the winter. Keep them in a cool place, yet free from frost. Re-pot them in the spring, trimming the branches and roots, and making a compost for them of one-half mellow yellow loam, one quarter leaf-mould, and one quarter old manure. Place them in a frame with bottom-heat, and water and syringe them moderately while they are growing. When they are in full growth never give them plain water, but always plenty of liquid manure.

Fumitory.--_See_ "Corydalis."

Funkia.--Ornamental plants which delight in a deep, light soil and a warm, moist situation, without which they will not flower. They are increased by division (which should not be too severe) and bloom in July and August. Height, 1 1/2 ft.

Furze.--Enjoys a sandy soil. Increased by cuttings taken in spring or autumn and placed in a shady border under hand-glasses. It is of evergreen habit, and forms a dense and highly ornamental hedge. (_See also_ "Ulex.")

G

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.