198 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



flower can be described in this way), Celosias, from seed 

 sown under glass in spring; Aster sinensis, a handsome, tall, 

 purple single flower ; one of the China Asters (sow seed in 

 heat in spring), Chrysanthemum tricolor, the beautiful major 

 and minor Convolvuluses, Coreopsis, Chinese and Indian 

 Pinks, the old-world Extinguisher-flower (Eschscholtzia), 

 Gypsophila elegans, Everlastings (if they are cared for), Lupines, 

 Mignonette, the blue Nemophila, Love-in-a-mist (Nigella), 

 Poppies (these are very beautiful, especially the " Shirley " 

 kinds, but they must be well thinned), Phlox Drummondii, 

 Salpiglossis, Scabious, Stocks (these should be freely planted 

 for colour and perfume), Sweet Peas, Foxgloves (biennial), 

 Verbenas, Virginian Stock, and Zinnias, quaint flowers of 

 various colours, raised in heat in spring. 



Summer Flowers. When the garden boasts a little green- 

 house, many plants known as " bedders " can be raised, but 

 this is only possible where artificial warmth can be given 

 during the winter. Many town gardens, and others for that 

 matter, are rendered bright chiefly through the agency of 

 summer bedding plants, the "Geraniums," or Zonal Pelar- 



foniums as they should be called, Tuberous Begonias, 

 innias, Dahlias, Ageratums, Celosias, the China Asters, 

 dwarf Lobelias, the Tobaccos, especially the sweet-scented 

 Nicotiana affinis and the newer N. sylvestris, which has white 

 tubular flowers which do not flag or close up under a hot 

 sun as in the case of N. affinis; Petunias, very successful in 

 town gardens, bright flowers of many colours sow seed in 

 spring under glass ; Verbenas, easily raised in gentle heat 

 in spring, and, if very large plants are required, Cannas (not 

 usually very happy near towns), and such big-leaved things 

 as the Castor-oil Plant. As a rule, however, exclude every- 

 thing of tall spreading growth, otherwise the garden will 

 contain nothing else, and before the summer is half over be 

 a choked place full of unruly growths and struggling vegeta- 

 tion, all striving for the mastery, and a hunting-ground for 

 slugs and snails. 



Climbers. The beginner is frequently perplexed as to the 

 Climbers to select for the wall of the house or to clamber over 

 a summer-house or arch. All the following will thrive in 

 reasonably good soil. Of annuals the Japanese Hop is re- 

 markably vigorous. Seed sown in March, or even in early 

 April, will result in plants that will clamber over trellis or 

 summer-house in one season. Climbing Tropseolums (Nas- 

 turtiums), Convolvuluses, or the Canary Creeper, with light 

 green growth and bright yellow flowers, are available. This 



