Herbaceous and Bedding Plants 



and favorite plant, both for growing in pots and for planting out- 

 side in clumps, or for growing a ground-work for tall-stemmed 

 flowers such as Lobelia cardinalis. 



Propagate by seeds sown (in early Spring) in the open air, 

 where they are to flower, or by cuttings inserted (in early Spring) 

 in a shady spot protected from wind and strong sunshine. The 

 seeds, being very small, should be covered with soil very lightly. 

 Mimuluajfioscjiatus is best propagated by dividing the roots in 

 early Spring or before growth commences. 



MUSA. 



The Musas are among the very best of the large-leaved dec- 

 orative plants, Musa ensete having the largest leaves. It is much 

 used in subtropical gardening, sometimes producing leaves over 

 fifteen feet in length with a breadth of three feet, these with their 

 broad midrib of reddish-brown color, making it one of the hand- 

 somest plants in a well-kept garden. The Musas delight in a 

 warm sunny well-sheltered situation, a rich well-manured deep 

 soil and plenty of water during the growing season. 



Propagate Musa ensete by seeds, sown to the depth of half 

 an inch, in a hotbed, in February or March, and potted singly 

 in four-inch pots as soon as the seedlings are six inches high ; give 

 them more pot-room as required, planting them, in early May, 

 where they are to remain. Musa Cavendishii, Musa coccinea and 

 most of the other species are easily increased by dividing the roots 

 or by taking the young suckers which form at the base of the 

 stem, potting them, at any time during Winter or Spring, in light 

 rich soil and placing them in bottom-heat until rooted. 



MYOSOTIS (Forget-me-not} . 



A genus of elegant annual flowering plants excellent for early 

 Spring bedding, or, preferably, for covering the ground among 

 upright growing shrubs, all being of the easiest culture and thriv- 

 soil. 



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