Dictionary of Flowers And Plants For Gardening

(Barré) #1

open in the autumn. Height, 11/2 ft.


Morning Glory.--See "Convolvulus."


Morrenia Odorata.--A good twining plant for the greenhouse, producing
fragrant cream-coloured flowers in July. It will grow in any good
loamy soil, and may be increased by cuttings. Height, 3 ft.


Moss.--To eradicate moss from fruit-trees wash the branches with
strong brine or lime water. If it makes its appearance on the lawn,
the first thing to do is to ensure a good drainage to the ground, rake
the moss out, and apply nitrate of soda at the rate of 1 cwt. to the
half-acre, then go over the grass with a heavy roller. Should moss
give trouble by growing on gravel paths, sprinkle the ground with salt
in damp weather.


Mountain Avens.--See "Dryas."


Muhlenbeckia Complexa.--A very decorative climber, hardy in nature but
requiring a good amount of sunshine to make it bloom. A well-drained,
sandy soil is best for its growth, and it can be increased by cuttings
of hardy shoots taken early in summer. Height, 6 ft.


Mulberries.--Any good soil will grow the Mulberry. The tree is hardy,
but the fruit wants plenty of sunshine to bring it to perfection. It
may be propagated by cuttings of wood one year old with a heel two
years old attached. The only pruning necessary is to keep the branches
well balanced. Autumn is the time to do this, not forgetting that the
fruit is borne on the young wood. When grown in tubs or large pots
in the greenhouse the fruit attains the perfection of flavour. In
addition to the Large Black and the White (Morus Alba) the New Weeping
Russian White may be recommended.


Mulching.--See "Soil."


Muscari.--See "Hyacinthus."


Muscari Botryoides.--See "Hyacinthus."


Mushrooms.--Take partially dry horse manure and lay it in a heap
to ferment. Turn and mix it well every few days, and when well and
equally fermented, which will be from ten to fourteen days, make it
into a bed 4 ft. wide and 2 ft. deep, mixing it well together and
beating or treading it firmly. When the temperature of the bed falls
to 75 degrees, or a little under, the spawn may be inserted in pieces
about the size of a walnut, 2 in. deep and 6 in. apart. Now give
a covering of loamy soil, 2 in. deep, and beat it down evenly and
firmly. Finish off with a covering of clean straw or hay about 1 ft.
thick. Water when necessary with lukewarm water; but very little
should be given till the Mushrooms begin to come up, then a plentiful
supply may be given. They may be grown in any warm cellar or shed, and
usually appear in from four to six weeks after planting.

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