Barberries.--Very ornamental hardy shrubs, bearing rich yellow flowers
in spring and attractive fruit in the autumn. Most handsome when
trained to a single stem and the head allowed to expand freely. They
are not particular as to soil, but prefer a rather light one, and
succeed best in a moist, shady situation. Cuttings or layers root
freely in the open. They require very little attention, beyond
occasionally cutting away some of the old branches to make room for
new growth. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.
Bartonia aurea.--Beautiful hardy annuals, the flowers of which open
at night and effuse a delightful odour. Sow the seed in autumn on a
gentle hotbed; pot off, and protect in a greenhouse during the winter.
Plant them out in the open in May, where they will flower in June.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Bay, Sweet _(Laurus Nobilis_).--This half-hardy evergreen shrub likes
a sheltered position. Protection from severe frosts is requisite,
especially while it is young. It is more suitable as an isolated
specimen plant than for the border. Increased by layers or by cuttings
of the roots.
Beans, Broad.--A deep, strong loam is most suitable, but good crops
can be obtained from any garden soil. The first sowing should be made
in February or March, and in succession to May. A sowing of Beck's
Green Gem or Dwarf Fan may even be made in November in rows 2 ft.
apart. Other varieties should be planted in rows 3 ft. apart, sowing
the seed 3 in. deep and at intervals of 6 in. When the plants have
done flowering pinch off the tops, to ensure a better crop; and if
the black fly has attacked them, take off the tops low enough down to
remove the pests, and burn them at once. Seville Longpod and Aquadulce
may be recommended for an early crop, and Johnson's Wonderful and
Harlington Windsor for a main one.
Beans, French.--The soil should be dug over to a depth of at least 12
in. and liberally enriched with manure. In the open ground the first
sowing may be made about the third week in April, another sowing early
in May, and subsequent sowings for succession every two or three weeks
until the end of July. Plant in rows 2 ft apart, and the seeds 6 to 9
in. apart in the rows. A sharp look-out ought to be kept for slugs,
which are very partial to French Beans when pushing through the soil.
For forcing, sow in pots under glass from December to March.
Beans, Runner.--These are not particular as to position or soil, but
the best results are obtained by placing them in a deep rich mould
where they can get a fair amount of sunlight. Sow, from the second
week in May until the first week in July for succession, in rows 6 ft.
apart, thinning the plants out to 1 ft. apart in the rows. Protect
from slugs when the plants are coming through the ground, and support
them with sticks immediately the growth begins to run. Scarlet Runners
may be kept dwarf by pinching off the tops when the plants are about 1
ft. high, and nipping off the subsequent shoots when 6 in. long.
Beet.--Land that has been well manured for the previous crop is the
best on which to obtain well-shaped roots of high quality. Sow in
April and May in drills 18 in. apart, and thin out the plants to about
9 in. apart. Take up for use as wanted until November, when the whole
crop should be taken up and stored in dry sand, and in a place where
neither moisture nor frost can reach them. When storing them cut off
the tails and some portion of the crowns, but be careful not to wound
any part of the fleshy root.
Begonias.--A somewhat succulent genus of conservatory plants. They all
require a very rich loamy soil containing a little sand; and heat,
moisture, and shade are essential to their health. Cuttings 2 or 3 in.
long will root readily in spring or summer. Stand the cuttings in the
shade and do not over-water them; or they may be raised from seed sown
in March in a hot-house or frame having a temperature of 65 degrees.
Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat,
early in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using
a compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Press
the soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just
cover the top of the tuber. Water moderately till the plants begin to
grow freely. Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in
May or early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory
decoration. Cuttings may be taken in April. The plants may also be
raised from seed sown in February or March in a temperature of 65
degrees. Before sowing mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it
evenly over a box or pan of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand;
cover with a sheet of glass, and keep shaded. Transplant into small
pots, and pot on from time to time as the plants increase in size.
Plants so treated will flower in June or July. When the leaves of the
old plants turn yellow keep the roots quite dry, afterwards turn them
out of the pots and bury them in cocoa-nut fibre till January, when
they must be re-potted.