236 



MY GARDE X. 



Cuttings of bedding geraniums are taken in August, and rooted 

 either in pots or in the open borders. They are sheltered in the 

 greenhouse during winter, and allowed as much light as possible. 

 They are planted in the border the last week in May. 



" Geranium boasts 

 Her crimson honours ; and tlie spangled beau, 

 Trioides, glitters bright the winter long." — COWPER. 



The next useful plant is the shrubby Calceolaria (fig. 463), which 

 affords multitudes of bright yellow flowers. It is tender, and requires 

 to be kept in the greenhouse during the winter, but in warm seasons 

 it yields abundance of blossom. 



Fig. 463. — Calceolaria. 



Fig. 464. —Lobelia. 



Fig. 465.— Petunia. 



For a blue flower for beds recourse is generally had to the Lobelia 

 (Z. syphilitica, fig. 464), of \\hich a very dwarf sort, recently introduced, 

 is the most beautiful. There are many varieties of this plant, of many 

 shades of colour. 



The flower of the Petunia (fig. 465) is very 

 lovely, but the plant grows too large and weedy 

 to be admitted into the set geometric flower-garden. 

 It is raised from seed, .and the garden varieties, 

 which are numerous, are perpetuated by cuttings. 



The Agerattim mexicanmn (fig. 466) is another 

 flower of pale blue colour, which is often used 

 for bedding purposes, and of which there are 

 numerous florists' varieties. It is a biennial plant. 



Fig. 466.— Ageratum 

 mexicanum. 



