IN THE OPEN BORDER. 35 



worthy of every recommendation and encouragement. I shall therefore 

 make some general remarks upon them, and give a few rules for suc- 

 cessful cultivation. 



Annual Flowers are usually divided into three classes, viz.. Tender 

 Antiuals, comprising such as require to be under glass during the 

 whole period of their growth. Nevertheless, a few of them that are so 

 termed will flourish in the open bed, turned out of pots in June, as 

 Browallia, Salpiglossis, Cleome, Martynia, and a few others. Half- 

 hardy Annuals comprise those which are usually raised under glass, 

 and afterwards transplanted into the open border, as is done with the 

 Ten Week, Russian and German Stocks, Asters, Zinnias, Marigolds, 

 Brachycoma,Clintonia, Calandrinia, Hibiscus, Phlox Drummondi, and 

 others. Hardy Annuals are those sown in the open garden, where 

 they are finally to remain. 



In large gardens, grounds, &c., any, or all of the Annual Flowers 

 may be grown, so as to be in accordance with every other class of 

 flowers, size, &c., which are attractive every where. There is a position 

 suited for the noble and magnificent display of the Sunflower, as well 

 as the beautiful humble Nemophila, &c., and when they die off" there 

 is in general a permanent provision for a winter garden of evergreen 

 beauty in the admirable variety of shrubs, &c. In small gardens, a 

 selection of the best, most suitable in size, and attractive in a variety of 

 rich colours, is requisite. Annuals require to have room suflRcient to 

 stand clear of each etlier, in order to neatness, and for the develope- 

 ment of their beauties. Therefore their size and liabit should be con- 

 sidered in connection with the garden, so that the flowers be in harmony 

 with near surrounding objects. In order to keep up the beauty and 

 ornament of a small plot of flower-garden, when the Annuals die off, 

 evergreens iu pots should be plenteously sunk in the beds, such as 

 Hardy Heaths, Lauristinus, Holly, Rhododendrons, Double Blooming 

 Berberis, Whin, Cedars, Arbor Vitse, Box, &c. These having served 

 the winter garden purpose, are readily removed, and a summer's cul- 

 ture elsewhere prepares tliem for the next contingency. 



Tender Annuals are sown in pots in February, and placed in a hot- 

 bed frame, or in some similar moist heated situation, and are trans- 

 planted into small pots as soon as strong enough ; afterwards re-potted, 

 &c., as is done with Cockscombs, Balsams, Amaranthus, &c. 



Half-hardy Annuals are sown in pots, or on a slight hot-bed in 

 February, or early in March, and, when strong enough, are in most 

 cases pricked out into pots, or upon another slight hot-bed, &c., where 

 they remain till the end of April or early in May, as the season may 

 dictate when they are planted out where it is intended they should 

 bloom. 



Hardy Annuals are usually sown in the open ground where they 

 are finally to remain, where it can be done, and an abundance of 

 seed is in possession ; there are many kinds will endure the winter, and 

 such bloom early in the following spring. The time to sow for this 

 purpose is in August and September. The spring sowing generally 

 takes place at the end of March, or early in April. Tlie soil being 

 lightened up and broken fine, some finely sifted being sprinkled over 

 it and levelled, the seed is then scattered upon it, and gently pressed 



