AUGUST 145 



desired. We generally sow the seed under glass, 

 and transfer the seedlings later to small pots. In 

 autumn, if required, the tubers may be lifted and 

 stored in dry sand under the greenhouse stage, 

 and may be planted out rather closely together 

 in the following spring ; but I have always found 

 the best results from giving it annual treatment. 

 The blue of the commelina is quite as good as 

 that of the phacelia, and it lasts longer in bloom. 



Beds of mixed eschscholtzias are always striking 

 and fairly continuous. Care must be taken, how- 

 ever, not to include the pretty rose cardinal variety 

 in a mixed bed, as it would destroy the harmony ; 

 and care must be taken again to keep them away 

 from all flowers of a pink or crimson shade. 



Nothing is more pleasing than good beds of 

 stocks ; their sweetness makes them the most 

 valuable of the tender annuals. Marigolds of 

 various kinds are useful, but these differ in value, 

 such a one, for instance, as the newer French 

 variety, Legion of Honour, being positively harmful 

 to the eye in its outrageous mingling of crimson 

 and orange. Brown is the only possible combina- 

 tion with the natural deep yellow of marigolds, 

 and the more brown there is the greater will be 

 the success of the bed. But the humble little 

 tagetes is perhaps the most useful still of all the 

 self oranges, and makes a handsome show when 

 more flaunting things have yielded to age and 

 infirmity. 



There is something in annual asters to please 

 every taste except one, and that one the only 

 taste which should be considered. They should 



