Gardening in California 



about two weeks after they have been planted, mulch the entire 

 surface of the soil, between th*e plants, with about one-half inch of 

 rotten manure and give a good watering. To produce fine flowers, 

 the Aster should never suffer for lack of water and should receive 

 a good drenching at least once a week; should extra large 

 flowers be desired, the flowers should be thinned to about five or 

 six to a plant, and the plant supported by a neat stake. 



AuBRiETiA DELTOIDES. 



Where a dense cushion effect of deep blue is desired in early 

 Spring, procure a packet of Aubrietia seeds and sow in the open 

 where they are to flower, covering the seeds very lightly; 

 September is the best time to sow. As soon as the seedlings are 

 well up, thin them to three inches apart and encourage them by 

 watering, never allowing the soil to become very dry. They may 

 also be sown in September in a cold frame, and transplanted in 

 November or December to where they are to bloom. Where 

 there is a stock of old plants they may be propagated by cuttings 

 any time after flowering. There are several varieties, all of them 

 very useful for carpet effects in early Spring. 



BEGONIA. 



A large genus of succulent 

 herbs with tuberous or fibrous roots 

 and showy flowers or leaves. Most 

 of the richly-colored flowers and 

 handsomely-marked leaves are the 

 result of hybridizing by specialists, 

 who have, by cross-fertilizing and 

 high cultivation, succeeded in rais- 

 ing the Begonia to the high estima- 

 tion in which it is now held for in- 

 door and outdoor decoration. The 

 hardier varieties of the tuberous 



Begonia vernon. 



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