Chapter 9

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.

Green Fly.--Fumigate the infected plants with tobacco, and afterwards syringe them with clear water; or the plants may be washed with tobacco water by means of a soft brush.

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.

Gumming of Trees.--Scrape the gum off, wash the place thoroughly with clear water, and apply a compost of horse-dung, clay, and tar.

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.

H

Habrothamnus.--These beautiful evergreen shrubs require greenhouse culture, and to be grown in sandy loam and leaf-mould. The majority of them flower in spring. Height, 4 ft. to 6 ft.

Halesia Tetraptera (_Snowdrop Tree_).--This elegant shrub will grow in any soil, and may be propagated by cuttings of the roots or by layers. The pendent white flowers are produced close to the branches in June. Height, 8 ft.

Hamamelis (_Witch Hazel_).--An ornamental shrub which will grow in ordinary soil, but thrives best in a sandy one. It is increased by layers. May is its season for flowering. Height, 12 ft. to 15 ft. H. Arborea is a curious small tree, producing brownish-yellow flowers in mid-winter.

Harpalium Rigidum.--A hardy perennial, producing very fine yellow flowers in the autumn. It will grow in any good garden soil, and may be propagated by seed sown in early autumn, or by division of the roots. Height, 3 ft.

Hawkweed.--_See_ "Crepis" _and_ "Hieracium."

Heartsease.--_See_ "Pansies."

Heaths, Greenhouse.--For their successful growth Heaths require a well-drained soil, composed of three parts finely pulverised peat and one part silver sand, free ventilation, and a careful supply of water, so that the soil is always damp. If they suffer a check they are hard to bring round, especially the hard-wooded kinds. Some of the soft-wooded Heaths, such as the H. Hyemalis, are easier of management. After they have flowered they may be cut hard back, re-potted, and supplied with liquid manure. The stout shoots thus obtained will bloom the following season. (_See also_ "Ericas.")

Hedera.--_See_ "Ivy."

Hedychium Gardnerianum.--A hothouse herbaceous plant, delighting in a rich, light soil, plenty of room in the pots for the roots, and a good amount of sunshine. In the spring a top-dressing of rich manure and soot should be given. From the time the leaves begin to expand, and all through its growing stage, it needs plenty water, and an occasional application of liquid manure. The foliage should not be cut off when it dies, but allowed to remain on all the winter. While the plant is dormant keep it rather dry and quite free from frost. It may be increased by dividing the roots, but it blooms best when undisturbed. July is its flowering month. Height, 6 ft.

Hedysarum.--Hardy perennials, requiring a light, rich soil, or loam and peat. They may be raised from seed, or increased by dividing the roots in spring. H. Multijugum bears rich purple flowers. Height, 6 in. to 3 ft.

Heleniums.--The Pumilum is a very pretty hardy perennial that may be grown in any soil, and increased by dividing the roots. It produces its golden flowers in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. H. Autumnale is also easy to grow, but flowers a month later than the Pumilum, and attains a height of 3 ft. H. Bigelowi is the best of the late autumn-flowering species, producing an abundance of rich yellow flowers with purple discs. Flowers in August. Height, 3-1/2 ft.

Helianthemum Alpinum (_Rock Roses_).--These hardy perennials are best grown in sandy loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings placed under glass in a sheltered situation. Bloom in June or July. Height, 1 ft.

Helianthus (_Sunflowers_).--The tall variety is a very stately plant, suitable for the background or a corner of the border. Well-grown flowers have measured 16 in. in diameter. The miniature kinds make fine vase ornaments. They grow in any garden soil, and are easily increased by seed raised on a hotbed in spring and afterwards transplanted. The perennials may be propagated by division of the root. They produce their flowers in August. Height, 3 ft. to 6 ft.

Helichrysum.--Fine everlasting hardy annuals, that grow best in a mixture of three parts peat and one part sandy loam. May be readily raised from seed sown in a cold frame in March, or cuttings taken off at a joint will strike in peat and sand. Bloom during July and August. For winter decoration the flowers should be gathered in a young state, as they continue to develop after being gathered. Height, 1 ft. to 6 ft, but most of them are 2 ft. high.

Heliophila.--Pretty little hardy annuals, thriving best in sandy loam and peat. Sow the seed early in spring in pots placed in a gentle hotbed, and plant out in May. They flower in June. Height, 9 in.

Heliopsis.--This hardy perennial is useful for cutting purposes, the flowers being borne on long stalks, and lasting for two or three weeks in water. It is not particular as to soil, and may be increased by dividing the roots. Height, 5 ft.

Heliotrope.--Commonly called Cherry Pie. Sow the seed early in spring in light, rich soil in a little heat, and plant out in May. The best plants, however, are obtained from cuttings taken off when young, in the same way as Verbenas and bedding Calceolarias. They are very sensitive to frost. Flower in June. Height, 1 ft.

Helipterium.--A half-hardy annual, bearing everlasting flowers. It should receive the same treatment as Helichrysum. Blooms in May or June. Height, 2 ft.

Helleborus (_Christmas Rose_).--As its name implies, the Hellebore flowers about Christmas, and that without any protection whatever. The foliage is evergreen, and of a dark colour. When the plant is once established it produces flowers in great abundance. The plants of the white-flowered variety should be protected with a hand-light when the flower-buds appear, in order to preserve the blossoms pure and clean. Any deeply-dug rich garden soil suits it, and it is most at home under the shade of a tree. It prefers a sheltered situation, and during the summer months a mulching of litter and an occasional watering will be beneficial. Readily increased by division in spring or seed. Height, 1 ft.

Helonias Bullata.--A pretty herbaceous plant, bearing dense racemes of purple-rose flowers from June to August. It grows best in peat, in a moist position. It can be raised from seed or increased by division of the roots. Height 1-1/2 ft.

Hemerocallis (_Day Lily_).--Old-fashioned plants of great merit. Planted in large clumps they produce a grand effect. They are easily grown in any common garden soil, and bloom in July. Height, 3 ft. H. Kwanso has handsome, variegated foliage.

Hemp.--_See_ "Canna" _and_ "Cannabis."

Hepatica.--This enjoys a rather light, sandy soil and a shady situation. The roots should be taken up and divided every second year. Well adapted for surrounding beds or clumps of Rhododendrons. Flowers in March. Height, 4 in.

Heracleum.--Coarse hardy biennials, that may be grown in any kind of soil, and are readily raised from seed. They flower at midsummer. Height, 2 ft. to 4 ft.

Herbs.--Thyme, Marjoram, Chervil, Basil, Burnet, Hyssop, Savory, etc., should be sown early in spring, in dry, mild weather, in narrow drills about 1/2 in. deep and 8 or 9 in. apart, covered evenly with soil, and transplanted when strong enough. Mint is quickly increased by separating the roots in spring, and covering them with 1 in. of earth. Sage is propagated by slips of the young shoots taken either in spring or autumn. If planted in light soil and in a sunny position it produces very fragrant flowers. Chives should be planted 6 or 8 in. apart: they are increased by division in spring. Penny Royal, like mint generally, will grow from very small pieces of the root; it needs to be frequently transplanted, and to be kept from a damp condition. Rosemary will grow from cuttings planted under glass in a shady spot. Thyme likes a light, rich soil, and bears division. Sorrel will grow in any soil, and the roots should be divided every two or three years. Chamomile roots are divided and subdivided in spring. Herbs should be harvested on a fine day, just before they are in full bloom. Tie them up in small bunches and hang in the shade to dry, then wrap in paper and store in air-tight vessels, or rub the leaves to a powder and keep in tightly-corked bottles. They will retain their strength for a long time.

Herbs, the Uses of Sweet and Pot.--

_ANGELICA_.--A biennial. Leaves and stalks are eaten raw or boiled; the seeds are aromatic, and used to flavour spirits.

_ANISE_.--Leaves used for garnishing, and for seasoning, like fennel; the seeds are medicinal.

_BALM_.--A hardy perennial. Makes a useful tea and wine for fevers.

_BASIL_, Sweet and Bush.--Half-hardy annuals. The leaves and tops of the shoots, on account of their clove-like flavour, are used for seasoning soups and introduced into salads.

_BORAGE_.--Hardy annual. Used for salads and garnishing, and as an ingredient in cool drinks; excellent also for bees.

_CHAMOMILE_.--A hardy perennial. Flowers used medicinally.

_CARAWAY_.--A biennial. Leaves used in soups, and the seeds in confectionery and medicine.

_CHERVIL_.--An annual. Useful for salads.

_CHIVES_.--Hardy perennial. The young tops used to flavour soups, etc.

_CORIANDER_.--A hardy annual. Cultivated for garnishing.

_DILL_.--A hardy perennial. Leaves used in soups and sauces, also in pickles.

_FENNEL_.--Hardy perennial. Used in salads and in fish sauce, also for garnishing dishes.

_HOREHOUND_.--Hardy perennial. Leaves and young shoots used for making a beverage for coughs.

_HYSSOP_.--Hardy evergreen shrub. Leaves and young shoots used for making tea; also as a pot herb.

_LAVENDER_.--Hardy perennial. Cultivated for its flowers, for the distillation of lavender water, for flavouring sauces, and for medicinal purposes.

_MARIGOLD_, Pot.--Hardy annual. Flowers used in soups.

_MARJORAM_, Sweet or Knotted, and Pot.--Hardy annuals. Aromatic and sweet flavour. Used for stuffings and as a pot herb; leaves dried for winter use.

_RAMPION_.--Hardy perennial. Roots used as a radish; they have a nutty flavour.

_ROSEMARY_.--Hardy ornamental shrub. Sprigs used for garnishing and the leaves in drink.

_RUE_.--Hardy evergreen shrub. Leaves used for medicinal drinks; useful for poultry with croup.

_SAGE_.--Hardy perennial. Decoction of leaves drank as tea; used also for stuffing, meats, and sauces.

_SAVORY_, Summer.--Hardy annual. Used for flavouring soups and salads.

_SAVORY_, Winter.--Hardy evergreen shrub. Its aromatic flavour makes it valuable as a pot herb.

_SCURVY GRASS_.--The small leaves are eaten as watercress.

_SKIRRET_.--Hardy perennial. Sweet, white, and pleasant; the tubers are boiled and served up with butter.

_SORREL_, Broad-Leaved.--Hardy perennial. Imparts an acid flavour to salads and soups.

_THYME_, Broad-Leaved.--Hardy perennial. Young leaves and tops used for stuffing, also in soups and sauces.

_TARRAGON_.--Hardy perennial. For flavouring vinegar; also used in salads, soups, and pickles.

_WORMWOOD_.--A hardy shrub. Beneficial to horses and poultry, and is used for medical purposes.

Herniaria Glabra.--These dwarf carpeting plants are of easy culture. Grow from seed in spring and transplant into sandy soil. Height, 1-1/2 in.

Hesperis.--_See_ "Rocket."

Heuchera.--Very neat, but not showy, hardy American perennials. They may be grown in any ordinary light garden soil, are increased by dividing the root, and bloom in May. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Hibbertia Dentata.--An evergreen twining plant, requiring a greenhouse for its cultivation and a soil of sandy loam and peat. It flowers in July, and is increased by cuttings taken in spring or summer and kept under glass. Height, 6 ft.

Hibiscus Africanus.--A handsome hardy annual Mallow. Sow in March in slight heat, and plant out in May 10 in. apart. Grows best in a mixture of loam and peat. Blooms in June. Height, 2 ft.

Hibiscus Syriacus (_Rose of Sharon_).--A hardy, deciduous, autumn-flowering shrub, which will grow in common soil, and may be propagated by seeds, layers, or cuttings planted under glass. Height, 6 ft.

Hieracium (_Hawkweed_).--A free-growing hardy perennial, suitable for a sunny bank or border. It is not particular as to soil. From June to September it produces orange-brown flowers. It grows freely from seed, and the roots bear division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Hippeastrums.--_See_ "Amaryllis."

Hippocrepis.--Very pretty hardy trailing perennials, covered from May to July with golden Pea-shaped flowers. They will grow in any light, sandy soil, and may be increased by cuttings, which root readily under glass. Height, 3 in. to 6 in.

Hippophae.--Ornamental shrubs, thriving in ordinary soil, and increased by layers or cuttings of the roots. H. Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) flowers in May. Height, 12 ft.

Holboellia Latifolia.--_See_ "Stauntonia Latifolia."

Holly (_Ilex_).--This pleasing hardy evergreen shrub thrives best on a deep, sandy loam, but will grow in any good soil, provided the position is dry. It succeeds well in the shade. Cuttings of young shoots having 1 in. of the old wood attached will strike root, but the plant is of very slow growth, and takes at least four years to grow into a good bush. Choice varieties may be grafted or budded on to the common sorts in June or July. To grow Holly from seed, gather the berries when ripe, crush them, and mix them up with a little sandy loam, bury them in a hole 3 ft. deep, and cover with litter. Dig them up and sow them in March. Big bushes are best moved at the end of August, mixing the earth to a puddle before planting. The less pruning they receive the better. They may be trimmed in spring.

Hollyhock.--May be raised from seed or cuttings. Sow the seed about the second week of March in very rich soil, and cover it with 1 in. of dry earth. In June (having soaked the bed thoroughly overnight) remove the young plants to a nursery-bed, setting them 6 in. apart. Press the earth firmly round the roots, and water plentifully until settled. In the autumn plant them where they are to bloom. Cuttings may be taken as soon as the flowers appear, or from the old plants in autumn. Each joint having an eye will furnish a plant. Select side branches having two or three joints and leaves. Cut the shoots through just under the lower joint, leaving the leaf entire; cut it also about 2 in. above the joint. Plant in equal parts of loam, gritty sand, and leaf-mould; shelter from the sun, and sprinkle them every day in fine weather with water. If the cuttings are taken in autumn pot them off in 60-sized pots, and keep them in a cold frame till the spring, when they may be planted out. Flowers in August. Height, 6 ft.

Homerias.--Beautiful little South African plants. For out-door cultivation plant the bulbs in a dry, warm situation, from October to January, 3 in. deep, and the same distance apart, in rich, light, well-drained soil, and protect them from heavy rains with a good layer of leaves. For pot culture put four or five bulbs in a 5-in. pot, place in a cold frame, and cover with cocoa-nut fibre until the growth appears. Water moderately, and when the flowers fade abstain from supplying moisture. The bulbs are not quite hardy, therefore they should be removed indoors before frosts appear.

Homogyne Alpina.--Hardy herbaceous plants flowering in April. Any soil is suitable for them, and they may be increased by division. Height, 6 in.

Honesty (_Lunaria_).--Interesting hardy biennials. When dried, the shining seed-pods make a handsome addition to winter bouquets, mixed with ornamental grass. Any common soil suits them. Sow the seed any time from April to June, and transplant them to the border in the autumn for flowering the following May. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 3 ft.

Honeysuckles.--These rapid twiners thrive in any loamy soil, and may be increased by putting down layers in the autumn, after the leaves begin to fall. They can also be propagated by cuttings taken in the autumn and planted in a shady, sheltered spot. Caprifolium Brachypoda and the evergreen C. Sempervirens are handsome, free-flowering kinds, suitable for almost any situation. C. Aurea-reticulata has beautifully variegated leaves, which render it very ornamental. Height, 6 ft. to 8 ft.

Hop.--A useful hardy climber for covering verandahs, summer-houses, etc. Plant in rich, loamy soil, and increase by dividing the roots. (_See also_ "Humulus Japonicus.")

Hordeum Jubatum (_Squirrel-tail Grass)_.--A very pretty species resembling miniature barley. Sow seed in March, covering it very lightly, and keep the surface of the soil moist till the grass appears. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Horminum Pyrenaicum.--This hardy perennial produces erect white flowers with blue corolla in June or July. It will grow in any ordinary soil, but needs protection in winter, as it is apt to be injured by damp. It may be propagated either by seed or division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Horn Poppy.--_See_ "Glaucium."

Horseradish.--Plant in October or February in deep, rich soil; or it may be grown on a heap of cinder-ashes, or on any light ground through which the roots can make their way readily. The best way to increase it is by slips taken from the roots. It requires little or no attention beyond pinching out the tops when running to seed and keeping the ground hoed.