Fragaria Indica (_Ornamental Strawberry_).--A rich or peaty mould
suits this half-hardy perennial. It may be saved through the winter by
protecting the roots, but seed sown in spring will generally fruit the
same year. It flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.
Francoa.--Hardy perennials bearing white flowers from June to
September. They like a good, warm soil. The only way of raising them
is from seed. They require a slight protection in winter. Height,
2-1/2 ft.
Fraxinella (_Dictamnus_).--This ornamental hardy perennial is commonly
known as the Burning Bush. It succeeds in any garden soil, and is
easily raised from seed, which ripens freely. If the flowers are
rubbed they emit a fine odour. It blooms in June. Height, 3 ft.
Freesia.--Remarkably pretty and graceful Cape flowers, possessing a
most agreeable perfume. The plants grow about 9 in. high and produce
six or eight tubular flowers on a stem. They are easily cultivated in
a cool greenhouse, frame, or window, and are invaluable for cutting,
the long sprays lasting from two to three weeks in water. The bulbs
should be planted early in the spring in rich, very sandy soil, and
given the protection of a cold frame in the winter. By successional
plantings they may be had in bloom from January to May. Put six to
twelve bulbs in a 4-in. or 8-in pot, place in a sunny position in
a cold frame, and cover with damp cinder ashes to keep them fairly
moist. When growth has begun and the pots are full of roots, remove
the covering of ashes, but keep the pots in the frame, giving a little
ventilation when the weather is mild, and watering carefully when the
soil appears dry. Protect from frost by a covering of mats. For early
flowering remove the plants to a warm greenhouse when the flower
spikes appear, keeping them as near the glass as possible. When the
buds are developed an occasional application of weak liquid manure
will prove beneficial.
Fremontia Californica.--A beautiful and somewhat singular wall shrub,
with large yellow flowers. Any soil is suitable for it, but a south or
west aspect is indispensable.