2 FLOWERS FOR AMERICAN GARDENS 



HENDERSON'S FLOWER SEEDS 



Probably no outdoor occupation gives so much pleasure as the 

 cultivation of flowers from seed. Starting with the tiny grains of 

 seed, placing them carefully in suitable soil, watching the conditions 

 of air and moisture while the seeds are nidden below the ground, 

 and the gradual unfolding of the tiny seedling, and later the miracu- 

 lous development of leaf, stem and branch until finally the fully 

 grown^plant bursts into glorious flower; this is the pleasure awaiting 

 one who grows flowers from seed. 



ANNUAL FLOWER SEEDS. These complete the cycle of 

 their existence, growing from seed to seed in one year. 



Annuals oflfer a large field for selection, embracing plants of all 

 kinds, from the modest Sweet Alyssiun to the gorgeous Salvia, the 

 majestic Ricinus, and dainty Cosmos. They are found in every 

 conceivable shade of color, and are adaptable for growing as single 

 specimens, or planting for large effect in clumps or masses, while 

 others are well suited for making borders. 



While there is no class of plants that will survive better under 

 rigorous conditions, yet in order to achieve the best results they 

 should be planted where they can obtain ample sunlight, and may 

 be easily watered. If the rows are carefully marked when sown 

 it will be easy to distinguish the weeds. 



A continuity of bloom may be secured by occasional sowings of 

 many sorts, such as Eschscholtzia, Sweet Alyssum, Phlox, Zinnia, 

 etc. In the latitude of New York these sowings may be made as 

 late as June 15th. Many sorts require to be sown in some sheltered 

 situation such as a greenhouse, cold frame, or window box about a 

 month before they may be planted outdoors. This is not necessary 

 only on account of their tenderness, but also because they need 

 more time for development, and by sowing thus early, the growing 

 season is proportionately prolonged. 



The popularity of annuals is assured by the fact that an effective 

 display may be made for a very modest outlay. 



PERENNIAL FLOWER SEEDS. The great charm of Peren- 

 nials lies in their permanence. Once established they are a constant 

 source of pleasure, and among the most interesting plants in our 

 gardens, presenting a variety of form and color so great as to fit 

 them for almost every conceivable purpose in the garden. Some 

 may be made to thrive under most unkind conditions, while others 

 require skilful cultivation. 



Many plants of this class, notably Antirrhinums, have been so 

 greatly improved by hybridization during recent years, that they may 

 now be had in varying height, and in almost every shade of color. 



A very large proportion of the Perennial plants that may be 

 grown from seed have great value as cut flowers because of their 

 great substance, which enables them to stand up well long after 

 cutting. 



Notwithstanding their individual charm, they are most effective 

 when planted in a mixed border, where by arranging them according 

 to height, color and season of flowering, an attractive display may 

 be had from the earliest days of spring, all through the summer, 

 and even after the first frosts herald the approach of winter. And 

 so. week by week, as sure as the season revolves such a border will 

 present new charms and revive old ones, the beauty of it growing 

 with ever-increasing interest. 



Perennials are generally raised from seed sown from early spring 

 to about August 1st, in the latitude of New York. 



Treated thus, they make strong plants which may be planted in 

 a permanent situation early enough in the fall to enable them to 

 winter safely. In some instances plants will flower the first year 

 from seed if sown quite early, but nearly all require a year to reach 

 their full development. 



