56 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
Save 
Special 
Seed 
Phlox 
Larkspur 
For 
Spring 
Planting 
Cosmos 
Fall 
Annuals 
root-growth to insure a long period of blooming. Once planted, 
most annuals will drop their own seeds, and will not need replant¬ 
ing for several years. After that, the flowers seem to deteriorate, 
and fresh, new seeds should be secured. Select only the largest and 
finest blossoms, mark them and allow them to mature for seeds. 
By keeping all other seedpods removed, the plant will bloom longer 
and more profusely, the season will be prolonged, and the undersir - 
able types will be eliminated. 
Phlox, one of the first of the annuals to blossom, continues to 
flower until early summer. It is most effective if a large area is 
provided where shades of but one color are used ... as the lightest 
tones of pinks shaded to red. Do not buy packets of mixed seeds. 
The selected colors give better results, larger blossoms and more 
true to shade. 
Larkspur in drifts of pink and shades of blue give a marvelous 
effect. The double varieties are almost as lovely as their cousins, 
the temperamental Delphinium. Red Poppies, and blue and white 
Larkspur are lovely growing together, but the Poppies must pre¬ 
dominate. 
There are a whole host of lovely flowers whose seeds may be 
(see page 90) planted in the spring in the place they are to 
occupy all season, although many of these do not resent being 
transplanted. Clarkia and annual Scabiosa are most interesting, but 
they are as yet not very well known. 
A number of the annuals are specially valuable because they can 
be made to flower at various times. Cosmos planted in the fall will 
bloom much earlier than if the seeds are sown in the spring. Calen¬ 
dula is equally adaptable. Other plants can be found that have a 
number of varieties that bloom at various seasons. Stocks, Coreop¬ 
sis and Asters exemplify this type. 
Snapdragons often live through the winter, so are in effect per¬ 
ennial, but are not really dependable as a garden flower, because 
they are very tender and subject to disease (and attractive food for 
bugs). 
Painted-leaf, or annual Poinsettia, and Kochi are good substitutes 
for shrubs, while Four o’Clocks, annual Hollyhocks, Bush Morn- 
