1:) THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



lawn, make sure that the grass roots do not run underneath 

 them and rob them of food and moisture. It is well to run 

 a sharp spade deep into the ground about the edges of the 

 bed every two or three weeks for the purpose of cut- 

 ting off any grass roots which may have run into the 

 bed. If beds are made in the turf, see that they are 

 3 ft. or more wide, so that the grass roots will not 

 undermine them. Against the shrub borders, 

 this precaution may not be necessary. In fact, 

 it is desirable that the flowers fill all the 

 space between the overhanging branches and 

 the sod. 



Flowers against a g ow tne see( j s f re ely. Many will not germi- 



nate. Even if they do all germinate, the com- 

 bined strength of the rising plantlets will break the crust on 

 the hard soils ; and in the thinning which follows, only strong 

 and promising plants are allowed to remain. Better effects 

 are also often secured when the colors are in masses, espe- 

 cially if the flowers are thrown into the bays of heavy shrub 

 borders. 



Plants continue to bloom for a longer period if they are 

 not allowed to produce seeds. The flowers should be picked, 

 if possible, as soon as they begin to fade. 



In the selection of the kinds of annuals, one's personal 

 preference must be the guide. Yet there are some groups 

 which maybe considered to be standard or general-purpose 

 plants. They are easily grown almost anywhere, and are 

 sure to give satisfaction. The remaining plants are mostly 

 such as have secondary value, or are adapted to particular 

 purposes or uses. 



The groups which most strongly appeal to the writer as 

 staple or general -purpose types are the following: Petunias, 

 phloxes, pinks or dianthuses, larkspurs or delphiniums, 

 calliopsis or coreopsis, pot marigold or calendula, bachelor's 

 button or Centaurea Cyanus, clarkias, zinnias, marigolds or 

 tagetes, collinsias, gilias, California poppies or eschscholtzias, 



