ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 43 



trial grounds, which cover hundreds of acres, of some of the large 

 seed growers in Europe show us what is being done with this class 

 of plants. I shall never forget the impression created by the ap- 

 parently endless beds of annuals at the extensive grounds of the 

 well-known seedsmen, INIessrs. Sutton of Reading, England, when 

 I visited their establishment a few years ago. 



Hardly any of us ever give it a thought when we are enjoying 

 the beautiful plants in our gardens as to how these plants originated. 

 How little credit some men have got for what they originated in the 

 plant world! Those who write poetry and novels are always 

 heard about. jSIen who have produced new flowers and plants 

 which give so much pleasure to the aesthetic side of life, are hardly 

 ever heard about. Those who produce new and improve useful 

 plants are a boon and a blessing to any country. 



Usefulness of Annuals. 



The real merits of annual plants are sufficiently great to render 

 needless any exaggerated statement of their claims. We are all 

 well aware that to many the hardy perennials offer superior attrac- 

 tions, and the lovers of these plants are always sure to lay emphasis 

 on the great trouble of sowing annuals each year. However, the 

 true lover of garden beauty will hardly attempt to estimate by any 

 nice process the comparative merits of the various classes of orna- 

 mental plants, but on the other hand should be gratefully thankful 

 for the bountiful supply which has been given him to embellish 

 his surroundings. They possess many advantages, strong points 

 in their favor being the short time reciuired to produce an effect, 

 and the small cost at which a display of flowers may be maintained 

 from early summer until late in the fall. They are especially easy 

 to o-row and their value for cuttino; cannot be overlooked. One 

 merit which they possess and which is not thought about is that 

 they do not take up room in winter; consequently they are ideal 

 plants for those having limited space. 



With a good knowledge of the various species and varieties there 

 is no kind of ornamental gardening in the way of borders or beds 

 that cannot if necessary be done with annuals, just as well as with 

 other plants. Many of the failures which have existed with these 



