THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



In fact, good gardens may be had where nothing else is used. Varieties 

 for cutting should, if possible, be given a little plot or square to them- 

 selves. Sweet peas are the most useful and popular of all annuals ; if 

 possible a trench should be prepared for them in the fall. Sweet pea cul- 

 ture, boiled down, may be summarized as follows : manure liberally, spade 

 deeply, sow early, support promptly, mulch carefully, water freely, and 

 pick persistently. Also sow thinly or thin severely. Cover the seeds two 

 and one half inches at sowing time ; leave the top of the trench somewhat 

 hollowed. Never hill up the seedlings, as often advised in seed catalogues, 

 for this practice invariably breeds stem rot and has done more to dis- 

 courage sweet pea culture than anything else. Remember that sweet peas, 

 if given the necessary space, develop into bushy plants, and are better left 

 four inches apart in the rows, rather than four plants to the square inch 

 as we too often see them. 



Asters follow the sweet peas in popularity. By making three sowings, 

 two in the frame and one outdoors, a long season of them may be had. 

 Some other annuals, splendid for cutting, are: stocks, Salpiglosiis. lupines, 

 larkspurs, candytuft, Scabiosa, pentstemons, Hunnemannia (Mexican 

 poppy), mignonette, nasturtiums (on moderately poor soil), snapdragons, 

 centaureas, cosmos, and Shirley poppies. 



For persistent flowering these annuals are the best : petunias, verbenas, 

 marigolds, calendulas, zinnias, nemesias, Alyssum, vincas, and scarlet 

 salvia. Some of these are coarse and may not be desirable, but they are 

 dependable where a continuous floral display is desired. I would like to 

 sa}^ a good word for the Mexican poppy. The golden yellow, orange- 

 throated flowers keep in good condition in water for three or four days. 

 Seed can be sown from May lo to June 20. The plants will withstand 

 several degrees of frost. 



Geraniums, cannas, fuchsias, ageratums, begonias, and other plants have 

 a place in the garden. Their culture need not be discussed here. I have 

 already named more varieties than the average home garden can contain, 

 as it is not wise to plant too many varieties, nor to crowd the plants. 

 Whatever you do, try to do well. Plant as informally as possible : this 

 style of planting is far the most pleasing and satisfying. Ascertain the 

 heights and habits of plants before setting them out : this will obviate 

 added work later. Try to blend colors harmoniously ; keep the strong 

 colors at the sides or extreme ends of the garden. In filling entire beds 

 wi,th annuals, perennials, or roses, remember that one solid color is in 

 better taste than a conglomerate mixture. 



When watering, do it thoroughly or not at all ; constant dribblings are 

 more harmful than helpful. As winter sets in, mulch beds and borders 

 of bulbs and perennials with leaves, strawy manure, or some other suitable 

 material. Scatter a little old manure over this to hold it in position, and 

 don't be in too great a hurry to remove it when the first warm days come 

 in late winter. 



