Gardening for Amateurs 



75 



as an annual by sowing seeds 

 in a heated greenhouse during 

 February or March. Seeds of 

 these showy and useful flowers, 

 which are produced on long, 

 slender stalks, may be purchased 

 in separate colours or in mixture. 

 The plants grow 2 feet high. 



Stock. Although perhaps 

 rather too stiff and sturdy to be 

 ideal for decorative purposes, 

 Stocks are unsurpassed for last- 

 ing qualities, and they are more- 

 over delightfully fragrant. Per- 

 fection, Ten- Week, Beauty of 

 Nice, Princess Alice, and Vesu- 

 vius are recommended. The 

 plants grow 18 inches high. Sow 

 the seeds in a heated greenhouse 

 or cold frame during March. 



Sunflower. The flowers of 

 the miniature single Sunflowers 

 are excellent for cutting. The 

 plants grow 4 feet high, bearing 

 quantities of pretty yellow 

 flowers with black centres. Sow 

 seeds in a frame or outside 

 during March. 



Sweet Pea. It is quite un- 

 necessary here to dilate on the 

 great value of the Sweet Pea 

 for cutting ; this popular flower 

 is fully dealt with in another 

 part of this work. 



Zinnia. The large, double, 

 stiff -stemmed flowers of the 

 Zinnia are greatly admired when 

 arranged in large bowls. The 

 plants grow 2 feet high. Sow 

 seeds in a heated greenhouse or 

 frame during March. 



Hints on Freesias. Because these 

 popular flowers are grown as a rule with 

 the batches of other spring flowering bulbs 

 they are often accorded identical treatment. 

 which is unsatisfactory. In the first place, 

 after the bulbs are potted, it is unnecessary, 

 in fact, it may be harmful, to plunge them 

 under ashes, as one does Narcissi, Hyacint h<. 

 etc. Simply stand them outside in a shady 

 position until the cold nights arrive, when 



Flowers of the Annual Chrysanthemum. 



they may be moved into the cool green- 

 house. Again, after flowering, to neglect 

 the plants means probable sacrifice of 

 bloom the following season. Water must 

 be withheld gradually, and weak liquid 

 ii i.i i nirc should be given occasionally to 

 strengthen the bulbs. When the growth 

 has dried off stand the pots on a sunny 

 -lirlf until tin- time for repotting comes 

 round again. 



