The Garden Under Glass

CHAPTER XXVIII STAKING AND TYING There are a great many greenhouse plants which require stakes in order to keep them erect, and on account also of the greater amount of shifting to which they are subjected, it is advisable to stake them if they exhibit any tendency to lop about. There are two methods of staking which are greatly used, according to the varying circumstances. One is to put a stake to each shoot, and the other is to place a stake in centrally and to sling the shoots to this. The former method makes the plants look larger, and it is advised that it be done in the case of worthy specimens ; but when the aim is a massive display rather than the exhibition of the individual plant it would save time, and be by no means prejudicial to artistic effect, to use but one stake. This might be done in the case of Chrysanthemums, and especially with that pretty and deservedly populär begonia, Gloire de Lorraine. Yet another method of staking and one commonly used for bulbs, such as narcissi, freesias, etc., is to put four stakes round the pot and to twine some raffia grass round them, thus enclosing the plant. Material for Staking and Tying Undoubtedly the best stakes for the majority of purposes are bamboo canes, which can be bought in varying lengths, and besides being neat they last for a considerable time. 269