_Among the most interesting flowering plants in cultivation are those 
which start from the seed in the spring of the year, make a quick 
|C growth, cover themselves with bloom, and in the fall ripen a crop of seeds for the ensuing 
season. Such plants are called Annuals, as their whole life is included in a single year. 
*** 
These plants vary greatly in many respects: first, the length of their season of bloom; some, like 
Petunia and the Mignonette, commence very early to flower and continue until late in the autumn; others 
open their flowers later in summer; some, like the Poppy, are of comparatively short duration, but so 
brilliant while they last that they command the admiration of all; others, again, such as the Phlox 
Drummondii, are prolific of bloom, brilliant and varied in color, and continue to produce their flowers 
for several months. # • 
Some of the Annuals grow to a height of two or three feet, and others only a few inches; some, too, 
are climbers from two or three feet, like the Sweet Peas, or to twelve or fifteen feet, like the Climbing 
Morning Glory, or, yet, the Moon Flower, which will measure its length upwards for a score or two of 
feet. Even in the same genus of plants there is great variety; the Convolvulus shows us a species which 
blooms only a few inches in height, thus forming a great contrast with its climbing relative, and the 
Nasturtiums supply us with both low-growing and climbing kinds. 
* 
. * * 
Besides the variations noted there are many others as great, and it can readily be inferred that these plants, which can be so 
easily and cheaply propagated from seed, offer the greatest opportunities for beautifying the garden and providing an abundant 
supply of flowers for cutting for bouquets and for room decorations. 
* 
* * 
Shakespeare must have loved flowers. In the Merry Wives of Windsor he says: 
“ In emerald tufts ,. flowers purple, blue and volute; 
Like sapphire, pea/rl and rich embroidery .” 
Some kinds of plants which are longer lived than one year, will, like Annuals, make a quick growth from seed, and bloom the 
same season; good examples of such are the Verbena and the Pansy; the results, in gardening purposes, are, therefore, the same with 
these plants as with the Annuals, although they are really perennial plants. Many of the finest Annuals delight in full sunshine, and 
others need a little shade, and suitable kinds can, therefore, be selected for almost every spot and every purpose. 
* 
Some of the Annuals thrive well and bloom abundantly, and are general favorites in all parts of the country. Those which are 
prominent in this list are the Batchelor’s Button, or Centaurea, Cyanus, Petunia, Phlox Drummondii, Portulaca, African Marigold, 
Zinnia, and Pansy. The Pansy at the South develops in great perfection through the winter season, while at the North it does its 
best m spring and autumn. 
^ ie ■A.^in'kiniim, the Datura, Nasturtium, Poppy, Convolvulus, Four o’clock, Delphinium and Mignonette and the Evening 
G oiy, or Ipomsea Bona Nox, all do well in the Southern States, as they do elsewhere, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The Annu- 
a s, with their beauty, brilliancy and wonderful variety, must always retain their popularity in the garden. 
r 
* 
* * 
_Perennials are plants which live for several years, Biennials live for two years. Among 
F ' ' ' ~ " these are some of our best and -well known flowers. As a rule these plants do not bloom 
until the second year; but there are many exceptions among them, some blooming as freely the first year as Annuals, when 
the seeds are sown early, and all these are noted in the description. The seeds of those kinds which do not bloom until the 
^second year ma} r be sown early in spring or any time in summer. 
* 
?- lenUi . al ^ ants bloom only for a short time, and therefore are not suited for the lawn, where a continuous show of flowers 
f 1 ^ lC , ° la ? e 1S a bsolutely necessary. But there is a great variety of hardy Perennials, and some of them bloom in every month 
rom eai y spnng until late autumn, and this makes the border of Perennials one of the most interesting parts of the garden, and 
more attention is being given by good cultivators to the hardy plants. 
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