ANNUAL FLOWERS 25 



single specimens for the lawn. W. macrophylla and W. 

 Vigieri are to be had of seed-dealers. Sow the seed in 

 February or March in a temperature averaging 65 to 70. 

 Transplant at first to boxes, afterward to pots, and grow till 

 time for planting out. 



4. Annuals 



Many of the showy annuals are especially well suited 

 to growing In masses, while the dwarf kinds make fine 

 flowery edging for beds or walks. It is also possible to 

 make handsome ribbon-beds with the dwarf sorts; but 

 here, as shearing is well nigh precluded, we should limit 

 ourselves to simple designs. For the best' effects, much 

 depends both upon a judicious selection of kinds, and 

 arrangement. In purchasing seeds, it is best to buy the 

 different colors in separate packages, and to buy the best. 

 Hardy annuals are such as develop readily without the 

 aid of artificial heat. They are commonly sown in May 

 or earlier, directly in the open ground where they are 

 to grow. Florists often sow certain kinds in the fall, 

 and winter the young plants in coldframes. They may 

 also be wintered under a covering of leaves or evergreen 

 boughs. The half-hardy and tender annuals are alike in 

 that they require more warmth for their germination and 

 growth. They, like the hardy kinds, may be sown in the 

 open ground, but not until the weather has become settled, 

 and warm, which for the tender kinds will not commonly 

 be before the first of June. A few of the annuals thrive 

 in partial shade or where they receive sunshine for half 

 the day; but most of them prefer a sunny situation. 



Any good garden soil is suitable for annuals. If not 

 naturally fertile and friable, it should be made so by the 

 application of well rotted stable -manure or humus. The 

 spading should be at least one foot deep. The upper six 

 inches is then to be given a second turning to pulverize 



