100 
THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 
attached to the flower at the base by merely thrusting it into the 
centre ; but the wire should have a few twists to make a sort of 
base to catch the flower, or for the natural base of the flower to 
rest on. 
The best flowers for this purpose are the following : — 
Helichrysums of all kinds ; more especially H. bracteatum, U. 
compositum, II. macranthum, and II. monstrosum. All are half-hardy 
annuals, to be raised on gentle heat, and planted out in May, or 
sown in the open ground m April. As they are so useful, it would 
be well to try all the sorts the seedsmen can supply. 
Acroclinium roseum . — 
Sow in pots and pans in 
April, and place in cold 
frame, or sow in open bor- 
der and risk it. 
HJiodanthe Mangiest , It. 
atrosanguineum, It. macu- 
lata, It. major. All half- 
hardy annuals. 
Helipterum Sandfordi 
and II. corxjmbiferum re- 
quire careful culture. Sow, 
if possible, in February, 
and treat as perilla or lo- 
belia. These are the least 
likely to succeed if sown 
in the open border in this 
country. They are, how- 
ever so beautiful that they 
well repay a little extra 
care. 
Pohjcolymnia Stuarii, 
— A quite hardy annual, but 
none the worse for being 
pushed forward under 
glass. 
Ammobium ala turn is a 
perennial, but may be 
treated as an annual, as 
it is sure to be killed by 
a sharp frost. Treat it as 
half-hardy. 
Waitzict corymbosa , W. 
grand (flora- , fine half-hardy 
annuals ; but of no use to 
beginners for winter wreaths. They must be started early to make 
sure of good bloom. 
Xeranthemum annum , X. album, X. caryopliillioides, and X. 
purpurea are fine hardy annuals, all of which may be sown in the 
open ground in April. They are not the most desirable, as their 
colours are apt to fade when dried, but this may be in some part 
