Annuals from 



109 



Plants increase in size and beauty each year, and a five- 

 or six-years clump is superb. 



Cut off the stalks a few inches above the ground 

 when killed by frost, but do not attempt to break them 

 off or pull them up, as that will injure the crown of 

 the large, fleshy roots and cause decay during the 

 winter. The remainder of the stalk serves to mark 

 the location of the plant. When they have grown 

 to blooming size they should be tied to stout stakes. 

 The large clumps have a tendency to spread at the 

 roots, and a severe rain and wind storm may lay them 

 prostrate. Make a support of two or three wooden 

 hoops nailed to two or more stout stakes, the top hoop 

 standing three feet above the ground. Place this 

 over the plants in the spring and train them to grow 

 up through the hoops. 



For effective grouping, to fill in a corner, to serve 

 as a screen to unsightly objects, to catch the eye and 

 carry it on from point to point, there is no finer flower 

 than the Hollyhock. The double flowers, of course, 

 are more attractive at close range, but at a distance 

 the single are rather more effective. Everyone who 

 grows plants should find at least one corner for a big 

 clump of this gorgeous flower. 



The seeds should be sown in the spring, either 

 where they are to remain or in a cold-frame; the loca- 

 tion matters little so that favourable conditions of the 

 soil are secured. Plants started after the seed ripens 

 in the summer, even when protected by a cold-frame, 



