(POPPY. 
VERBENA 
WEETALYSSUM 
GLOBE AMARANTH, 
CYCLAMEN 
YOSOTIS. 
It is somewhat difficult to convey detailed particulars as to how success may be had in the planting 
and maturing of flowers. The skilled gardener who has every appliance necessary, often fails in his ef¬ 
forts ; while the little girl who has no knowledge of the art, but loves flowers, will frequently surprise not 
only herself but the older folks, who are not so much interested , with the results obtained by her labor 
and love. “The Norwegians have a pretty and significant word, ‘Opelske,’ which they use in speaking of 
the care of flowers. It means literally ‘loving up,’ or cherishing them into health and vigor.” 
The following practical information, in connection with the special cultural notes, that, when neces¬ 
sary, are set in the right-hand column against the variety, will be of service in making for success. 
Hardy Annuals (hA.).—This class requires no artificial aid, but grow and flower freely in the open 
air, mature their seeds and die in the same year. Before sowing the seeds in the open border, the soil 
should be thoroughly enriched with fertilizer, or stable manure, dug and raked until firm, level and 
smooth. If possible, the location should be free from shade, although some sorts do well where they do 
not have the sun for more than half the day. 
vSeed should be sown in spring as soon as the ground is dry enough to work freely. After the seed 
is sown shake over it fine soil sufficient to cover, lighter or heavier, according to its size ; a good rule is, 
say, to cover, to twice the depth of the diameter of the seed. Very fine seed, such as Portulacas , require no 
covering at all, but should be merely pressed into the soil with a piece of board, or the palm of the hand. A 
second sowing ought always to be made in from two to four weeks after the first, in order to provide for a 
succession, as well as to insure against failure. 
When it is desired to sow hardy Annuals and carry them along indoors until they can be planted out 
for early effect, there is nothing better than shallow boxes, two or three inches deep, filled with sandy 
loam. Take especial care until the plants are up and during their early stages of growth to give plenty of 
air and moisture, and yet not too much water or they will “damp off.” When they are well out of the seed 
leaf they should be planted in rows in other shallow boxes; or in two-inch pots, setting from three to six 
plants around the edges. If they begin to crowd one another before the weather is suitable for setting out 
a second transplanting, more thinly or into larger pots, may be necessary. When first set out in the gar¬ 
den, or during very dry weather, until well established, they should be watered frequently. Keep down 
all weeds, and loosen the ground occasionally so that the plants may receive the full benefit of rains and 
dews, which will not be the case if the ground is allowed to become hard or crusted. 
Half-Hardy Annuals (hhA.)—These, in the latitude of Boston, should not be sown out-doors until 
about the middle of May. A good rule, followed by a successful gardener, is to sow these, and even 
some of the tender Annuals, at the same time he makes his sowings of cucumbers and melons. With half- 
hardy Annuals, however, it is generally best to sow them under the same conditions as advised for hardy 
Annuals in-doors. 
Tender Annuals (tA.).— To get strong plants and an early bloom, sow the seed in shallow boxes or 
pots in March, and place them in a warm greenhouse, or plunge in a moderate hot bed, shade from the 
strong sun and water only with a very fine rose. A very light, sandy soil and good drainage are essentials. 
Be particular that the finer seeds are not covered over deep, but have the soil pressed closely about them. 
Water frequently, especially if the greenhouse or hot bed is very warm. When the plants are out of the 
seed leaf, transplant into shallow boxes or small pots. When sufficiently strong and the weather is suit¬ 
able, set out in the flower beds, but not before the end of May. 
Hardy Biennials (liB.) and Perennials (hP.).— These require the same conditions as hardy Annu¬ 
als. Those marked with a dagger (tj if sown early, in boxes, as directed for hardy and half-hardy Annu¬ 
als, will bloom the first year. All, however, may be sown in the open border in August or September ; in 
which case it is a good plan at the commencement of frost to give them a light covering of straw, leaves or 
See Special Offers on third page of cover. 
