STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 8/ 



it with the addition of a few plants and shrubs ; this can be 

 accomplished with a very small outlay. 



We have annuals, biennials and perennials to start with ; the 

 annuals and perennials being the most popular for general use. 

 Many of our most beautiful bedding plants can be propagated 

 by seed, and while it is true that the hot bed or greenhouse is 

 the most convenient for this purpose ; yet it can be satisfactorily 

 accomplished in the windows of our dwelling houses by exercis- 

 ing a little care, and with the use of shallow boxes two inches in 

 depth, one-half filled with leaf mold or fine light loam, sowing 

 the seed in rows with very light covering and pressing the seed 

 firmly, leaving a smooth surface, a light sprinkling and partial 

 shade from the hot rays of the sun, and being careful not to allow 

 the young seedlings to become dry. When the first character 

 leaves form, they are ready for transplanting into other boxes, 

 or small flower pots ; there to remain until removed to beds on 

 the lawn. A most beautiful effect can be had through the entire 

 season by sowing annuals in this way. 



The selection of varieties depends entirely upon our own fancy, 

 but let us picture to ourselves the effort of a border bed with either 

 phlox Drummondii, marigold, petunias of begonia vernuon for 

 the center row with borders of either the dwarf blue ageratum, 

 double-flowered portulaca or Tom Thumb nasturtium, plants of 

 dwarf habits. For circle beds, a border of verbenas with salvia 

 (scarlet sage) next, and cannas for the center. A bed of either 

 description is very effective. The canna may be grown from 

 seed and will bloom the first season, if started early ; the seed 

 should be soaked twenty-four hours in water and the outer shell 

 be nicked with a knife to insure germination. The tubers may be 

 stored in the cellar through the winter and increased by divisions 

 for future planting. The canna is growing in favor as a bedding 

 plant. I might add to this list, but suffice it to say nearly all 

 annuals are of a showy nature and add a charm to their surround- 

 ings. Coleus, achyranthes, alternanthera, centaurea and stevia 

 verigator are for their foliage most beautiful and showy bedding 

 plants. There is no plant yet introduced in the floral kingdom to 

 take the place of the pelargoniums (our old favorite geraniums) 

 and the vast improvement made in this most popular flower is 

 really remarkable. When the hardy perennials are once estab- 

 lished, they may be said to be there for an indefinite time. 



