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The Shady Garden (Receive no check in their)

receive no check in their growth. The Caladium Esculentum (Elephant's Ear) should not be started indoors, but is best planted directly in the garden. The colored varieties can be started indoors to advantage, but when this is done the most important rule to observe in their culture is not to plant outdoors too early. A sudden change of temperature will check their growth and cause them to lose their leaves: therefore, gradually accustom them to lower temperatures while indoors and defer planting out until early June to avoid any appreciable change of temperature.

Applications of liquid cow manure, given every week or so, is most beneficial to the growth of the foliage which will not develop to the full extent of its beauty unless given this extra feeding. As soon as frost touches the leaves, lift the tubers, dry them and store for the winter in a temperature of about 50°F. or 60°F. The tubers keep better if packed in a box containing sand or sawdust.

Varieties. Esculentum or Elephant's Ear is perhaps the best known Caladium and the easiest grown, but it cannot compare in beauty with the colored kinds.

Shell Pink, pink, with deep pink veining. Putomayo, pink-spotted deep pink. Lord Derby, rose. Silver Queen, pure white.

These varieties with the exception of C. Esculentum [91] may also be grown in pots for porch and conservatory decoration.

Fuchsia. Fuchsias will bloom well in shady gardens. The old plants may be kept for several years by lifting them in the fall and storing in a frost-proof pit or cellar. Rest the plants from their labors by keeping them in a cool place and only allowing enough water to prevent them from drying out. The stock can be readily increased by means of cuttings taken from the plants, in the garden, in August or September, or in the greenhouse in February or March. From three to four months are required for the production of blooming plants. By January they may be brought to a light, warm place, pruned into a compact, bushy form and started into growth by means of moisture and heat. Repot in fresh soil, shaking off all the old, spent earth from the roots. Fuchsias like rich earth and ample feeding with either liquid cow manure or wood ashes, applied at intervals, during the growing season. Indoors, however, the necessary feeding will be supplied by means of a rich potting soil, it being best to start them into growth gradually. Every now and then pinch back the tips of the shoots to encourage stockiness, and continue until 6 weeks before bloom is desired. Never allow the plants to suffer from lack of transplanting, but repot as soon as the roots fill [92] the soil and before they form a thick mat. Staking is necessary, as is also ample watering, cultivation and a rich, well prepared soil.