X INTRODUCTION 



Value and Uses.^ — It is a common error to under- 

 rate the value of Annuals and Biennials, and the reason 

 assigned for this indifference is that they are short- 

 lived and therefore hardly worth the trouble expended 

 on them. 



Considering their beauty and gay colouring, the ease 

 with which they can be grown, their rapidity in develop- 

 ment, and the quantity obtained for a small outlay, 

 the advantages (especially in small gardens) would 

 seem to altogether outweigh the disadvantages. More- 

 over, it may be said that many of the varieties are 

 excellent material for cutting from for house decoration, 

 while some are very fragrant. 



The uses to which they can be put are numerous. 

 The early kinds can be turned to profitable account by 

 filling up the gaps caused by the withering Spring- 

 flowering bulbs, which have already done their duty on 

 the edge of the mixed border. It is a common practice 

 to fill up the spaces in herbaceous beds with Annuals, 

 where it is found there is room still vacant for some- 

 thing to grow, which is easily discerned when the plants 

 that have lain dormant all the Winter begin to break 

 forth into young growth. Some will have failed, and 

 this is a golden opportunity to fill up the space, and not 

 too late either. But for breadth of colour and real 

 effect there is no doubt they look best and grow best 

 in small beds, not a jumble of a dozen varieties, but 

 one or two massed together and well chosen for harmony 

 as well as brilliancy ; for instance, China Asters, Zinnias, 

 and Stocks. Opportunities sometimes suggest them- 

 selves for sowing them in lines or "ribbons," more 



