The Flower Garden 143 7 



are 4 or 5 inches tall they should be thinned to 10 inches apart in the row. 

 The annual flowers bloom from June until they are killed by frost. 

 The flowers of both the perennial and annual varieties last for a long 

 time after being cut. 



This is a showy plant, much desired for garden decoration and for cut 

 flowers. The perennials are hardy border plants. 



Some of the best varieties are Radiata — either yellow or dark brown — 

 Bicolor Marmorata, Tom Thumb Crimson King, and Grandiflora. 



Cosmos 



Cosmos is a hardy annual. It may be grown in April in the hotbed 

 and transplanted to the garden; or the seed may be sown in the garden 

 in May, \ inch deep in rows 24 to 30 inches apart, the plants being thinned 

 later to 24 inches apart in the row. This plant is greatly benefited by 

 applications of potash. Also, good results are obtained by transplanting 

 once or twice; such transplanting makes the bush more compact and the 

 flowers larger. Cosmos must have full sunshine for successful growing. 

 The average height of the plant is 4 to 8 feet. 



Good varieties of cosmos are Mammoth for late, and Lady Lennox 

 for early, blooming. 



Dahlia 



The dahlia may be grown from seed. The seed may be sown rather 

 early in the hotbed or the cold-frame; or it may be sown in well-prepared 

 garden soil in May, in drills \ inch deep and 12 to iS inches apart, the 

 plants being thinned later to 6 inches apart in the row. The plants grow 

 to a height of about 4 feet. Clean culture should be given throughout 

 the season. 



The roots are taken up in the fall and stored over winter. In spring 

 they may be divided before replanting, thus producing a larger number of 

 plants. The roots should be planted in deep, rich soil. 



Some of the best types of dahlia are Cactus, Double Grandiflora, 

 Pompon, Tom Thumb, and Peony Flowered. 



Dianthus {Pink) and Annual Carnation 

 Dianthus is an annual or perennial, of both hardy and half-hardy 

 character. It may be started in the hotbed in March, being later trans- 

 planted to well-prepared garden soil; or the seed may be sown in the 

 garden from the 1st to the 10th of May, in drills \ to § inch deep and 

 12 to 18 inches apart, the plants being 6 inches apart in the row. 



The annuals will give a profusion of bloom from July until they are 

 killed by frost. They are exceedingly ornamental and are equally suit- 

 able for beds, borders, house decoration, and cuttings. 



