The Cultivation of Flowers 161 
flowers are admirably suited for an edging round the 
mixed flower borders, but are not very useful for home 
decorations. Height varies from 6 in. on poor soil to 
i ft. on rich soils. 
There are also climbing varieties of Nasturtiums, 
which may be planted in suitable places against trellis- 
work, &c. 
The seeds of these plants can be conveniently 
gathered as they ripen and drop off, and can be thor- 
oughly dried and stored until the spring. 
Poppies. — Very showy, and well deserving a place 
where room can be spared, as their brightly coloured 
flowers on long, slender stems make then an outstand- 
ing feature in the garden. The seed is very small, and 
should be sown very shallow, during April. When the 
plants are large enough they should be thinned out to 
3 or 4 in. apart. The plants will then become strong, 
throwing out large flowers. They are useful for cutting 
if this be done before the flowers have been open too 
long; otherwise the petals will soon drop. Height, from 
l| tO 2 ft. 
There are several varieties of Poppies, but the Shirley 
Poppies are of special importance and beauty. 
Schizanthus. — A very pretty and effective annual 
(see p. 162). Seed should be sown f in. deep, and when 
large enough thinned out to 4 in. apart. The plants pro- 
duce a large quantity of pretty flowers, with fringed petals, 
which are very effective in the garden, and which give a 
graceful appearance when mixed with other flowers for 
home decorations. Height, about 2 ft. 
Sweet Peas. — The most popular of all our garden 
( C 525 ) 12 
