Mathiola Bicornis (_Night-scented Stocks_).--A favourite hardy annual
whose lilac flowers are fragrant towards evening. They may be grown
from seed sown between February and May on any ordinary soil. Height,
1 ft.
Matricaria.--This is a half-hardy annual of little interest so far as
its flowers are concerned, and is mostly grown as a foliage plant. The
seed should be sown in a frame in March, and transplanted at the end
of May. Height, 1 ft.
Maurandia Barclayana.--This elegant twining plant is best grown in
pots, so that it can more conveniently be taken indoors in the winter.
The soil should be light and rich. Cuttings can be taken either in
spring or autumn, or it may be raised from seed. It does very well in
the open during the summer, placed against a wall or trellis-work, but
will not stand the cold. In the greenhouse it reaches perfection, and
blooms in July. Height, 10 ft.
Mazus Pumilio.--A pretty diminutive herbaceous plant. When grown in
peat and sand in an open situation it survives from year to year, but
it will not live through the winter in cold clay soils. Its pale green
foliage is seen to advantage in carpet bedding, and its branched
violet flowers, put forth from June to September, make it a desirable
rock-work plant. It may be increased by transplanting, at the end of
April, the rooted stems which run under the surface of the ground.
Meconopsis Cambrica(_Welsh Poppy_).--An ornamental hardy perennial,
often found on English rocks. It may be grown in any light, rich soil,
is easily raised from seed, and blooms in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Medlars.--These trees will grow on any well-drained soil. The Dutch
Medlar is most prized, as it bears the largest fruit. It is raised
from seed, and usually trained to a standard form. The Nottingham and
Royal are also excellent varieties. Any special variety may be grafted
on to the seedlings. On deep soils it is best grafted on the Pear
stock; on light, sandy soil it may be grafted on the White Thorn. No
pruning is required, beyond cutting away cross-growing branches.
Megasea.--This hardy herbaceous plant flowers from April to June.
A light, sandy soil suits it best. It may be grown from seed or
multiplied by division. Height, 1 ft.
Melissa Officinalis.--A hardy perennial, flowering in July. Any soil
suits it. It is increased by division of the root. Height, 1 ft.
Melittis Melissophyllum (_Large-flowered Bastard Balm_).--This
handsome perennial is not often seen, but it deserves to be more
generally grown, especially as it will thrive in almost any soil;
but to grow it to perfection, it should be planted in rich loam. It
flowers from June to August, and may be increased by division of the
roots any time after the latter month. Height, 11/2 ft.
Melon.--Sow from January to June in pots plunged in a hotbed, the
temperature of which should not be under 80 degrees. When the plants
have made four or five leaves, set them out in a house or hotbed
having a temperature ranging from 75 to 85 degrees. Keep the plants
well thinned and water carefully, as they are liable to damp off at
the collar if they have too much wet. Do not allow them to ramble
after the fruit has begun to swell, nor allow the plants to bear more
than two, or at most three, melons each. They require a strong,
fibry, loamy soil, with a little rotten manure worked in. The Hero of
Lockinge is a grand white-fleshed variety, and Blenheim Orange is a
handsome scarlet-fleshed sort.
Menispermum Canadense (_Moon seed_).--A pretty slender-branched,
hardy, climbing, deciduous shrub, with yellow flowers in June,
followed with black berries. It grows in any soil, and can be
propagated by seed, by division of roots, or by planting cuttings in
spring in a sheltered spot. Height, 10 ft.
Mentha Rotundifloria Variegata (_Variegated Mint_).--A hardy
perennial, which may be grown in any soil, and is easily increased by
dividing the roots. It flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.
Menyanthes.--Treat as other hardy aquatics.
Menziesia (_Irish Heath_).--This evergreen thrives best in fibrous
peat to which a fair quantity of silver sand has been added. While
excessive moisture is injurious, the plant must not be kept too dry;
the best condition for it is to be constantly damp. Slips torn off
close to the stem will root in sand under glass, placed in gentle
heat. Height, 2 ft.
Mertensia.--These hardy perennials flower from March to July. They
will grow in any garden soil, but do best in peat, and are propagated
by division. They make fine border plants. Mertensia Maritima and
M. Parviflora, however, are best grown in pots, in very sandy soil,
perfection being afforded them during the winter. Height, 11/2 ft. to 2
ft.
Mesembryanthemums (_Ice Plants_).--These half-hardy, annual succulents
have a bright green foliage covered with ice-like globules. They must
be raised in a greenhouse or on a hotbed, sowing the seed in April on
sandy soil. Prick the young plants out in May. If grown in pots they
thrive best in a light, sandy loam. In the border they should occupy a
hot and dry situation. Keep the plants well watered until established,
afterwards give a little liquid manure. May be increased by cuttings
taken in autumn. Cuttings of the more succulent kinds should be
allowed to dry a little after planting before giving them water. A
dry pit or frame is sufficient protection in the winter; they merely
require to be kept from frost. Flower in July. Height, 1 ft.