Worms, to Destroy.--To each 5 lbs. of newly-slaked lime add 15 gallons
of water. Stir it well, let it settle, draw off the clear portion, and
with it water the surface of the lawn, etc. The Worms will come to the
top and may be swept up. Worms in pots may be brought to the top by
sprinkling a little dry mustard on the surface of the soil, and then
giving the plant a good watering.
Wulfenia Carinthiaca.--A pretty and hardy perennial from the
Corinthian Alps, suitable alike for rock-work or the border, throwing
up spikes of blue flowers from May to July. During winter place it in
a frame, as it is liable to rot in the open. It needs a light, rich,
sandy soil and plenty of moisture when in growth. Cuttings will strike
in sand; it may also be propagated by seeds or division. Height, 1 ft.
X
Xeranthemum.--These charming everlasting annuals retain, in a dried
state, their form and colour for several years. They are of the
easiest culture, merely requiring to be sown in spring in light, rich
soil to produce flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.
Xerophyllum Asphodeloides (_Turkey's Beard_).--A showy hardy perennial
with tufts of graceful, curving, slender foliage. From May to July,
when it bears spikes of white flowers, it is very handsome. It does
best in a peat border, and may be increased by well-ripened seed or by
division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Xerotes.--Herbaceous plants, which thrive well in any light, rich
soil, and are readily increased by dividing the roots. They flower in
June. Height, 2 ft.
Y
Yew (_Taxus_).--For landscape gardening the old gold-striped (_Baccata
Aurea Variegata_) is most effective. The Japanese variety, T.
Adpressa, is a pleasing evergreen having dark green leaves and large
scarlet berries; it is very suitable for the front of large borders.
The Common Yew (_Baccata_) grows dense and bushy, and is excellent for
hedges. The dark green leaves of the Irish Yew (_Baccata Fastigiata_)
make a fine contrast with lighter foliage. Dovastonii is a fine
Weeping Yew with long dark green leaves and extra large red berries.
There are many other good sorts. The Yew likes shade and moisture,
but it is not very particular as to soil, loams and clays suiting it
admirably.
Yucca.--This plant, popularly known as Adam's Needle thrives best in
dry, sandy loam. It is quite hardy, and does well on rock-work, to
which it imparts a tropical aspect, Yucca Recurva has fine drooping
leaves, and is suitable for vases, etc. It bears a white flower.
Yuccas are mostly evergreen shrubs, are very beautiful, and have the
habit of palm-trees. A light, rich soil suits them all. They are
increased by suckers from the root. They make handsome plants for
lawns, terraces, ornamental vases, the centre of beds, or sub-tropical
gardens, and bloom in September. Height, 2 ft.
Z
Zauschneria.--A Californian half-hardy perennial plant which bears
a profusion of scarlet tube-shaped flowers from June to October. It
grows freely in a sunny position in any dry, light, gravelly, rich
soil, and is increased by division of roots or by cuttings. Height, 1
ft.
Zea (_Indian Corn_).--This is best raised in a hotbed early in spring,
but it will germinate in ordinary soil in May. It requires a sunny
situation. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Zea Japonica Variegata (_Striped Japanese Maize_).--A fine half-hardy
annual ornamental grass, the foliage being striped green and white,
and growing to the height of 3 ft. The cultivation is the same as the
foregoing.
Zephyranthes (_Swamp Lilies_).--Plant on a warm border in a rather
sandy, well-drained soil. Give protection in severe weather, and
supply with water during the growing season. Take up and divide every
second or third year. The flowers are produced in July. Height, 9 in.
Zinnia.--A genus of very pretty annuals, well deserving of
cultivation. The seeds must be raised on a gentle hotbed in spring,
and planted out in June 1 ft. apart in the richest of loamy soil and
warmest and most sheltered position. Height 1 ft. to 11/2 ft.