Flowers all the Year Round 



Anemone. Against the practice of planting Dutch and French 

 roots of this elegant flower we have not a word to say. On the 

 contrary, there is much to be advanced in its favour. Arrangements 

 of colour can be secured which are impossible of attainment from 

 seedlings. Still, there can be no doubt that the supposed necessity 

 of depending alone on bulbs has proved a barrier to the growth of 

 Anemones in many gardens, and on a large scale. The culture 

 from seed is of the simplest character, no appliances whatever 

 beyond those at the command of the humblest cottager being 

 necessary. The prime requisite is a rich moist soil. Where this 

 does not exist naturally, a liberal dressing of mellow cow-manure, 

 and, when necessary, a diligent employment of the water-can, will 

 render it possible to grow superb flowers of brilliant colour. The 

 best way of making the seed-bed is to open a trench, putting a layer 

 of decayed manure at the bottom, and mingling a further quantity 

 with the soil when it is returned. The addition of some light 

 compost or sand to the surface may or may not be necessary to 

 prepare it for the seed. We prefer sowing in rows and lightly 

 scratching the seed in. Some growers only sift a little sand over, 

 and the practice answers well. Weeds must be removed with care 

 until the seedlings appear, and these are a long time in coming. 

 Thinning to six inches apart, and keeping the bed clean and moist, 

 constitute the whole remainder of the work of growing Anemones. 



Asparagus (Greenhouse varieties). The finely feathered sprays 

 of A. plumosus have become indispensable for bouquets, button-holes, 

 and general decorative purposes. A. decumbens and A. Sprengeri are 

 most graceful plants in hanging baskets. Seed of the three varieties 

 should be sown in heat either in February or March. 



Auricula. The Show Auricula is one of the reigning beauties 

 of the floral world, and, like the Rose, has its own special exhibitions. 

 Over its deep, soft colours, partially hidden by a veil of powder 

 technically called paste enthusiasts almost lose their heads. 

 And although the flower merits all the admiration it receives, yet it 

 must be confessed that some amateurs indulge in a great deal of 

 misplaced coddling in the work of raising it. One quality there 

 must be in the grower, and that is patience ; for seed saved from a 

 single plant in any given season, and sown at one time, will germinate 

 in the most irregular manner. Months may elapse between the 

 appearance of the first and the last plant. The lesson to sow thinly 

 is obvious, so that the seedlings may be lifted as they become ready, 

 without disturbing the surrounding soil. Both the Show and the 



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