Bartsia 



(104 ) 



Baskets, Ornamental 



yellow ; nuda, and ornata, white. The two last 

 may be grown as annuals if sown early in heat. 



BARTSIA. 



Small perennial or annual plants (ord. Scrophu- 

 larineEe). of little value for the garden. The native 

 perennial alpina, 5", June, purple blue, is among 

 the best, although not recommended for the 



A PRETTY CANE BASKET FOR ROSES. 



garden. Castilleja coceinea and C. pallicla are some- 

 times called Bartsia. The perennial Bartsias are 

 propagated by division or seeds, and grow in 

 common soil. The annuals may be treated as 

 half-hardy, or, in the case of the native species, as 

 hardy annuals. 



BASELLA. 



Malabar Nightshade. An interesting, but not 

 showy, climbing stove plant (ord. Chenopodiacese) 

 of biennial habit ; though by sowing early in Feb- 

 ruary in heat the plants will bloom the same year. 

 They require ordinary stove treatment, and can be 

 grown in any rich soil. The only species is 

 rubra, of which there are several varieties, formerly 

 known by specific names. The type grows about 

 8' high, blooms in August, and has pink flowers. 

 The varieties have white or pale purple flowers. 

 Some of the plants formerly known as Basella are 

 now included with the Tandonias. 



BASIL. 



A sweet scented annual herb (Ocymum, ord. 

 Labiate), grown in many kitchen gardens. The 

 leaf tops are used for flavouring and other pur- 

 poses. It is raised from seeds sown in boxes 

 under glass in April, hardening off the seedlings, 

 and planting out at the end of May. Sow in May 

 outdoors for succession. Ordinary garden soil, 

 made fine on the surface, will do. Slugs are 

 partial to young plants. To check them place 

 a little sifted coal ashes round each specimen 

 after planting. Allow 1' between the rows, and 

 the same distance from plant to plant. When 

 sown outdoors no transplanting is necessary, simply 



thinning out the seedlings when large enough. 

 Pull up the plants early in September, tie in 

 bunches, and hang them in a dry shed for winter 

 use. 



Principal Species : 



Ocymum basilic-urn, 1". The common Sweet Basil. 



minimum, B' '. Bush Basil, a dwarf, bushy 

 plant. Treat in the same way as the above. 



BASKETS, ORNAMENTAL. 



These are largely employed in gardens, and vary 

 in character according to the purpose for which 

 they are required. 



Hanging Baskets. Receptacles formed of gal- 

 vanised wire, wood, and terra-cotta, and when 

 furnished with flowering, foliage, and trailing 

 plants, and Ferns, used for suspending in conserva- 

 tories, corridors, rooms, and windows. If taste- 

 fully arranged they have a pleasing effect. 

 Hanging baskets of many sizes and shapes are 

 manufactured. They are lined with fresh, green 

 moss, and filled with a suitable compost before 

 being furnished with plants. A simple, home-made 

 basket is formed by obtaining a hoop of strong 

 wire for the rim, and making the bowl with close 

 meshed wire netting attached to the rim. Fasten 

 three strands of wire to the top at equal distances, 

 anda hook for suspending the basket. Rustic looking 

 wooden baskets are suitable for B'erns and Lycopo- 

 diums. Baskets made of Fir cones are also useful 

 for the same purpose. Teak wood and Oak baskets 

 are largely employed for Orchids. 



Plant Baskets. These are round, with flat 

 bottoms, and made of strong wire. They are 



A NEAT CAXE BASKET FOR THE TABLE. 



furnished with flower and foliage plants in pots, 

 and placed on tables for the adornment of rooms. 

 When tastefully furnished they are effective. Cane 

 baskets (see figures) are pretty for the table. 



Rustic Baskets. For ornaments on lawns, and 

 elsewhere, for the reception of flowering and foliage 



