INTRODUCTION xi 



particularly the dwarf sorts which make neat edgings, as 

 Dwarf Nasturtiums, or Dwarf French Marigolds {Tagetis 

 signata pumila). 



Many gardeners trust a good deal to Annuals and 

 Biennials for late Summer and Autumn effects, when 

 such plants as Hollyhocks and Sunflowers, Nicotiana, 

 Alonsoa, Cosmos, Verbena, Chimney Bellflowers, and 

 Petunia among others come in advantageously. 



Climbers. — Late Summer and Autumn is also the 

 time of year when many of the climbing varieties are 

 at their best, about July, till frost cuts them down. 

 They are used for covering fences, trellis, archways, 

 verandahs, and such like objects. Among the most 

 prominent of these may be mentioned the Canary 

 Creeper {Tropoeolum canariense), Sweet Pea, Tall 

 Nasturtium, Mina lobata, Coboea scandens, Eccremo- 

 carpus, and Ipomoea. 



"Everlastings." — These are late-Summer flowers, 

 and natives of warm climates. The best plan 

 for keeping them is to cut the flowers just before 

 they are quite full blown. Then after tying them 

 in small bunches, hang them up on a nail with a 

 piece of string heads downward. The stems will then 

 stiffen and dry up straight, but if put when fresh in a vase 

 upright, the stalks will very soon bend over and hang 

 their heads. In a month or two, when they are quite 

 dry and firm, they can be taken down and used in vases 

 in the ordinary way, but without any water. They will 

 keep a great length of time, and are useful during the 

 Winter months. 



Preparation of the Soil. — This is more important 



