HARDY ANNUALS
May be sown in the borders about the end of the month, when the ground is prepared, and the weather fine, but avoid it at all times if the earth will not pulverise properly. The neatest and most expeditious method is to take a rod about one foot long, and one inch in diameter, rounding at the end, with which end draw a circle of nine inches diameter, from one inch to one eighth of an inch deep, according to the size of the seeds. Many very small seeds will grow best if sown on the surface of fine mould. When sown, cover in with the back of the rake, placing a small twig, or a tally with the name, in the centre of the circle, to prevent mistakes, either in sowing, planting, or hoeing. When they come above ground, the first moist day should be taken to pull up such as are too crowded. Annuals are generally too delicate to bear transplanting, therefore they ought always to be sown where they are intended to remain. A few kinds do best with removing, such as Balsam, Mary-gold, China Aster, Stockgilly, and several others of a free growing, strong-wooded nature. Annuals are such plants as grow from seed, flower, and perfect their productions, and then die, within one year. For hardy sorts, see list. Sow in rows or fancy spots the varieties of sweet pea.
BIENNIALS
Are such as are of two years' duration. Being sown this year they flower, seed, or fruit next year, and soon after decay. The seeds should be sown about the end of this or beginning of next month, either in the spot where they are intended to remain, or in a compartment by themselves, regularly marked, and transplanted when convenient. When they appear above ground, thin them out distinctly, that when they are to be removed, a little earth may adhere to them; and if put where they are to stand, leave only three plants.
PERENNIALS.
In every Flower-garden there ought to be a good selection of these plants. They are lasting ornaments, and when judiciously selected, will give yearly gratification. In making a choice, a view should be had to have those that flower abundantly, are of free growth, beauty, and continuation of flower. It would go beyond our limits, to give an extensive description of any, but a few remarks on some of the finest, with their names, are indispensable.
Adònis vernális, is a fine border flower, and will grow in any common soil; flowers large, yellow rayed, having in the rays about twelve petals; leaves much divided, bloom in April and May.
Anemóne, Wind-flower. Several fine species, with flowers from one to three inches in diameter. A. Hallèri, blue; A. pulsatìlla, blue pasque flower; A. alpìna, large white. These are fine plants, and are now given to a genus called Pulsatìlla. A. palmàta flòre-plèno, yellow; A. stellàta versícolor, various coloured; A. pavonìna flòre-plèno, scarlet; A. narcissiflòra, white. Any of these are very desirable.
Antirrhìnums, Snap-dragon. All the varieties of A. màjus are esteemed in the flower borders; the pure white and bright red are very showy. A few of the species, A. mólle and A. sículum, where there is variety required, deserve a situation. The flowers are all large, and similar to the snout of an animal.
Asclèpias. The finest of this genus are native plants, and are highly esteemed in Europe, but frequently rejected with us, because "they are wild plants." A. tuberòsa has beautiful orange flowers, and delight in dry situations. A. rùbra, A. nívea, A. purpuráscens; and A. incarnàta, are the finest of the family. It is best to plant A. tuberòsa in October.