242 



MY GARDEN. 



The Zinnia elegans (fig. 481) in many of its numerous varieties may 

 be grown in the same manner, as the colours of the flowers in mid- 

 summer are really fine. 



The large biennial Stocks do not succeed well at my garden, never- 

 theless there are numerous annual stocks {Mathiola, fig. 482), both 

 single and double, which may be grown for their beauty and fragrance. 

 The seed should be sown in spring under the protection of a frame, 

 and the plants pricked out, when they flower the same year. 



The Mignonette (Reseda odorata, fig. 483) is an annual which 

 should never be forgotten. There is a large variety which is now 

 invariably grown ; and if placed in a favourable situation, with full 

 exposure to light and air, a single plant is not only fragrant: but 

 ornamental. With care it may be grown into a tree by allowing it to 

 orm a stem, and keeping it in a greenhouse during the winter, but 

 to my mind the tree does not compare with the plant grown in a 

 natural way. 



Fig. 482.— Stock. 



Fig. 483. — Mignonette. 



Fig. 484. — Everlasting. 



There is an interesting group of plants called Everlastings (fig. 

 484), on account' of the stiffness of the flowers, which last for a 

 considerable period. It is desirable to sow them in a frame, and 

 plant them out afterwards, though many will do perfectly well if 

 sown in a border in spring. The everlasting which is used for the 

 mmortelles in France is grown in my alpinery, and is a perennial 

 plant. 



For back places, an occasional Giant Sunflower {Helianthus gigan- 

 teum, fig. 485) shines forth. This plant attains the height of about 



