REPORT OF MR. 8. A. BEDFORD 407 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



Phacelia grandiflora.—A member of the Borage family, not valuable, except for a 

 collection. 



Whiilavia grandiflora. — A very pretty and free flowering member of the Borage 

 family. The flowers arc of an intense blue colour, and are produced for a long period, 

 slightly difficult to transplant. 



Scliizaniliiis giandiflonis oculaius. — This was one of the most admired C>f all the 

 annuals grown this season. It is remarkably floriferous, the plant attaining a large 

 size, and being literally covered with its small orchid-like flowers of every shade. 

 Hardy and easy of cultivation. 



Sanvitallia procumhens. — A trailing annual producing numerous small (sun- 

 flower-like) flowers of no special value. 



ANNUALS SOWN OUTSIDE. 



As many farmers have not the time to spare for a hot-bed, we have for several 

 years experimented in the sowing of annuals outside, and have found that a very 

 creditable flower garden may be had by this means. 



The varieties sown this 'year were as follows, the seed being so?/n thinly in rows, 

 from May 6-10, two feet apart : — 



Nasturtium Lohhianum. Coreopsis tinctoria. 



Sweet Alyssum. Coreopsis Hyhrida. ■ 

 Ahronia umhellata. Godetia riibicunda splendens. 



Bracliycome iheridifolia. Godetia Whitneyi. 



Candytuft. Godetia Lady Albemarle. 



Clarhia pulchella. Linum grandiflorum roseum. 



Clarlcia puhlierrima. Poppies mixed. 



Clarkia alba. Portulaca double. 

 Coreopsis Drummondii. 



All thase flowered abundantly, the Godetia and Clarkia were especially showy and 

 were much admired by visitors. By adopting this plan a very fine flower garden may 

 be had with very little labour and expense. 



PERENNIAL FI.O^VI:RS. 



All the herbaceous perennials growing on the farm made a fine showing during 

 the past season. A number of the clumps were divided this fall, and a new border 

 commenced on the hillside along the main road, which, will allow of easy access to 

 visitors. 



IRB KOEMPFE'^I ( JAPAN IR!S). 



A very welcome addition was made to our collection of perennials by the receipt 

 of a number of plants of this beautiful iris from the Central Experimental Farm, 

 Ottawa. Nearly all became well established before winter, and a light covering of 

 strawy manure was given them on the approach of severe weather. This is the most 

 beautiful type of iris known, and we are looking forward with pleasure to their flower- 

 ing next season. 



COLCIIICUM AUTUMNALE. 



Mention of this bulb was made on page 351 of last year's report, and we liave 

 deemed it advisable to again call attention to its unique merits. After severe weather 

 has set in, and often when the ground is covered with snow, this pretty little flower 

 pushes through and makes a really beautiful sight, contrasting strongly with its dull 

 surroundings. A bed of this would be a valuable acquisition to any Manitoba garden. 



