Petunia

Petunias are unsurpassed, if indeed equaled, for massing in beds. Their richness of color, duration of bloom, and easy culture will always render them popular. They will do well sown in open border in spring, or earlier in cold-frame or hot-bed, and transplanted eighteen inches apart. By the latter process, they will come into bloom much earlier, though they do perfectly well sown in open ground. Be careful not to cover the small seeds too deep; they like a sandy loam. Tender perennial; one and a half feet high.

Water-Lily

Hardy, aquatic plant, bearing exceedingly beautiful, fragrant white blossoms, which appear as if floating on the water. They are very much admired, and are constantly becoming more and more popular. Are increased by sowing the seed, or by dividing the roots or tubers. They grow readily in ponds or streams of shallow water having muddy bottoms, and can be grown in aquariums, tubs or tanks, in the house, if there be sufficient mud at the bottom, and the seeds or roots be kept continually covered with water.

Fig. 74.

Cultivation In Tubs

For a tub, take a strong barrel, free from tar, oil, or salt, saw it in two, fill this one-third full with fine, black garden soil, or meadow mud if handy; plant the seeds in this mixture, covering them one inch deep, add water gently so as not to disturb the seed, until the tub is full. This is all the care needed; always keep the tub full of water. Set this on a brick or board platform in any place you desire. The tubs, with their contents, should be placed in a cellar during the winter, kept from frost, and not allowed to entirely dry up.

For Aquariums

Put in five inches of fine, black loam, cover the seed one inch deep in this, and sift on enough fine sand to entirely cover the loam.

Ice-Plant

A handsome and curious plant for hanging baskets, rock-work, vases, and edgings. The leaves and stems are succulent and fleshy, and appear as though covered with ice crystals, and look like rock candy. The whole plant is peculiarly brilliant in the sunshine. The flower is white, and not conspicuous. Succeeds best in dry, sandy loam, and in a warm situation. Can be grown in pots or open border, the former having preference. Tender annual trailer; six inches high.

Balsam

The Balsam or Lady's Slipper, is an old favorite, but has been so much improved by cultivation as to be scarcely recognized. The blossoms are double, though some semi-double and single ones will be pretty certain to appear, and such plants should be removed. The prevailing colors are red and white, the former running into all shades of crimson, scarlet, rose, and purple, spotted and striped. The flowers will be improved by planting in a hot-bed, and transplanting when two leaves have formed, one or two feet apart. Pinch off a portion of the shoots, which will increase the size of the flower and vigor of the plant. Needs a rich soil, and good cultivation, well repaying for both with the abundance of its magnificent flowers.

Ageratum

A valuable plant on account of the length of time it remains in bloom, and for contrasts of color with the more brilliant varieties. It blooms constantly all summer in the garden, and if removed to the green-house, all winter. Desirable for cut flowers for bouquets. Grows one and a half feet high, and the plants should stand two feet apart. Colors light blue and pure white. Start the seeds under glass, and transplant. Hardy annual.

Abutilon

Very popular, perennial, green-house shrub, with bell-shaped, drooping flowers, which are borne in profusion nearly the entire year. Well adapted to house culture, and desirable for bedding out in the summer. There are several varieties, the flowers of which vary from pure white and yellow to deep orange and crimson, streaked with yellow. Can be propagated by cuttings, in sand, under glass, during summer. If seeds are sown before April, under glass, the plant will bloom the first season.