CHAPTER XIX. 



THE II^-DISPENSABLE ANNUALS. 



The greatest possibilities with coloi- in the garden depend 

 upon the annuals. F. Scluujler Mathews. 



For tlie best and most continiions display of flowers dur- 

 ing the whole summer season, annual i^lants are essential, 



E. O. Orpet. 



The old-fashioned flower gardens were hirgely made 

 up of annuals. Among flowers, by far the larger part 

 of the old-time favorites were annuals ; and it is j)rob- 

 able that nine out of ten persons to-day, if asked to men- 

 tion their favorite flowers (florists' stock excepted), 

 would name annuals. Sweet peas, pansies, asters, cos- 

 mos, nasturtiums, — these have a hold on people which 

 they will never lose. 



And so, while it is possible to find many pleasant 

 gardons, — in snug back yards, or window boxes or 

 tomato cans, — without trees and shrubs and perennials, 

 the annuals are omnipresent. Their great variety, their 

 adaptability to all needs and circumstances, the innu- 

 merable, characteristically beautiful ways they have of 

 expressing themselves, make tliem always indispensable. 

 A striking effect produced by annuals is seen in Fig. c<3. 



Almost all of the annuals may be grown success- 

 fully by sowing the seeds where the plants are to stand. 

 This is done when the weather is warm enough in 

 spring, and as soon as the soil is in good workable con- 

 dition. The seed bed should always be thoroughly pre- 

 pared, with good drainage and an abundance of well- 

 decomposed fertilizer worked in. But it is much the 

 best plan, especially in northern latitudes, wherever it 

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