180 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
still more remarkable for its rich variation of colours. N. 
floribunda grows ift. high, bears white and yellow, fragrant 
flowers, and is quite hardy. N. versicolor compacta bears 
blue, lilac, yellow and white flowers, grows ift. high, and is 
also a hardy species. Seeds of the hardy kinds may be sown 
in the open border in April, but those of N. strumosa are 
best sown in heat in February or March, the seedlings care- 
fully transplanted, hardened off in May, and planted out in 
June. Seeds of the latter may also be sown in the open border 
in May. 
Nemophila (Californian Blue Bell). — Showy and beau- 
tiful hardy annuals, belonging to the Nat. Ord. Hydrophvl- 
laceae, and natives of California. These plants are great 
favourites in large and small gardens, especially for growing 
in beds and as edgings to borders. They will thrive in ordinary 
soil in sunny positions. Seeds may be sown thinly in April 
where the plants are required to flower ; or in August to flower 
early in spring. In either case thin the seedlings to 6in. apart 
as soon as large enough to handle. Nemophilas are splendid 
annuals to sow as a carpeting to rose beds. The best known 
kinds are: N. insignis, sky-blue, with white eye; N. insignis 
grandiflora, large-flowered, very showy ; N. insignis alba, 
white ; N. insignis striata, white-pencilled blue ; N. Menziesii 
(Syn. N. atomaria), white, speckled blue; N. Menziesii occu- 
lata, pale blue, purple eye ; N. Menziesii alba, white, black 
eye ; and N. maculata, white, blotched with purple. 
Nepeta (Cat Mint; Ground Ivy). — The variegated form 
of the Ground Ivy (N. Glechoma variegata), is an attractive 
plant for trailing over a moist, shady rockery or covering 
bare spaces under trees. It has trailing stems and leaves 
prettily variegated with green and silver. N. Mussini is a 
Caucasian species, growing ift. high, and bearing a profusion 
of light blue flowers throughout the summer months. A good 
plant to grow in masses in the wild garden or shrubbery 
border. Ordinary soil will suit both kinds. Plant in autumn 
or spring. The former may be readily increased by cuttings 
of the young shoots inserted in a shady border, and the latter 
by division in autumn. Sage order (Labiatae). 
Nierembergia (Cup Flower). — Hardy or half-hardy 
perennials, belonging to the Petunia order (Solanaceae), and 
natives of South America. N. rivularis (Trailing Cup Flower) 
is the best known species. This has trailing shoots and 
creamy white flowers borne in summer. A charming plant to 
grow in moderately heavy loam on a sunny rockery. N. 
calycina, w hite ; N. lilicaulis, lilac and yellow ; N. frutescens, 
