96 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



but there is a variety named A. h. atrosanpiinea — the Giant 

 Crimson Orache — which has some claim to notice here. This 

 is a striking plant, rising to a height of 6 feet, and when its 

 leaves, stems, and seed vessels have all turned a deep crimson- 

 red colour the effect is rich indeed. For sub-tropical 

 effects, for the Wild garden and the Bog garden this is a 

 useful subject. The Orache is quite hardy, and seeds may be 

 sown either in the Spring or late Summer, but if the red- 

 leaved form is grown for decorative purposes the plants must 

 be given ample ro(jm to develop. 



BLUMENBACHIA 



At least one species of Bhimenbacliia {Loasacece) claims 

 attention as a Hardy Annual, and it is B. insignis, a 

 trailing plant with whitish flowers, each an inch across. The 

 elegant leaves are deeply lobed. Loasa palmata is another 

 name for this Chilian plant, which was introduced as long ago 

 as 1826. Sown under glass in March, B. insignis will germi- 

 nate readily, and after being properly hardened the plants will 

 be ready for planting out in early June. B. multifida, with 

 green, red, and yellow flowers ; and B. contorta, with orange- 

 red flowers, are Half-hardy Annuals, but of less merit. All 

 are interesting, but they are not at all common in gardens. 



BORAGO 



" Borage " 



Although the common Borage, Borago officinalis 

 {BoragijiacecB), is best known as an inhabitant of the Kitchen 

 garden, it is frequently found in the Herb garden, and some- 

 times also in the Flower garden. Its bright blue flowers 

 are effective, and bees are very fond of them. This is an 

 annual species rising to a height of 2 feet, and it is easily 

 raised from a Spring sowing in well-worked soil, the seedlings 



