Alyssum.--Well adapted for rock-work or the front of flower-beds,
and is best sown in autumn. The annual, or Sweet Alyssum, bears an
abundance of scented white flowers in June, and on to the end of
September. The hardy perennial, Saxatile (commonly called Gold Dust),
bears yellow flowers in spring. Height, 6 in.
Amaranthus.--The foliage of these half-hardy annual plants are
extremely beautiful, some being carmine, others green and crimson,
some yellow, red, and green. They are very suitable either for bedding
or pot plants. Sow the seed early in spring in gentle heat, and plant
out in May or June in very rich soil. If put into pots, give plenty of
room for the roots and keep well supplied with water. Flower in July
and August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 6 ft.
Amaryllis.--These plants bear large drooping bell-shaped lily-like
blossoms. They thrive best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, with
a fair quantity of sand. The pots must in all cases be well drained.
Most of the stove and greenhouse species should be turned out of their
pots in autumn, and laid by in a dry place until spring, when they
should be re-potted and kept liberally supplied with water. A.
Reticulata and A. Striatifolia bloom best, however, when undisturbed.
Discontinue watering when the foliage shows signs of failing, but
avoid shrivelling the leaves. The hardy varieties should be planted
6 in. deep in light, well--drained soil, and allowed to remain
undisturbed for two or three years, when they will probably require
thinning out. They are increased by off-sets from the bulbs.
The Belladonna (_Belladonna Lily_) should be planted in June in a
sheltered border in rich, well-drained soil.
Formosissima (_the Scarlet Jacobean Lily_) is a gem for the
greenhouse, and very suitable for forcing, as it will bloom two or
three times in a season. It should be potted in February.
Lutea (_Sternbergia)_ flowers in autumn. Plant 4 in. deep from October
to December.
Purpurea (_Vallota Purpurea or Scarborough Lily_) is a very beautiful
free bloomer. October and November or March and April are the most
favourable times for potting, but established plants should be
re-potted in June or July.
Ambrosia Mexicana.--A hardy annual of the simplest culture. Sow the
seed in spring in any fine garden soil. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
American Plants.--These thrive most in a peat or bog soil, but where
this cannot be obtained a good fertile loam, with a dressing of fresh
cow manure once in two years, may be used; or leaf-mould and soil from
the surface of pasture land, in the proportions of three parts of the
former to one of the latter. The soil should be chopped up and used
in a rough condition. Sickly plants with yellowish foliage may be
restored by applying liquid manure once a week during the month of
July. A light top-dressing of cow manure applied annually, and keeping
the roots free from stagnant water, will preserve the plants in good
health.
Ammobium.--Pretty hardy perennials which may be very easily raised
from seed on a sandy soil. Flower in June. Height, 2 ft.
Ampelopsis.--Handsome and rapid climbers, with noble foliage, some
changing to a deep crimson in autumn. The Veitchii clings to the wall
without nailing, and produces a profusion of lovely leaves which
change colour. Any of the varieties may be grown in common garden
soil, and may be increased by layers.
Anagallis (_Pimpernel_.)--Very pretty. Sow the hardy annuals in the
open early in March; the biennials or half-hardy perennials in pots in
a greenhouse or a frame, and plant out when strong enough. May also be
increased by cuttings planted in ordinary soil under glass. Flower in
July. Height, 6 in.
Anchusa.--Anchusa Capensis is best raised in a frame and treated as
a greenhouse plant, though in reality it is a hardy perennial. The
annual and biennial kinds succeed well if sown in the open in rich
soil. All are ornamental and open their flowers in June. Height, 1-1/2
ft. (_See also_ "Bugloss.")
Andromeda.--An ornamental evergreen shrub, commonly known as the Marsh
Cystus, and thriving in a peat soil with partial shade. May be grown
from seed sown directly it is ripe and only lightly covered with
soil, as the seed rots if too much mould is placed over it. Place the
seedlings in a cold frame and let them have plenty of air. It is
more generally increased by layers in September, which must not be
disturbed for a year. Drought will kill it, so the roots must never be
allowed to get dry. It flowers in April and May. Height, 2 ft.
Androsace.--Pretty little plants, mostly hardy, but some require the
protection of a frame. They grow best in small pots in a mixture
of turfy loam and peat. Water them very cautiously. They flower at
different seasons, some blooming as early as April, while others do
not put forth flower till August. They can be increased by division as
well as by seed. Height, 6 in.
Anemones.--These are highly ornamental, producing a brilliant display
of flowers. The scarlets make very effective beds. They are mostly
hardy, and may be grown in any moist, light, rich garden soil,
preferably mixed with a good proportion of silver sand. They should
occupy a sunny and well-drained situation. For early spring flowering
plant from October to December, placing the tubers 2-1/2 or 3 in. deep
and 4 or 5 in. apart, with a trowelful of manure under each plant, but
not touching them. A little sea sand or salt mixed with the soil is a
preventive of mildew. If planted in February and March they will
bloom from April to June. They are increased by seeds, divisions, or
off-sets; the greenhouse varieties from cuttings in light loam under
glass. The tubers will not keep long out of the ground. In growing
from seed choose seeds from single-flowering plants; sow in March
where they are intended to flower 1 in. deep and 9 in. apart; cover
with leaf-mould. Two or three sowings may be made also during the
summer. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft.
Anemonopsis Macrophylla.--A rather scarce but remarkably handsome
perennial, producing lilac-purple flowers with yellow stamens in July
and August. It will grow in ordinary soil, and may be increased by
division. Height, 2 ft.
Angelonia Grandiflora Alba.--An elegant and graceful greenhouse plant,
giving forth a delicious aromatic odour. It grows best in a compost
of turfy loam and peat, but thrives in any light, rich soil. Take
cuttings during summer, place them under glass, but give a little air
occasionally. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Annuals.--Plants of this description arrive at maturity, bloom,
produce seed, and die in one season.
_Hardy_.--The seed should be sown thinly in the open borders
during March, April, or May in fine soil, covering slightly with
well-prepared mould--very small seeds require merely a dusting over
them. When the plants are large enough to handle, thin them out
boldly, to allow them to develop their true character. By this means
strong and sturdy plants are produced and their flowering properties
are enhanced. Many of the hardy annuals may be sown in August and
September for spring flowering, and require little or no protection
from frost.
_Half-Hardy._--These are best sown in boxes 2 or 3 in. deep during
February and March, and placed on a slight hotbed, or in a greenhouse
at a temperature of about 60 degrees. The box should be nearly
filled with equal parts of good garden soil and coarse silver sand,
thoroughly mixed, and have holes at the bottom for drainage. Scatter
the seeds thinly and evenly over the soil and cover very lightly. Very
small seeds, such as lobelia and musk, should not be covered by earth,
but a sheet of glass over the box is beneficial, as it keeps the
moisture from evaporating too quickly. Should watering become
necessary, care must be taken that the seeds are not washed out. As
soon as the young plants appear, remove the glass and place them near
the light, where gentle ventilation can be given them to prevent long
and straggly growth. Harden off gradually, but do not plant out until
the weather is favourable. Seed may also be sown in a cold frame in
April, or in the open border during May; or the plants may be raised
in the windows of the sitting-room.
_Tender_.--These must be sown on a hotbed, or in rather stronger heat
than is necessary for half-hardy descriptions. As soon as they are
large enough to be shifted, prick them off into small pots, gradually
potting them on into larger sizes until the flowering size is reached.
Anomatheca Cruenta.--This produces an abundance of bright red flowers
with a dark blotch and a low growth of grass-like foliage. It is
suitable for either vases, edges, or groups. Plant the bulbs in autumn
in a mixture of loam and peat, and the plants will flower in July.
They require a slight protection from frost. If the seed is set as
soon as it is ripe it produces bulbs which will flower the following
year. Height, 6 in.
Antennaria.--Hardy perennial plants, requiring a rich, light soil.
They flower in June and July, and may be increased by cuttings or
division. The heights of the various kinds range from 3 in. to 2 ft.
Anthemis Tinctoria (_Yellow Marguerites_).--These perennials are
almost hardy, needing protection merely in severe weather. They are
readily raised from seed sown in gentle heat early in spring or by
slips during the summer months. Transplant into light soil. As pot
plants they are very effective. June is their flowering period.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Anthericum Liliago (_St. Bernard's Lily_).--One of the finest of hardy
plants, and easy to grow. Planted in deep, free, sandy soil, it will
grow vigorously, and in early summer throw up spikes of snowy-white,
lily-like blossoms from 2 to 3 feet in height. It may be divided every
three or four years, but should not be disturbed oftener. Mulching in
early springtime is advantageous.
Anthericum Liliastrum _(St. Bruno's Lily_).--This hardy perennial is a
profuse bloomer, throwing up spikes of starry white flowers from May
to July. Treat in the same manner as the foregoing. Height, 2 ft.
Anthoxanthum Gracila.--Sweet vernal grass. It is graceful and
ornamental, and is used for edgings. Sow in spring, keeping the seed
moist until it germinates. Height, 6 in.
Anthyllis Montana.--A fine hardy perennial for rock-work. It is of a
procumbent habit, and has a woody nature. A vegetable soil is best
suited for its growth, and its roots should be in contact with large
stones. It may be increased by cuttings taken in spring and planted in
the shade in leaf-mould. It flowers at midsummer. Height, 6 in.
Antirrhinum (_Snapdragon_).--Handsome hardy perennials; most effective
in beds or borders. They stand remarkably well both drought and
excessive rainfall, and succeed in any common soil. Seeds sown early
in spring produce flowers the same year. For spring bedding, sow in
July; keep the young plants in a cold frame, and plant out in March or
April. Choice sorts may be plentifully increased by cuttings taken in
July or August. Flower from July to September. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2
ft.
Ants in Gardens.--Contrary to general belief, ants do more good
than harm to a garden; but as they are unsightly on flowers, it is
advisable to tie a little wool round the stems of standard roses and
other things upon which they congregate. They will not crawl over the
wool. A little sulphur sprinkled over a plant will keep them from it;
while wall-fruit, etc., may be kept free from them by surrounding it
with a broad band of chalk. Should they become troublesome on account
of their numbers a strong decoction of elder leaves poured into the
nest will destroy them; or a more expeditious method of getting rid of
them is to put gunpowder in their nests and fire it with a piece of
touch-paper tied on to a long stick.
Aotus Gracillima.--A charming and graceful evergreen shrub, whose
slender branches are covered with small pea-like flowers in May. It is
most suitable for the greenhouse, and delights in a soil of loamy peat
and sand. Cuttings of half-ripened wood planted under glass will take
root. Height, 3 ft.
Aphides, or plant-lice, make their presence known by the plant
assuming an unhealthy appearance, the leaves curling up, etc.
Frequently swarms of ants (which feed upon the aphides) are found
beneath the plants attacked. Syringe the plant all over repeatedly
with gas-tar water, or with tobacco or lime-water. The lady-bird is
their natural enemy.
Apios Tuberosa (_Glycine Apios_).--An American climbing plant which
produces in the autumn bunches of purple flowers of an agreeable
odour. The foliage is light and elegant. The plant is quite hardy. It
enjoys a light soil and a good amount of sunshine. It may be increased
by separating the tubers after the tops have died down, and planting
them while they are fresh. Height, 12 ft.