96 MY GARDEN 



the great central stalk is cut down after flowering, 

 laterals spring up, which carry it into August. These 

 plants seem not to mind the drought at all, which should 

 gain for them our especial interest, and they are easily 

 raised from seed. As it is practically a biennial one has 

 to take its propagation into account, and while raising 

 it from seed is simple enough, much quicker and more 

 satisfactory is the method given by Mr. W. P. Wright 

 in his invaluable book on hardy perennials. "When 

 spring comes there is a brown stump which looks to be 

 entirely devoid of life. It may be broken away almost 

 like bark from a tree and it will probably be found that 

 there is a green sprout below, which may be left to grow. 

 As regards the barklike parts, they may be cut into 

 pieces with a sharp knife, and will prove to be fleshy and 

 quick. The portions may be covered with moist, gritty 

 soil in a pot or box and put in a warm frame or green- 

 house. Shoots will start from them, which may be re- 

 moved with a 'heel' of the older growth and inserted in 

 small pots. They will root and form plants in due 

 course. Pieces of the horse-radish-like taproots may 

 also be inserted, as they are likely to root and make 

 plants." Anchusas should be transplanted when quite 

 small if possible, as the deep-burrowing taproot is diffi- 

 cult to get out intact. 



These sky-blue flowers are lovely grown near the 

 blushing Stanwells' Perpetual Brier Rose, and we have 

 it charmingly situated in front of a trellis occupied 



