VII 



ON CANDYTUFTS AND CERTAIN OTHER ANNUALS 



THERE are a few kinds of annuals which possess such 

 outstanding qualities whether of colour, perfume, or 

 habit that every flower-gardener feels that he must 

 grow them. The most remarkable example is, of course, 

 the Sweet Pea, which combines every merit, and is of 

 such importance as to claim a chapter to itself. Falling 

 below it in beauty and utility, yet still valuable, are a 

 few particular kinds that stand out from the bulk of 

 their class. Of such are Asters, Candytufts, Chrysanthe- 

 mums, Clarkias, Godetias, Larkspurs, Mignonette, Pe- 

 tunias, Phloxes, Poppies, Stocks, and Sunflowers, while 

 Sweet Alyssum, Convolvuluses, Coreopsis, Cornflowers, 

 Eschscholtzias, Lavateras, Leptosiphons, Linarias,Linum, 

 Lupins, Love-in-a-mist, Marigolds, Nemophilas, Sapona- 

 rias, Sweet Scabious, Silene, Salpiglossis, Sweet Sultans, 

 Virginian Stocks, and Zinnias, follow them closely. 



It is only when the flower-lover sees a large collec- 

 tion of annuals on the trial grounds of one of the great 

 seed firms that he fully realises the beauty of the class. 

 He is astonished alike at the range of colours, the splen- 

 did habit, and the duration. And when he realises that 

 seed of all can be bought for a few pence a packet, he 

 fully appreciates the strength of their claims. 



Town and suburban amateurs are great people for 

 annuals. Many a small back-garden would go bare 



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