Annuals 



the wondrous glow of crimson on a border far away ; and to our sur- 

 prise it proved to be a clump of the Indian Pink, which had been 

 sown as an annual with other annuals, and was there shining in the 

 midst of a constellation of the loveliest flowers of all forms and 

 hues, the result simply of sowing a few packets of seed. No one can 

 despise the" Wallflower in the spring, and the gauze-like flowers of 

 Nemophila insignis in early summer will tempt many a one to walk 

 in the garden who would care little for sheets of scarlet arid yellow 

 that in full sunshine make the eyes ache to look upon them. It 

 must be remembered, too, that amongst annuals are found many 

 most richly-scented flowers ; others, like the everlastings and the 

 grasses, are valuable to dry for winter use for employment in bou- 

 quets, and garlands in Christmas decorations ; and the Sweet Peas, and 

 Tropceolum canariense, and Convolvulus may be employed to cover 

 arbours and trellises with the best effect possible, and may even be 

 allowed to hang in festoons about the sunny parts of rockeries, or 

 trail over the ground to make genuine bedding effects. Another 

 important matter must have mention here, and we commend it to 

 the consideration of gardeners who are severely taxed to secure ex- 

 tensive displays of flowers during the summer season. It is that a 

 number of plants of highly ornamental character, usually treated as 

 perennials, are really more effective, besides occasioning less labour 

 to produce them, when cultivated as annuals. The Dianthus and 

 its several splendid varieties do better as annuals than biennials. 

 For all the ordinary purposes of display, Lobelias may be as well 

 grown from seed as from cuttings, and in every garden will be found 

 proof of the small amount of care they require ; for we find stray, 

 self-sown plants in pots of Geraniums and other places, and these, 

 if left alone, become perfect bushes, and are a mass of flowers all the 

 summer. Many annuals commonly reputed to be tender and usually 

 raised in heat do very well indeed on a more rough and ready method. 

 In proof of this, sow Perilla nankinensis in the first week of May 

 where it is required, and in the month of July you will probably be 

 convinced that Perilla does not always need careful nursing in heated 

 houses through the spring. Even the really tender Castor-oil Plant 

 will thrive if sown in the open ground the first week in May. Having 

 no check, as plants put out from pots must have, the growth will be 

 regular and sturdy, and attain magnificent dimensions. 



We cannot afford space to say all we should wish on this interest- 

 ing subject ; but we will add a remark for the benefit of those who 

 wish to derive from their gardens a maximum of entertainment and 



211 i* 2 



