THE GROWING OF THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS 243 



Some familiar examples of hardy annuals are sweet alyssum, 

 ageratum, calendula, calliopsis, candytuft, Centaurea Cyanus, 

 clarkia, larkspur, gilia, California poppy, morning-glory, mari- 

 gold, mignonette, nemophila, pansy, phlox, pinks, poppies, por- 

 tulaca, zinnia, sweet pea, scabiosa. 



Examples of half-hardy annuals are: China aster, alonsoa, 

 balsam, petunia, ricinus, stocks, balloon-vine, martynia, 

 salpiglossis, thunbergia, nasturtium, verbena. 



Examples of tender annuals : Amarantus, celosia or coxcomb, 

 cosmos, cotton, Lobelia Erinus, cobea, gourds, ice-plant, sen- 

 sitive-plant, solanums, torenia, and such things as dahlias, 

 caladiums, and acalypha used for bedding and subtropical 

 effects. 



Some annuals do not bear transplanting well; as poppies, 

 bartonia, Venus' looking-glass, the dwarf convolvulus, lupinus, 

 and malope. It is best, therefore, to sow them where they 

 are to grow. 



Some kinds (as poppies) do not bloom all summer, more 

 especiallj"^ not if allowed to produce seed. Of such kinds a 

 second or third sowing at intervals will provide a succession. 

 Preventing the formation of seeds prolongs their life and flower- 

 ing- period. 



A few of the annuals thrive in partial shade or where they 

 receive sunshine for half the day; but most of them prefer a 

 sunny situation. 



Any good garden soil is suitable for annuals. If not natu- 

 rally fertile and friable, it should be made so by the application 

 of well-rotted stable-manure or humus. The spading should be 

 at least one foot deep. The upper six inches is then to be given 

 a second turning to pulverize and mix it. After making the 

 surface fine and smooth the soil should be pressed down with a 

 board. The seed may now be sprinkled on the soil in lines or 

 concentric circles, according to the method desired. After cov- 

 ering the seed, the soil should be again pressed down with a 



