316 PLANTING LIST 



are several varieties, not well distinguished, and chiefly pink, lilac, 

 or purple with yellow centers. They are rich and effective in the 

 garden or the house. The flowers are not large, but are very nu- 

 merous, and are borne in clusters on tall stems during September 

 and early October. Divide the plants in spring, or sow the seed 

 in April, thinning to a foot apart, and setting out two feet each way. 



China Aster: A half-hardy annual, a little troublesome to grow, 

 but yielding some of the very loveliest flowers. These come in all 

 colors except yellow, in charming shapes, and very numerous. 

 There are dozens of varieties, which group into distinct kinds, the 

 best of which are the Chrysanthemum-flowered, Peony-flowered, 

 Comet, Branching, Queen of the Market, and Ostrich-plume. They 

 are equally fine in the garden or the house. Get good seed ; it 

 should be plump. 



Sow under glass in March or April, outdoors in May, sowing 

 every fortnight till June, if you want a long season. Thin to six 

 inches, and set out a foot apart in late May. Put a collar on each 

 plant, against the cutworm. Use little manure. Fertilize with 

 root-dressing, and put some finely sifted coal ashes around each 

 plant. Dress also with lime or wood ashes. Should the plants 

 look sickly, mulch with tobacco stems. If you have sowed very 

 early, flowers should begin to appear in July. The season lasts till 

 frost, but the faded flowers should be picked. 



Watch for black beetles, which eat the flowers. Pick them into 

 kerosene morning and evening. Or hold under them a dish in which 

 is water and a little benzene or gasoline. If aphis appears on the 

 stalks, wash with weak soapsuds or kerosene emulsion. 



Bachelor's Button, see Corn-flower. 



Balm : An herb, used in scents and seasoning. A hardy peren- 

 nial. It may be raised from seeds, cuttings, or root divisions. Set 

 two feet by one. 



Balsam : A tender annual of easy culture, yielding stalks with 

 flowers growing at the bases of the leaves. The double and ca- 

 mellia-flowered varieties are the best. Buy good seed. Sow under 

 glass in April, outdoors toward the end of May. Thin seedlings to 



