THE 



Canadian Horticulturist. 



VOL. XIII. 



IBQO. 



NO. 5. 



SOME SHOWY FLOWERS. 



|T this season of the year when as everybody says : "April 

 showers bring May flowers," and everyone is thinking of 

 either buying a few plants from a gardener, or else sowing 

 some flower seeds in the open ground, it will be opportune 

 to call attention to three or four deserving favorites. 



Notwithstanding the extreme beauty of our floral treasures and the 

 importance of having a free display of their charms in connection with our 

 homes, we do not advise anyone to break up a pretty lawn in order to plant 

 a bed of flowers, whose gaudy colors disturb the quiet repose of the green 

 in front of the house, or present during a portion of the y^ar an ugly bald 

 patch of earth to the eye, where a smooth well-kept stretch of lawn would 

 be much more inviting. The best place for flowers is on the side of the 

 house, grouped in a garden, or in beds along the drive-way toward the coach 

 house. 



Taking them in order, our colored plate represents first, a cutting of 

 Verbenas, a class of well-known plants, which are among the most beauti- 

 ful and most popular for bedding out purposes. Although perennial, many 

 growers treat them as annuals, and raise seedlings for one summer's flower- 

 ing only. There are some eighty varieties, and one of these. Verbena 

 officinalis, is the common Vervain of our ditches. The following are some 

 of the best varieties for bedding out ; Boule de Neige, Crimson King, Lady 

 Londsborough, Lustrous and Purple King. 



