58 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



^Mien using annuals as bedding plants many beautiful effects 

 can be made, but I think they are much more pleasing if grown 

 in large masses of one kind than when two or three kinds are grown 

 in befls. What can be more pleasing or effective than large beds of 

 Salvia spJendens, or in the spring, large beds of Silene jiendula ? 

 There are innumerable ways in which these plants can be used. It 

 must iiot be forgotten that if large masses are planted only kinds 

 should be used that will produce flowers for a long time. 



Biennials. 



Biennials are not as numerous in species and varieties as annuals. 

 They are fewer in number, but some of them are handsome old- 

 fashioned plants. "NMio does not love hollyhocks, foxgloves, and 

 sweet Williams ? Can those who have visited British gardens in 

 spring forget the fragrance of the wallflowers ? 



Hollyhocks are probably the most popular biennials we grow. 

 They are old-fashioned plants which have been greatly improved 

 and are the noblest of garden plants. They are subject to several 

 diseases and owing to this many people have been discouraged in 

 growing them. One of the worst diseases is a rust which destroys 

 the leaves. This can be held in check by spraying with Bordeaux 

 Mixture. 



There are single and double forms. The single kinds, Avith the 

 exception of those Avith purple flowers, have pleasing colors, and 

 are more thrifty and less liable to disease than the double forms 

 are. The double hollyhocks when grown well are exceptionally 

 fine things and when in bloom are so stately that we have no plants 

 at that time that will compare with them. To get good healthy 

 plants and to have a stock of young material always on hand, seeds 

 should be sown each year. The usual time to sow the seed is in 

 June or early in July and if the plants are given liberal treatment 

 they make large plants before winter begins. A dry position Avhere 

 no water will lodge about them is a very favorable place for them in 

 winter. A slight covering with coarse straw or salt-marsh hay is 

 very beneficial. However, if one has a cold frame it is the best 

 place for the young plants in winter. Whenever the frost is out 

 of the ground in spring they may be transplanted into deep, rich 



