242 



MY GARDEN. 



The Zinnia elegans (fig. 481) in many of its numerous varieties may 

 be grown in the same manner, as the colours of the flowers in mid- 

 summer are really fine. 



The large biennial Stocks do not succeed well at my garden, never- 

 theless there are numerous annual stocks (Matliiola, fig. 482), both 

 single and double, which may be grown for their beauty and fragrance. 

 The seed should be sown in spring under the protection of a frame, 

 and the plants pricked out, when they flower the same year. 



The Mignonette (Reseda odorata, fig. 483) is an annual which 

 should never be forgotten. There is a large variety which is now 

 invariably grown ; and if placed in a favourable situation, with full 

 exposure to light and air, a single plant is not only fragrant but 

 ornamental. With care it may be grown into a tree by allowing it to 

 form a stem, and keeping it in a greenhouse during the winter, but 

 to my mind the tree does not compare with the plant grown in a 

 natural wav. 



FIG 482. -Stock. 



Fir;. 483. Mignon;tt< 



Fir/. 484. Everlasting. 



There is an interesting group of plants called Everlastings (Heli- 

 chrysum, fig. 484), on account of the stiffness of the flowers, which 

 last for a considerable period. It is desirable to sow them in a 

 frame, and plant them out afterwards, though many will do perfectly 

 well if sown in a border in spring. The everlasting which is used for 

 the immortelles in France is grown in my alpinery, and is a per- 

 ennial plant. 



For back places, an occasional Giant Sunflower (Heraclenm gigan- 

 teum, fig. 485) shines forth. This plant attains the height of about 



