ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS. 47 



Popular Annuals. 



Annuals are generally divided into two classes, hardy and half- 

 hardy. Then we have the greenhouse kinds, but it is not my 

 purpose to speak about them now. Hardy annuals are the kinds 

 which are sown directly into ground where they are to grow. 

 Some can be sown in the fall and wintered over in frames. Half- 

 hardy annuals are those which are sown in the greenhouse, frame, 

 or window in March or April. They need slight protection in the 

 early stages of their growth and some of them do not develop to 

 their full extent if not treated in this way. 



I will give you a few lists of the best kinds, hopii g in this way 

 to demonstrate their general usefulness and also to show a wider 

 range of varieties that can be used in general cultivation. 



Agcrafum comjzoides is the common Ageratum of gardens. It 

 is a favorite because of its bright blue flowers which are produced 

 all summer. There are two dwarf forms which are valuable for 

 bedding and massing; they are Little Dorrit and Swanley Blue. 

 There is a new form with rose-colored flowers which promises to 

 be valuable for bedding purposes ; the name of this \ariety is Rose 

 Queen. 



Sweet alyssum, Alyssum maritimum, is one of the most common 

 annuals and is much used for the edging of beds. Its fragrant 

 flowers are very pleasing. It is very hardy and can be sown out 

 of doors early in ^lay and will flower all summer. 



The snapdragon, Antirrhinum vmjus, is very popular and de- 

 serves to be on account of its handsome flowers which are pro- 

 duced very abundantly. It is one of the plants which have been 

 very much improved by horticulturists and has now a great range of 

 beautiful, distinct colors. Not only have the colors of the flowers 

 been improved but also the habit of the plants. We have them in 

 tall and dwarf forms coming true from seed. There are many 

 named varieties among the latter. For early flowering the seeds 

 must be sown in ^Nlarch or April in the greenhouse or window. 

 The seeds sown out of doors in May will flower in July or August. 

 The flowers are especially good for cutting and possess good 

 keeping qualities, and on this account they are grown by florists 



