Nature’s favorite method of plant reproduction is by seeds; and 
in this way great numbers of plants can be produced at the least 
expense; also, such plants, as a rule, are more vigorous and more 
free from any constitutional defects of vitality. Gardeners, therefore, 
prefer this method of raising plants whenever it is available, as it 
is in the case of most annual, biennial, and perennial plants. 
Annual plants, or those which, starting from the seed, attain 
their growth, bloom and perfect their seeds 
Annuals and then die, all in one year, comprise some 
of the most beautiful flowers of our gardens. 
The annual plants that have been employed in gardening are 
exceedingly numerous, and even* to name them would make a 
voluminous list. From this great number, expei iencc has led to 
a selection of the most desirable kinds; and these are mentioned 
and described in the following pages. Asters, Balsams, Mignonette, 
Poppies, Sweet Peas, and Morning Glories, are among the well- 
known annuals that are wanted in every garden. 
The Snapdragon and the Hollyhock are examples of what 
are called biennial plants; that is, those that 
Biennials live two years. The Snapdragon will bloom 
the first year from seed, and live over winter 
and bloom the second summer, and then die; the Hollyhock 
waits until the second year before sending up its flower-stalk, 
and the plant also frequently lives over the second winter. 
Among perennial plants, or those that live a number of years, 
there are some that will bloom the first year 
Perennials from seed, and some not until the second 
season. Some of these that bloom the first 
year will not bear our cold winters, and so they are practically 
annuals in cold climates, though in mild regions they may live a 
considerable number of years. The Verbena is an instance of this 
kind. But many desirable perennial plants are hardy eyen in 
very cold climates, and these are important subjects for every 
flower garden. The Columbine, Calliopsis lanceolata, Perennial 
Larkspurs, and the Foxglove, are examples. 
The art of seed-sowing and raising these plants to a blooming 
condition is not difficult, and is extremely 
Seed-sowing interesting. When the soil is warm in 
and spring a very novice may sow flower seeds 
Plant-raising anc * ra * se P^ ants - But t0 secure the 
best results a number of points should be 
understood and observed. Some plants make their growth and 
bloom in quite a short time, while others require a longer time to 
attain maturity. Much in relation to this matter must be learned 
by experience, and year by year one may gain in skill. A few 
hints in regard to some kinds may enable a beginner to start right. 
Aster plants require a large part of the summer to make their 
growth, and then bloom in August and September. In the north¬ 
ern part of the country the loth of May is usually as early as 
tender plants can be trusted out of doors, and sometimes a frost 
will catch them later than this date. But it is very desirable to 
get plants started early, and so it is always best to take some 
chances of a frost, even if it is necessary to protect the young 
plants after they are up. The first of May, therefore, in the North, 
is about the time to sow most kinds of flowers in the open ground, 
while in the Southern part of the country this may be done from 
two to four weeks earlier. But plants that require a long time to 
come to a blooming state ought to be already of considerable size 
by the time that the soil and atmosphere are such as to encourage 
growth. Those who have greenhouses can easily start plants so 
that they will be in condition to plant out at any time. Those, 
too, who are so situated as to have a hotbed can secure the same 
results. But a hotbed, for many persons, is nearly as difficult to 
be possessed of as a greenhouse, and it is more difficult to manage. 
But there is a way out of this trouble for the amateur gardener; 
that is by means of a cold frame. (See 
A Cold frame “ Hints on Sowing Seeds and Transplant- 
ing,” page 42.) By means of a cold frame 
one may commence to sow tender seeds a month earlier than in the 
open. Plants raised in a coldframe are less apt to be drawn and 
spindling than in a hotbed. With a thermometer hurtg inside the 
frame one may regulate the temperature as desired, by opening the 
sash and giving air. Sometimes there is a bright window in a liv¬ 
ing-room that is well adapted to raising young plants from seed in 
a window box, and when this is so one does well to use it. In one 
of these ways, the opportunity may be present to hasten the growth 
of seedling plants in the spring. 
When a little seedling has made two or more leaves, if it is 
lifted and transplanted it makes a far 
Transplanting greater number of roots than if left un¬ 
disturbed. It is hence a great advantage 
to the seedling to transplant it when small, and then when it is 
necessary to move it to its place in the garden it will have plenty 
of roots and will feel the disturbance but little. Many plants are 
benefited by twice transplanting before they are given their final 
planting out. The results of transplanting are seen not only in the 
production of a greater number of active, feeding roots, but also in 
a stockier growth of the stem, with branches starting out closer 
together, making a plant in every way more desirable. The Aster 
is greatly benefited if treated in this manner; the Balsam, also, 
managed in this way becomes almost another plant from that 
appearing where it has sprung up from seed sown in the open 
ground. Even when the seeds of plants are sown in the garden 
border most kinds should be transplanted soon after they are up, 
and be given a considerable space in which properly to develop. 
A few kinds only are better to be planted where they are to 
remain to bloom. Some of the most 
prominent among these are the follow¬ 
ing : Alyssum, Morning Glory, Centau- 
rea, Eschscholtzia or California Poppy, 
Mignonette, Nigella, Poppy, Ricinus, 
Sunflower, Nasturtium, Cobcea, Sweet Peas. Some even of these 
it is sometimes desirable to transplant, and of course this should 
be done only when the plants are quite small. 
43 
Kinds to Plant 
Where They 
to Bloom 
are 
