Flowers all the Year Round 



Gladioli are very liable to injury by high wind, and stakes 

 should be put to them in good time. Each plant may have a 

 separate support, and this is the most perfect treatment ; or the 

 stakes may be at intervals, or at the ends of rows, connected by 

 lengths of strong, soft material, to which intervening stems can be 

 secured. The work should be done carefully, and if the flowers are 

 intended for exhibition they must also be shaded by some means. 

 This may be a cheap or a costly proceeding ; but in whatever man- 

 ner it is carried out, security is essential, or the whole bed may be 

 ruined. 



Hollyhock. A sowing in the open ground will produce plants 

 for wintering in the cold frame ; and if generously treated, they will 

 make a fine show in the following year. 



Myosotis. During this month or in July sow the hardy varieties 

 on a prepared seed-bed in a shady spot. August will not be too 

 late. Transplant when large enough. 



Pansy. From the end of May to the end of July seedlings may 

 be raised in the open ground. Thin and transplant when ready. 



Polyanthus may be sown from May to August on a shaded 

 border. Thin the seedlings boldly, and bed the thinnings. Those 

 raised early will flower next spring, but the later seedlings cannot be 

 depended on for blooming in the first year. 



Portulaca. The weather may have been too cold and wet 

 for sowing in May, or seed then sown may have failed; happily, 

 there is yet ample time for raising this flower, either in beds or 

 pots. 



Primrose. This fine old favourite may be grown from seed in 

 almost any shade of colour from white to deep crimson, and in various 

 tints of yellow. Primroses make beautiful pot and border flowers. 

 Now is as good a time as any to sow seed, but May or July will 

 answer. Seed-pans can be used, or the sowing may be made in drills 

 in the open. In the latter case, a free dressing of soot must be 

 employed to render the spot distasteful to slugs. When transplant- 

 ing, give the plants a deep retentive loam if possible, and a shady 

 position. 



Primula. To insure a succession of flowers next spring, make 

 another sowing as advised under May. Seedlings which are ready 

 should be got into small pots, and afterwards they must be re-potted 

 when necessary ; but never shift them until the pots are full of roots, 

 and always put them in firmly up to the collar. 



Solanum. The berried varieties may be grown entirely in pots, 



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