30 POPULAR GARDEN FLOWERS 



as young Cinerarias or Primulas, .which only have to 

 form a few fibres ; Begonias develop very slowly. 

 When they have grown sufficiently to crowd in the 

 boxes each may be given a small pot, and on their 

 progress after this shift, and the weather, turns their 

 future for the current year. If they grow to six inches 

 high and through by mid-July, and the weather is moist, 

 they may be planted out, as, in the absence of early 

 frost, they will have three months in which to develop, 

 and that should be sufficient given good soil and plenty 

 of moisture to bring them into beauty. 



Begonias are often at their very best in October, as 

 they love the cool nights and heavy dews. And their best 

 is something that no other " bedding plant " can equal. 

 The colours are not more brilliant than those of Zonal 

 Geraniums, but the flowers are finer, and the foliage is 

 more handsome. Some of the shades are exquisite, 

 notably the soft pinks, yellows, and blushes. The whites 

 are as pure as snow. 



The tubers should be taken up when the plants 

 wither or are blackened by frost, dried, and stored in 

 a dry, frost-proof place to which mice cannot gain 

 access. 



Fibrous Begonias. Several varieties of a fibrous-rooted 

 Begonia named semperflorens exist. The species, a 

 Brazilian plant with pink flowers, is generally used for 

 pot culture ; but the varieties are planted out in the 

 garden. Being of neat, shrubby habit, and flowering 

 profusely for many weeks, they are very attractive. In 

 addition to pretty flowers some of them have tinted 

 leaves. When cold weather comes on they may be 

 lifted, put into pots, and placed in a warm greenhouse, 

 where they will give winter bloom. The following are 

 charming varieties : 



