100 SCHOOL AND HOME GAKDENS 



Sowing out of doors. Verbena seeds may be sown in 

 the open in May. Thin the plants as they become 

 crowded. 



Cuttings. Verbenas may be propagated easily by 

 breaking off shoots five or six inches in length and 

 placing them in soil to a depth of two inches. Water 

 thoroughly and shade them for two or three days. Cut- 

 tings may be planted in the fall in porch boxes, where 

 they will continue to bloom for some time after plants 

 in the open are destroyed by frosts. 



Window boxes. Verbenas may be placed in window 

 boxes with petunias, poppies, gaillardias, and other tall- 

 growing plants ; they will serve as a border to hang over 

 the sides of the boxes. Always keep them in a sunny 

 place. 



THE WILD CUCUMBEK 



The wild cucumber is sometimes called the Califor- 

 nia cucumber. In seed catalogues it is usually listed as 

 Ectiinocystis lobata. It is one of the quickest growing 

 annual vines, and there is nothing better for covering 

 trellises, old trees, old sheds, and fences. 



Planting. The plants will grow in any kind of soil. 

 Thoroughly mix a shovelful of well-rotted manure with 

 the earth after spading it to a depth of about one foot. 



Sow the seeds in autumn ; for spring use soak them 

 in warm water for a day before sowing. The young 

 plants may be transplanted early ; shade them for two 

 or three days. 



