90 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



tioned will not be satisfied without adding a few more to the 

 collection year after year. And when you have learned how to 

 raise some flowers, with success be not afraid to try others of the 

 hardier, robust growing species, such as Hollyhocks. While 

 these are not strictly annuals, most of the single varieties which 

 are the best for this climate will if treated as recommended for 

 Marigold bloom the first summer, though not until late. If they 

 have time to ripen any seed they will propagate themselves, and 

 you will have plenty of seedlings another year which will be 

 sure to bloom ; and there is no showier or brighter flower in the 

 whole list than these stately plants with their large, glistening, 

 satin flowers in all colors except blue. 



Some varieties of Tobacco (Nicotiana), such as Sylvestris 

 and Affinis, are well worthy of a place in any garden — plants 

 must be raised in the cold frame however. 



Of flowers that may be sown right in the bed for best results 

 Eshscholtzia, the California Poppy, with its bright yellow flowers 

 and distinct foliage, is well worthy of place. Of Lupines the 

 annual varieties are very easy to raise and very pretty, and so 

 are the annual Larkspurs (Delphinium). 



Petunias, such as Haward's Star and Rosy Morn and other 

 single varieties, are very beautiful and will make a bright spot 

 under trees or other shady places, where sunloving plants do not 

 thrive. Sow them in cold frame and transplant, the same treat- 

 ment as for Asters will give best results, and they will thrive 

 best in partly shaded situations. 



I could be tempted to include many more in my list, but am 

 afraid I have made this paper too long already. Before I leave 

 off let me warn you when sowing flower seed in the garden not 

 to cover them too deeply as a very slight covering will suffice for 

 most of them, and remember, the smaller the seed the less cover. 

 A good plan is to sow in very shallow drills and cover with a 

 little loose sandy soil, just sprinkled over the finer seeds. The 

 coarser seeds may be covered one-fourth to one-half inch. Many 

 failures that have perhaps discouraged many who tried to raise 

 flowers from seeds is because of too deep planting and soil being 

 too heavy. The tiny seed sprouts were unable to pierce the crust 

 and consequently failed to appear. Another admonition : do not 

 be afraid to thin them out when they appear too thick, give them 

 plenty of room to develop if you want best results. 



While I advocate rather long narrow beds or borders as 

 being the best place to raise flowers, do not understand that I 



