CULTURE OF FAVORITE PLANTS. 
~VE J? B EJSTA . 
ERBENA is a flower to which we are perhaps more indebted for 
the gaiety of our gardens than to any other; and is a simple, procum¬ 
bent plant from Buenos Ayres. For large beds nothing can equal 
it, as with judicious training a few plants can be made to cover con¬ 
siderable surface. The beds appear to the best advantage when cut 
directly in the lawn or grass, as the surrounding green heightens the 
effect of the brilliant colors by the strong contrast. Although the 
Verbena will grow in almost any soil, to thrive well it should have that most 
congenial to it, which is about two parts loam, the same quantity of leaf-mold 
or manure, and one part good sand. Having secured plants of such colors as 
will harmonize well, let there be made a cavity the size of the pot they are in, 
the ball be placed within it, and the soil pressed close around, the plants being 
arranged two feet apart each way. The branches are then to be laid entirely flat to the 
ground, and pinned down, so that they will root at the joints, for which purpose broom- 
splints doubled, forked sticks, or, what would be still better, the common wire hairpin, 
could be used, this treatment to be continued as long as the branches extend themselves. 
It would be an advantage to pinch off the early buds until the plants are well established, 
the future bloom being sufficient compensation. Watering freely at first, secures good 
leafage, which affords much protection in case of drouth. Seedlings, although they can be 
started in the open air with ease, give earlier bloom if sown in a box in the house or hotbed. 
These plants are also most excellent for window boxes and verandas having a sunnv 
exposure. In pot culture, for success, they must be kept in a growing state continually to 
insure health and thrift. Cuttings make better plants than the old ones, and should com¬ 
prise about three joints of the young growth. They can be rooted in wet sand, and even 
in water; in either case the} 7 should be potted as soon as rooting is assured. 
TO Ij e t. 
ARGELY used for bouquets and floral decorations, Violets, as distin¬ 
guished from the favorite species called Pansy (already spoken of), 
are generally cultivated in four or five varieties, such as the Neapoli¬ 
tan or Italian, the English, the Russian, etc., and are highly valued 
by florists for winter decorations. For window culture they are best 
grown in a box, though with extra attention in the way of water and 
cleanliness they will grow well in pots. They all require a rich, sandy loam, 
and a shady situation. In moist climates they are much used in borders or for 
the edgings of walks. The flowers are small and simple, and not at all to be 
compared with the Pansy, though they have a very fine odor of their own, 
which makes them very acceptable in the absence of that transcendent favorite. 
In the early summer the plants, which grow in bunches, should be set out, about a foot 
