ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS 91 



stand very little cold and should never be planted until all danger of frost 

 is past. Among these are: Amaranth, Browallia, Gelosia, Torenia, 

 California Poppy, Gourds, Butterfly Flower. These are all tender. 



Preparation of Soil 



The soil should not merely be loosened by a rake, but if good 

 flowers are wanted, thorough preparation should be given and decayed 

 manure added. After many of the annuals have grown two or three 

 leaves tall, they will benefit by being pinched back ; in other words, the 

 main shoot should be cut out. This will cause the plants to become 

 branchy and bear three times as many flowers. Especially successful 

 is pinching such plants as Stock, Nemophila, Butterfly Flower, Pe- 

 tunia, Baby's Breath, annual Chrysanthemums, Clarkia, Cosmos, 

 Godetia, Salpiglossis, Swan River Daisy and Calliopsis. 



Keeping Seed Pods Removed 



Annuals soon accomplish their growth and hastily decline if their 

 seed pods are not carefully removed. Many of them may continue to 

 bloom throughout the Summer if careful attention is given this detail. 



>/ Vines 



TKe annual vines form an important garden adjunct. The most 

 important plant in this class is the Sweet Pea {See Contents) perhaps ; 

 the next in value is the Nasturtium, which not only has excellent foli- 

 age, but at the same time is without a competitor for profusion and 

 elegance of bloom. The Morning Glory {See Contents) would be more 

 valued but for the fact that inferior varieties are too often grown. 

 Excellent giant forms, clear blue in color, are on the markets, which for 

 a morning effect upon the garden fence are very attractive. The Cobaea 

 is really a tender perennial, but does best sown in pots and started in- 

 doors each year. The seeds are flat and should be planted edgewise. 

 The flowers are greenish purple and followed by attractive pods. The 

 plants make a phenomenal growth. Another vine with inflated pods is 

 the Balloon Vine. Although the flowers are inconspicuous, the balloons 

 are borne very freely. The Cypress Vine and the Cardinal Climber 

 both possess deep red flowers and fine foliage. The seeds of both are 

 rather difficult to start, but if those of the Cypress Vine are scalded 

 there should be httle difficulty. The familiar Hop, Scarlet Bean and 

 Gourds should not be forgotten. If one prefers something rather extra- 

 ordinary and unique, the Canary Bird Vine (Tropaeolum peregrinum) 

 with its peculiar yellow fringed flowers and delicate foHage, should be 

 grown. 



