VENTILATION

Re-potted plants, and those, which have summered in the garden, react to the change in atmosphere when they are returned to the house. For several months they have been acustomed to fresh air, undiluted, untainted, and abundant air of a character different from that usually found in a house. Perhaps you can't notice the difference, but plants do the transposition affects them in various ways, all unfavorable. Leaving as many windows open as possible for a week or two may materially lessen the shock; it enables plants to gradually readjust themselves to house conditions.

Fresh air, as a matter of fact, is a constant requisite. during the coldest winter months a window should opened daily for five or ten minutes morning and afternoon not, however, where it will subject plants to a direct draft. Supply fresh air from the side of a room opposite to the plants if possible; if not, use a window in the next room and leave the connecting door open. Here, again, .common sense is a valuable ally, for many species are tender and will succumb to a single blast of frigid air blowing directly upon them. They require gradual, rather than abrupt, refreshing of atmosphere; every indoor garden will require individual consideration of the fresh air problem.

As most plants welcome a lower room temperature at night than during the day, a distant window in the room may be raised a fraction during the night. The existing temperature outside will gauge the size of the opening, of course.

Frost has a stealthy habit of reaching right through glass windowpanes and injuring or destroying plants. On very cold nights, specimens in or near windows should be moved back or guarded by placing newspaper placed between them and the window. This is particularly true of plants whose extended branches and leaves actually touch the glass.

In early spring, when bright sun may be supplanted suddenly by cold rain, and temporary warmth by frosty winds, over zealous gardeners lose many houseplants by placing them out of doors. Don't set your plants outside—even on the porch or steps until the weather is definitely and dependably warm.