ANNUALS 



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Asters rank very high among the half-hardy Annuals, and 

 they are well worth specialising. There are several types, among 

 which the Dwarf Bouquet, Dwarf Chrysanthemum flowered, Paeony 

 flowered, Quilled, Victoria, Comet, and Ostrich Plume rank high. 

 All can be bought in mixtures, or in assortments of from six to 

 twelve separate colours. The Ostrich Plume will be found particu- 

 larly valuable for garden decoration, owing to their graceful habit 

 and large, fleecy, richly coloured flowers. 



Gaillardias are not always strictly annual, but are generally 

 grown with this class. Their large, circu- 

 lar, warm-tinted flowers are very handsome. 



Marigolds are old favourites, and Ne- 

 mesia strumosa Suttoni a new one. 



The Nicotianas (Tobacco Flowers) are 

 sometimes biennial or perennial in dura- 

 tion, but are generally grown as Annuals ; 

 and the same remarks apply to Petunias. 

 Both plants should be grown, the former 

 for perfume and evening bloom, the latter 

 for their large, richly coloured flowers. 



The Phloxes rival Verbenas, and the 

 Salpiglossis has a grace of habit and a 

 diversity of colouration of its own. Its large bell-shaped flowers 

 are quaintly beautiful. 



Stocks are quite indispensable. Like the Asters, they can be 

 bought either in mixed colours or in assortments of several distinct 

 hues. The Dwarf German is shorter than the Giant Perfection, 

 but the latter produces the finest spikes of bloom. 



Zinnias are very brilliant. They like a little bottom heat to 

 start in. Although slow beginners without warmth, they grow 

 rapidly when once in swing, and are splendid garden plants. 



The tender Annuals, which are used for greenhouse or con- 

 servatory decoration in pots, are not numerous. The Balsam of 



MIGNONETTE IN POTS 

 A, a strong seedling pinched at the dark 

 line ; B, B, weak seedlings to be 

 destroyed ; C, C, C, C, young shoots 

 growing from the pinched plant. 



