110 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



My aim is to name only a few as a hint to novices what a succession of 

 bloom can be kept up, and come within the reach of all, — most of the plants so 

 common they can be had for the asking. Of hardy annuals there are innum- 

 erable varieties. Many of these do best if beds are prepared and the seeds 

 planted in the fall. All the others should be put in as soon as the ground can 

 be brought to proper condition in the spring. Always have your ground in 

 good order, and avoid planting small seeds too deep; many of the very small 

 ones scarcely require covering. Never omit among the annuals the Sweet 

 Alyss^im. Once sown, it will always be ready to show itself and bloom until 

 freezing weather, and morning and evening it "fills the air with pleasure by 

 its simple breath;" Sweet Peas, too, are delightfully fragrant. By planting in 

 the fall they will bloom all summer. Phlox Drummondii in varieties, double 

 and single, Zimieas, Poriulacas, the double ones very beautiful, all of them 

 in a warm spot will create a noonday splendor, when other flowers are droop- 

 ing in the tropic heat. The few I have named, with a bed of Verbenas, will 

 make your garden gay until November. But you will be better satisfied to add 

 a few perennial Phloxes, and some of the perennial Larkspurs, varying in color 

 from white to brilliant blue, purple and red; if planted early, blooming the 

 first year from seed. Asters, in variety, will greatly add to your garden, and 

 by planting early and later in spring, or fall and spring, will give a long suc- 

 cession of bloom, amply repaying all the care you may bestow upon them. 

 Convolvulus Minor and Nemophilas will be a pretty addition to your variety. 

 China and Japan Pinks will live two or three years, blooming the first year 

 from seed. A bed of Forget-me-nots, the blue in a rich soil, shaded from the 

 noonday sun, is a constant bloomer, — the white blooming in early summer, — 

 both perennials. And the Lilies ! You must have a few of them at least, but 

 never omit the delicate Lily of the Valley. Thriving in a shadowy nook in 

 the shelter of its leafy shield, it holds its wreath of pearly bells, which, as the 

 breath of twilight fans them, chime their odorous vespers on the dewey air. 

 All the Lilies are beautiful, many stateliest among the stately, regal in adorn- 

 ment, and gorgeous as the productions of the Looms of India. The Gladio- 

 luses, they are magnificent. "Not Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like 

 one of these." A few are indispensable, and by planting the bulbs at different 

 times, a continuous bloom can be kept from July to November. 



Dahlias, too, a few should mingle with the less pretentious plants. Salvia 

 Splendens must never be omitted. Though a greenhouse perennial, it can be 

 treated as an annual by planting the seeds in the house in March, or old plants 

 and those raised from cuttings may be stored in a cellar free from frost, and be 

 kept through the winter. No collection of flowers can afford to do without it. 

 One well grown specimen is of itself an object worthy the warmest admira- 

 tion ; with its numerous scarlet plumes waving and tossing in the sunlight, it 

 cannot but cheer and whisper of brighter hours to the saddest heart. I always 

 provide for a plentiful supply of these most desirable flowers, by planting the 

 seeds (which ripen freely) in pots in March, and covering them with a piece of 

 window glass. They grow readily in a sitting room, and by transplanting into 

 small pots as soon as large enough to remove, I have strong plants to set out 

 when frosts are over. In August they are in bloom, constantly increasing in 

 beauty, illumining the garden with their brilliancy, until the frost, reckless 

 of their splendor, ruthlessly dashes it out. 



By all means remember the Creepers, endless in variety, always beautiful. 



