PINK POL YANTHUSPOPP Y 257 



winter, and is therefore worth consideration for furnishing the border, 

 to say nothing of the abundant display of perfumed flowers which the 

 plants afford in early summer. 



POLYANTHUS 



Primula variabilis. Hardy perennial 



THE florists' varieties of Polyanthus are not so robust as commoner 

 kinds ; they will, however, endure more wet and shade than the 

 Auricula, but must be protected from severe frost. Seed may be 

 sown from May to August, on a shady border. Prick off the seed- 

 lings when large enough to handle. A sowing in February or March 

 in pans will produce strong specimens for flowering in the following 

 year. All the varieties can be grown in a bed with a cool shaded 

 aspect, or in pots sunk in ashes in cold frames. They do not require 

 a rich soil ; a strong and fibrous loam with a little leaf-mould is 

 sufficient. It is very important to pot the plants firmly and deeply, 

 so that the roots sent out at the collar may at once catch the soil. 

 Protect the bloom from inclement weather, and- the foliage at all 

 times from high winds. The plants should never flag for want of 

 water, and green fly must be kept down by syringing if the plants 

 are in beds. Some good solution will be necessary against red 

 spider if through starvation in a dry situation it has been permitted 

 to gain a footing. On passing out of flower the plants will split up 

 into several heads, when they may be separated and potted singly. 



POPPY 



Papaver. Hardy annual and hardy perennial 



THE recent developments of this flower have brought it into great 

 and deserved popularity, and it may be safely affirmed that no other 

 subject in our gardens affords a more imposing display of brilliant 

 colouring during the blooming period. The delicate beauty of the 

 Shirley Poppies is alone sufficient to create a reputation for the entire 

 class, and the huge flowers of the double varieties make a gorgeous 

 show. All the varieties are eminently adapted for enlivening shrub- 

 bery borders and the sides of carriage drives. Seeds should be 

 sown where the plants are intended to flower, because it is difficult 



