142 The Flower Garden [Chapter 



tedious process when one is in a hurry. Soak the 

 seeds in hot water for an hour or two before planting 

 and sow in hotbed or flat, keeping moist and warm. 

 When large enough to handle, prick out in thumb- 

 pots and place in a warm, sunny window. It would 

 be even better to start them in tiny pots, plunged in 

 a box of sand or in the hotbed, to avoid danger in 

 removing, as they sometimes suffer in the process. 

 Though one of the toughest plants when of some size, 

 the little seedlings are exceedingly tender. Shift as 

 needed until time to place in the open ground when 

 all danger of frost is past. Plant, if possible, in muck 

 well manured, as Cannas do exceptionally well in that 

 soil and can scarcely have too much food and water. 

 Unless one has city water or other supply it is better 

 to make the Canna bed somewhat lower than the 

 lawn, that all the water may be retained and not run 

 off, as it will if the beds are raised. If tall-growing 

 varieties are grown in the centre the effect will be as 

 good as though the bed were raised and less water 

 will be needed. A good mulch of lawn clippings will 

 help to keep the soil moist, mellow, and free from 

 weeds and will greatly lessen the care of it. Seed 

 sown in February or March will give blooming plants 

 in June, and by fall there will be a fine lot of roots 

 to store away for another year. 



Coleus, which are practically indispensable in all 

 ornamental bedding, are easily raised from seed and 

 will make fine plants by June. Start seed in rather 



