4 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



are borne in a large cluster on stems growing from 2 to 3 

 ft. high, as many as two or three hundred bright blue flowers 

 often forming on a single plant. A large, well grown 

 plant throws up a number of flower-stalks through the 

 early season. The one essential to free growth is an abun- 

 dance of water and an occasional application of manure 

 water. Propagation is effected by division of the offsets, 

 which may be broken from the main plant in early spring. 

 After flowering, gradually lessen the quantity of water until 

 they are placed in winter quarters, which should be a posi- 

 tion fiee from frost and moderately dry. The Agapanthus, 

 being a heavy feeder, should be grown in strong loam to 

 which is added well rotted manure and a little sand. 



Ageratum. A half-hardy annual, used as a 

 border plant, for ribbon bedding for mass effect, or in 

 mixed beds of geranium, coleuses and other plants. The 

 seeds germinate readily, but as the plant is only 

 half-hardy and is usually wanted in flower when 

 planted out, it is usual to sow the seed in boxes 

 V placed in hotbeds or windows in March, trans- 

 planting the seedlings to small boxes or pots and 

 growing the young plants on until the 1st of May, 

 when they may be planted out. Pieces of young 

 wood root very easily, and the gardener usually 

 increases his stock by cuttings. The dwarf varie- 



Ageratum 



ties are the most desirable, and the two colors, 

 blue and white, may bo planted together. 2-3 ft. Plants 

 may be taken up in the fall and set in the house ; cut them 

 back severely. 



Allegheny Vine. See Adlumia. 



Almond is about as hardy as the peach, but it 



blooms so early in the spring that it is little grown east of 

 the Pacific slope. It is an interesting ornamental tree, and 

 its early bloom is a merit when the fruit is not desired. 

 The Almonds commonly sold by nurserymen in the east are 



