246 



MY GARDEN. 



colour extremely beautiful. It is easy to grow, although it has only 

 a place in the remote parts of my garden. There are many species 

 of this genus. 



For back places Nasturtiums are useful. They flower freely, and 

 grow in any garden soil. The different varieties are scarlet, orange, 

 yellow, red, and spotted. The seed is sown in May. 



Where large foliage is thought advisable, nothing will compare with 

 the Castor Oil plant (Ricinus communis, fig. 496). The seed is sown 

 in early spring, in frames, and the young plants potted : by the end 

 of August they are five feet high. Its noble leaf and stately form 

 are truly remarkable. It is not uncommon for travellers, when first 

 they see the richly marked seed of this fine plant, to be induced to 

 eat a few of them ; the violent cathartic properties of which in a 



FIG. 497. Annual Larkspur. 



FIG. 498.- Portulaca Thellusonii. 



FIG. 496. Castor Oil Plant. 



few hours show their unpleasant effects. These seeds, when pressed, 

 yield the mild castor oil ; but the seed itself is excessively powerful 

 in its effects. 



The Annual Larkspur (fig. 497) is ver Y showy, and, when once 

 planted, it will self-sow itself for years. 



On dry banks besides snapdragons, wallflowers, and pinks, Portulacas 

 (fig- 498) may be grown. There are numerous varieties, both single and 

 double : they are gorgeous summer flowers, of many shades of colour. 

 The seed should be sown in a pan and the plants pricked out in 



