The Garden Under Glass

250 THE GARDEN UNDER GLASS shelves. Fifteen are spaced out at eqcial distances along the central or top shelf, and on the lower shelf, by placing a plant opposite the vacant space in the top shelf we get 14 plants. The lower shelf will again contain 15, the next one 14, and so on. Thus we find space for 101 plants, and the odd vacancy will easily be filled by an overflow from other plants. Presuming then that such a stage has to be filled with 100 zonal geraniums, the proper method of procedure is to put up the top row, using the fallest plants, then the next row on either side. By working round in this way, and choosing all the while the larger plants, and reserving the best in appearance for the space fronting the entrance, it will be possible to stage them evenly and well. It is always advisable to count the plants and then to arrange them arithmetically according to the space at disposal. Making Best Use of Space As previously hinted, it will be found difficult to accom-modate all the plants. But somehow or other this will have to be done, even if they do not in all cases find ideal conditions. Let overcrowding be the last resort. There are many methods of making the utmost use of space. Shelves may be put up against the back walls of the green-house, and be hung from the roof or the apex. Tiered stagings should be used, for by setting plants on slightly higher levels there is more head room given them without increasing the area. Valuable stage space should not be allowed plants which are drying off, or have already done so. The space beneath the staging or under the pipes or on a shelf in a shed will often suit them quite as well. The conservatory should be overhauled, and all worthless or