258 
THE AMATEUR’S FLOWER GARDEN. 
but of no use to beginners for winter wreaths. They must 
be started early to make sure of a good bloom. 
Xeranthemum annuum , X. album , X. caryophillioides , and X. 
furjpurea are fine hardy 
annuals, all of which 
may be so wnin the open 
ground in April. They 
are not the most de¬ 
sirable, as their colours 
are apt to fade when 
dried, but this may be 
in some part prevented 
by drying them quickly 
in the dark, and in a 
very dry, warm atmo¬ 
sphere. Try them in 
an oven when the fire 
is nearly out. 
The selection of 
Grasses may be almost 
indefinitely extended, 
and the hedgerows 
will supply many of 
the most lovely grasses 
in the world. The 
following, however, are 
worthy of special atten¬ 
tion for associating with 
everlasting flowers. 
Stupa jpennata is 
one of the most dis¬ 
tinct of all our garden 
grasses. It grows su¬ 
perbly on a dry, sandy 
bank, and is adapted 
for a sunny part of the 
fernery. What grace, 
what delicacy, what is there in the vegetable kingdom to equal 
it for fairy-like elegance ? Beware ! In the seed catalogues 
you will see that seed is offered. True, seed is offered, but 
it is comparatively worthless, and the only sure way to secure 
this grass is to purchase plants. 
BRIZA MAXIMA. 
