Gardening For The Million Part 22

Parsnips.--These succeed best in a rich soil, but the application of fresh manure should be avoided, as it induces forked and ill-shaped roots. Let the ground be trenched two spits deep and left ridged up as long as possible. As early in March as the weather will permit level the surface and sow the seed in drills 15 in. apart, covering it with half an inch of fine soil. When the plants are 2 or 3 in. high, thin them out to 9 in. apart. They may be taken up in November and, after cutting off the tops, stored in a pit or cellar in damp sand, or they may be left in the ground till required for use.

Pa.s.sion Flower.--Cuttings of the young shoots strike readily in sand under gla.s.s. The plant likes a good loamy soil mixed with peat. A sheltered position with a south or south-western aspect should be a.s.signed those grown out of doors, and the root should be well protected in winter. The flowers are borne on seasoned growth of the current year: this fact must be considered when pruning the plants.

During the hot months the roots require a copious supply of water, and the foliage should be syringed freely. Pa.s.siflora Caerulea is fine for outdoor culture, and Countess Guiglini makes a capital greenhouse plant.

Pavia Macrostachya.--This is a deciduous hardy shrub or tree which bears elegant racemes of white Chestnut-like flowers in July. Any soil suits it. It is propagated by layers or by grafting it on to the Horse-chestnut. Height, 10 ft.

Peaches.--These are best grown on a strong loam mixed with old mortar; though any soil that is well drained will produce good fruit. When possible, a south wall should be chosen; but they are not particular as to position, providing they are afforded shelter from cold winds.

November and February are the most favourable months for planting. The roots should be carefully arranged at equal distances apart, 3 or 4 in. below the surface of soil, and then covered with fine mould. Avoid giving manure at all times, except when the trees are bearing fruit heavily. Train the shoots about 6 in. apart, removing all the wood-buds except one at the base of the shoot and one at the point.

Keep the flowers dry and free from frost by means of an overhead shelter, to which tiffany or canvas can be attached, which should, however, only be used so long as the cold weather lasts. To ensure good fruit, thin the same out to 6 in. apart as soon as it attains the size of a small pea, and when the stoning period is pa.s.sed remove every alternate one, so that they will be 1 ft. apart. After gathering the fruit, remove any exhausted and weak wood, leaving all that is of the thickness of a black-lead pencil. To keep the foliage clean, syringe once a day with water; this may be continued until the fruit is nearly ripe. The following may be recommended for outdoor cultivation:--Hale's Early, Dagmar, and Waterloo for fruiting in July or August; Crimson Galande, Dymond, and the well-known Bellegarde for succession in September; and Golden Eagle for a late sort. When planted in quant.i.ties, Peaches should stand 20 ft. apart.

When grown under gla.s.s a day temperature of 50 degrees, falling to 45 degrees at night, is sufficient to start with, gradually increasing it so that 65 degrees by day and 55 by night is reached at the period of blossoming. Syringe the leaves daily until the flowers are produced, then discontinue it, merely keeping the walls near the pipes and the paths damp. As soon as the fruit is set the syringing should recommence. Water of the same temperature as that of the house should in all cases be used. When the fruit begins to ripen, cease once more the syringing until it is gathered, then admit air freely, wash the trees daily, and apply liquid manure to the roots in sufficient quant.i.ties to keep the soil moist during the time the trees are at rest. Rivers's Early, Pitmaston Orange, Dagmar, and Royal George are all good under gla.s.s.

Pears.--Wherever Apples are a success Pears will grow. As a rule, they are best grown dwarf. On light soils they should be grafted on to Pear stocks, but on heavy soils they are best worked on the Quince. The fruiting of young trees may be accelerated by lifting them when about five years old, spreading out the roots 1 ft. below the surface of the soil, and mulching the ground. The mulching should be raked off in the spring, the ground lightly stirred with a fork and left to sweeten, and another mulching applied when the weather becomes hot and dry.

In pruning, leave the leading branches untouched, but let all cross shoots be removed, and the young wood be cut away in sufficient quant.i.ty to produce a well-balanced tree, and so equalise the flow of sap. Some of the pruning may be done in summer, but directly the leaves fall is the time to perform the main work. A good syringing once a week with the garden hose will keep the trees vigorous and free from insects. Should scab make its appearance on the leaves, spray them occasionally with Bordeaux Mixture, using the minimum strength at first, and a stronger application afterwards if necessary. There are over 500 varieties of Pears, so it is no easy matter to give a selection to suit all tastes, but a few may be named as most likely to give satisfaction. Louise Bonne de Jersey succeeds in almost any soil and in any situation, is a great favourite, and ripens its fruit in October. Beurre Giffard makes a fine standard, and ripens in July.

Beurre Hardy is delicious in October and November. Doyenne du Comice is one of the best-flavoured, and is very prolific. Beurre d'Amanlis ripens in August. Williams's Bon Chretien, Aston Town, Pitmaston d.u.c.h.ess, Clapp's Favourite, Comte de Lamy, and Josephine de Malines are all reliable for dessert, while for stewing purposes Catillac, Black Pear of Worcester, Verulam, and Vicar of Winkfield are among the best. In orchards standards should be from 20 to 25 ft. apart; dwarfs 12 ft. to 1 rod.

Peas.--For the production of heavy summer and autumn crops a rich and deeply-stirred soil is essential, one of the best fertilisers being well-decayed farmyard manure; but for the earliest crop a poorer soil, if deep and well pulverised, will give the best results. Peas under 3 ft. in height do not require sticking, but they can be more easily gathered if a few small twigs are used to keep the haulm off the ground. If sown in successive lines the s.p.a.ce between the rows should correspond with the height of the variety grown. A good plan is to arrange the rows 10 or 15 ft. apart, and crop the intervening s.p.a.ces with early dwarf vegetables. The earliest varieties may be sown from November to February, on the warmest and most sheltered border: these may be gathered in May and June. The second early round, varieties, if sown from January to April, will be ready for gathering in June and July. The main crop round varieties may be sown from February to May: these will be ready to gather in July and August. The early wrinkled varieties may be sown from March to June, for gathering between June and September. Sow main crop and late varieties at intervals of fourteen days from March to May: these will be ready to gather in July, August, and September. When the plants are a couple of inches high draw the earth neatly round them, and stake the taller varieties as soon as the tendrils appear. Keep them well watered in dry weather, and if on a light soil a mulching of manure will be beneficial. As soon as the pods are setting apply weak liquid manure to the roots when the ground is moist.

Peas, Everlasting (_Lathyrus Latifolia_).--These well-known and favourite hardy perennials are very useful for covering trellises, etc. They will grow in any garden soil, and may be raised from seed sown early in spring in slight heat. Where there is no greenhouse or frame the seed may be planted, about 1/2 in. deep, round the edges of pots filled with nice, light soil, and covered with a sheet of gla.s.s, keeping the soil moist till the seed germinates. When the plants are strong enough they may be placed in their permanent quarters. They bloom from June to September. Old roots may be divided. Height, 6 ft.

Peas, Sweet.--These most beautiful and profuse blooming hardy annuals will grow almost anywhere, but they prefer a dry soil that is both rich and light. The seed should be sown as early in March as practicable, and in April and May for succession. When the plants are 2 or 3 in. high a few twigs may be placed among them, to which they will cling. The flowers are produced in July, and the more liberally they are gathered the longer the plants will continue to bloom.

Height, 3 ft.

Pelargonium.--The shrubby kinds will grow well in any rich soil; loam and decayed leaves form a good compost for them. They require good drainage and plenty of air and light while in a vigorous state.

Cuttings root readily in either soil or sand, especially if placed under gla.s.s. Most of the hard-wooded varieties are more easily increased by cuttings from the roots. The tuberous-rooted ones should be kept quite dry while dormant, and may be increased by small off-sets from the roots.

Pentstemon.--This charming hardy perennial is deserving of a place in every garden. It may be grown in any good soil, but a mixture of loam and peat is most suitable. The seed may be sown in April, and the plants transferred when strong enough to their flowering quarters; or it may be sown in a sheltered position during August or September to stand the winter. It may also be increased by dividing the roots in spring, as soon as growth begins. Cuttings of the young side-shoots about 6 in. long may be taken at any period--the middle of September is a good time; these should be placed under a hand-gla.s.s in sandy loam and leaf-mould. These cuttings will flower the first year. It blooms from May to October. Height, 2 ft.

Peppermint.--This may be grown on any damp or marshy soil, and increased by dividing the roots.

Perennials.--These are plants that die down during the winter, but spring up and produce new stems annually. Some, as for instance Antirrhinums and Pansies, flower the first season, but usually they do not bloom till the second season. Many of the species improve by age, forming large clumps or bushes. The stock is increased by division of the roots, which, if judiciously done, improves the plant. Like annuals, they are divided into cla.s.ses of Hardy, Half-hardy, and Tender plants.

Hardy perennials do not require artificial heat to germinate the seeds, or at any period of their growth, but are the most easily cultivated of all plants. Seed may be sown from March to midsummer, transplanting in the autumn to their flowering quarters; or it may be sown in August and September in a sheltered position to stand the winter.

Half-hardy plants require artificial heat to germinate their seed, and must be gradually introduced into the open. They may be sown during March and April in frames or a greenhouse, when many will bloom the first season. If sown between May and the end of August they will flower the following spring and summer. They require protection during winter, such as is afforded by a cold pit, frame, or greenhouse, or the covering of a mat or litter. Tender perennials may be sown as directed above, but the plants should be kept constantly under gla.s.s.

Some perennials, such as Pinks, Carnations, Saxifrages, etc., do not die down, but retain their leaves. These are called evergreen perennials.

Pergularia.--Very fragrant twining plants, suitable for trellis-work, arbours, etc. A rich soil suits them best. They are easily increased by cuttings sown in sand under gla.s.s. They flower at midsummer.

Height, 8 ft. to 12 ft.

Perilla Nankinensis.--A plant of little merit, except for its foliage, which is of a rich bronze purple. It bears a cream-coloured flower in July. It may be raised in the same manner as other half-hardy annuals, and prefers a light, loamy soil. Height, 1 1/2 ft.

Periploca Graeca.--A hardy, deciduous, twining shrub, which will grow in any soil, and may be increased by layers or by cuttings placed under gla.s.s. It flowers in July. Height, 10 ft.

Periwinkle.--_See_ "Vinca."

Pernettya.--An American evergreen shrub, which, like all of its cla.s.s, thrives best in sandy peat; it delights in partial shade, and a moist but well-drained position. It is increased by layers in September, which should not be disturbed for a year. It is a good plan to mulch the roots with leaf-mould or well-rotted manure. Height, 5 ft.

Petunias.--These ornamental half-hardy perennials prefer a mixture of sandy loam and vegetable mould, but will grow in any rich, light soil. Seeds sown in March or April, at a temperature of from 65 to 75 degrees, make fine bedding plants for a summer or autumn display.

As the seeds are very minute, they should be covered merely with a dusting of the finest of soil. Moisture is best supplied by standing the pots up to the rims in water. Pot off singly, harden off, and plant out at the end of May. May also easily be raised from cuttings, which will strike at any season in heat, but care must be taken that they do not damp off. They flower in July and August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.

Phacelia Campanularia.--A superb, rich blue, hardy annual. It will grow in any soil, and is easily raised from seed sown in spring.

Flowers are borne in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Phalaris.--P. Arundinacea is the well-known perennial Ribbon Gra.s.s; it is easily grown from seed, and the root allows division. P.

Canariensis is the useful canary seed: it may be propagated from seed on any soil. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Philadelphus.--Among the best of our flowering shrubs, producing a wealth of sweetly-scented flowers. For cultivation, _see_ "Syringa."

Philesia.--An American evergreen shrub which grows best in peat, but will thrive in any light soil. It should occupy a cool position, but be well sheltered from winds. It is increased by suckers. Flowers in June. Height, 4 ft.

Phillyrea.--This effective border evergreen will grow in any ordinary garden soil, and may be increased either by layers or cuttings. It has dark green shining leaves, and is quite hardy. Height, 6 ft.

Phlomis (_Lion's Tail_).--This effective hardy perennial will grow in any rich, light soil in a warm position, and is a fine lawn plant.

Flowers are produced from June to August. It may be increased by seed or division. Protect the plant from damp in winter. Height, 3 ft.

Phlox.--For richness of colour and duration of bloom there are few plants that can rival either the annual or perennial Phlox. The trailing kinds are very suitable for small pots or rock-work, C.

Drummondi for beds, and the French perennials, P. Decussata, for mixed borders. A rich, loamy soil suits them best, and they must never lack moisture. They are easily raised in spring from seed, and the perennials may be increased by cuttings placed under gla.s.s, or by division. Flower in July. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Phormium Tenax.--A greenhouse herbaceous plant which succeeds best in rich loam. It flowers in August, and may be propagated by dividing the roots. Height, 3 ft.

Phygelius Capensis.--A greenhouse perennial bearing carmine and yellow flowers in June, but is hardy enough to be grown on a warm border. It is increased by off-sets from the root, taken off in May. Height, 2 ft.

Physalis (_Winter Cherry_).--A rich, light soil is most suitable for the stove and greenhouse kinds, cuttings of which root freely under gla.s.s. The hardy kinds will grow in any soil, and are increased by seed. P. Francheti produces seed-pods over 2 in. in diameter, the Cherry-like fruit of which is edible and makes a fine preserve. It is larger than that of the old Winter Cherry, P. Alkekengi. They flower in August. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Physianthus Albens.--This evergreen climber is a good plant for training to the rafters of a greenhouse. It grows well in a mixture of sandy loam and peat, and should receive bold treatment. Its white flowers are produced in July. The plant is propagated by seeds, also by cuttings. Height, 20 ft.

Physostegia.--Ornamental hardy herbaceous plants, ranging in colour from white to purple. They like a rich soil, and can be raised from seed sown in March. They also bear division. July and August are their flowering months. Height, from 1 ft. to 5 ft.

Phyteuma Hallierii.--A very pretty hardy perennial. It will thrive in any soil, blooms from May to August, and can be readily increased by seed or division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Phytolacca Decandra (_Virginian Poke_).--A very fine herbaceous plant, bearing bunches of pretty black berries. It requires a rich soil and plenty of room for its widespreading branches. Cuttings will strike under gla.s.s, or the seed may be sown in autumn. It flowers in August.

Height, 6 ft.

Picotees.--_See_ "Carnations."

Pimelias.--Very beautiful, compact, and free-growing greenhouse everlasting shrubs. The most suitable soil consists of three parts sandy peat and one part loam, with good drainage. June or July is their flowering season. They may be grown from seed or young cuttings 2 in. long, placed in sandy peat, with a little bottom heat. Do not give too much water. Height, 2 ft. to 4 ft.

Pimpernel.--_See_ "Anagallis."

Pinguicula Grandiflora (_Great Irish b.u.t.terwort_).--This handsome, hardy bog-plant produces deep violet-blue flowers in August and September. It may be grown in any damp soil and increased by division.

Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Pinks.--Will live in almost any soil, but if large blooms are required rich earth is essential. They are increased by pipings taken in May or June. These should be planted out in October, but must be given a well-drained position, as too much wet is injurious to them. Do not set the roots too deep, but let the collar of the plant be on a level with the soil.

Pinus.--As a tall specimen tree nothing is more graceful than the Corsican Pine (_Pinus Laricio_). P. Strobus Nana is a curious dwarf variety, rarely exceeding 3 ft. in height. The Argentea Aurea is also of dwarf habit. Its leaves, which are green in summer, change to a bright golden colour in winter. The Umbrella Pine (_Sciadopitys_) is a very striking conifer, and does well everywhere. It gets its name from its leaves being set at regular intervals round the branches, like the ribs of an umbrella. The Pinus may be increased by layers, or by sowing the cones in spring, after they have opened out, in rather sandy soil, covering them lightly.