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Odontoglossum Grande.—A most beautiful orchid, delighting in a temperature of from 60 to 70 degrees and an abundance of water during summer, but good drainage is essential. The blooms are yellow, spotted and streaked with venetian red, and are often 6 in. across. The pots should be two-thirds filled with crocks, then filled up with fibrous peat and sphagnum moss. During winter only a very little moisture should be given.

Oenothera.—The Evening Primroses are most useful and beautiful plants, well suited for ornamenting borders, beds, edgings, or rock-work. All the species are free-flowering, and grow well in any good, rich soil. The annual and biennial kinds are sown in the open in spring. The perennials may be increased by dividing the roots, by cuttings, or by seed, the plants from which will flower the first season if sown early in spring. They bloom in June and July. Height, 6 in. to 4 ft.

Olearia.—These evergreen shrubs thrive in peat and loam, and may be increased by division of the roots. O. Haastii has foliage resembling the Box, and a profusion of white, sweet-scented flowers in summer: a chalk soil suits it admirably. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.

Omphalodes Verna.—A hardy perennial which may be grown under the shade of trees in ordinary soil. It produces its flowers in March, and is increased by dividing the roots in autumn. Height, 6 in.

Oncidium Sarcodes.—Plant these Orchids firmly in well-drained pots, using equal parts of live sphagnum and fibrous peat. Give one good watering as soon as the potting is finished, and stand them in a light, warm part of the greenhouse. They will require very little more water until the roots have taken hold of the soil—only sufficient to keep the pseudo-bulbs from shriveling—and during the winter months scarcely any moisture is needed. They flower in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Onions.—Require a deep, rich, heavy soil. Where the ground is not suitable it should have had a good dressing of rotten manure the previous autumn, and left in ridges during the winter. Level the ground, and make it very firm just before the time of sowing. The seed should be sown early in March for the main crop and for salad and pickling Onions, and in August for summer use. Thin out to about 6 in. apart, excepting those intended to be gathered while small. The Tripoli varieties attain a large size if transplanted in the spring. The Silver-skins do best on a poor soil. For exhibition Onions sow in boxes early in February in a greenhouse; when about 1 in. high prick out, 3 in. apart, into other boxes; give gentle heat and plenty of air, and when they have grown 6 in. high put them in a cool frame until the middle of April, when they must be planted in the open, 1 ft. apart.

Ononis Rotundifolia (Round-leaved Restharrow).—A charming hardy evergreen of a shrubby nature. It will grow in any ordinary garden soil, and is increased by seed, sown as soon as it is ripe. It is most effective in clumps, and blooms from June to September. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Onopordon.—Half-hardy perennials of a rather interesting nature and of easy cultivation. Sow the seed any time between March and June. They require the protection of a frame or greenhouse during winter, and produce flowers in July. Height, 6 in. to 8 ft.

Onosma Taurica (Golden Drop).—This hardy herbaceous plant is very pretty when in flower, and suitable for rock-work. It requires a well-drained vegetable mold, and to be planted where it can obtain plenty of sun. It is increased from cuttings taken in summer, placed in a cucumber frame, kept shaded for about a fortnight, and hardened off before the winter. The flowers succeed one another from June to November. Height, 1 ft.

Opuntia Rafinesquii (Hardy Prickly Fig).—A dwarf hardy Cactus with sulphur-colored flowers, produced from June to August; very suitable for dry spots in rock-work. It grows best in peat with a little sand, and is propagated by separating the branches at a joint, and allowing them to dry for a day or so before putting them into the soil. Height, 2 ft.

Orange, Mexican.—See "Choisya."

Orchids.—The four classes into which these charming and interesting plants are divided may be described as (1) those coming from the tropics, (2) from South Africa, (3) from the South of Europe, and (4) our native varieties. The first require a stove, the second a greenhouse, the third and fourth slight protection during winter. As their natural character differs so widely it is necessary to ascertain from what part of the globe they come, and to place them in houses having as near as possible the same temperature and humidity as that to which they are accustomed. The pots in which they are grown should be filled with fibrous peat and sphagnum moss, largely mixed with charcoal, and abundant drainage ensured. They are propagated by dividing the root stocks, by separating the pseudo-bulbs, and, in case of the Dendrobiums, by cuttings.

Orchis Foliosa — (Leafy Orchids) may be grown in the open ground in good sandy loam. When once established it is best not to disturb it, but if needed it may be increased by division, after the tops have died down.

Orchis Fusca —  (Brown Orchids) may likewise be planted in the open, in a sheltered position, in fine loam and leaf-mould, the soil to be well drained, yet constantly moist.

Origanum Pulchellum.—Popularly known as the Beautiful Marjoram, this plant is useful for cutting for vases. It is perennial and hardy, and thrives in a dry situation with a sunny aspect and in a sandy soil. The bloom is in its best condition in October. The rooted shoots may be divided in spring or almost at any other period, or it may be propagated by taking cuttings in summer. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Ornithogalum.—O. Arabicum bears a large white flower with a shiny black centre. It is a fine plant for pot culture, or it may be grown in water like the Hyacinth. It may be planted in the open early in spring in sandy loam and peat. Take it up before the frost sets in and store it in a dry place, as it requires no moisture while in a dormant state. In September the flowers are produced. Height, 6 in. O. Umbellatum (Star of Bethlehem) is a pretty little flower often found in English meadows, is quite hardy, and once established may be left undisturbed for years. It throws up large heads of starry flowers, which are produced in great abundance. While in a dormant state the bulbs should be kept almost dry. It is propagated by off-sets; flowers in May. Height, 1 ft.

Orobus.—These hardy perennials bear elegant Pea-shaped blossoms. The plants will grow readily in any light soil, and are easily increased by root-division in the spring, or by seeds. They flower in June. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Osmanthus.—These elegant hardy evergreen shrubs succeed best in light, sandy loam, and like a dry situation. They may be increased by cuttings of the young shoots with a little old wood attached, or they may be grafted on to common Privet. The variegated varieties are very beautiful. They grow well on chalk soils. Height, 4 ft. to 6 ft.

Othera Japonica.—A newly introduced evergreen shrub very similar to the Holly. It is perfectly hardy and may be treated in the same manner as that plant.

Ourisia Coccinea.—A hardy herbaceous, surface-creeping perennial of singular beauty as regards both leaf and flower. The soil in which it is grown must be well drained, a peat one being preferable; and the position it occupies must be well shaded from the rays of the midday sun. It flowers from May onwards to September, the cut bloom being admirable for mixing with fern leaves. As soon as new life starts in spring the roots may be divided. Height, 9 in.

Oxalis.—A genus of very pretty bulbous plants that thrive well in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand, or will grow in any light soil. Most of the tender kinds may be reared in a frame if protected from frost in the winter. After they have done flowering they should be kept dry until they begin to grow afresh. They are increased by off-sets from the bulb. The hardy species should be planted in a shady border, where they will grow and flower freely. The seeds of these may be sown in the open in spring. Some of the varieties have fibrous roots: these will bear dividing. They are equally suitable for pots, borders, or rock-work. Height, 9 in. to 3 ft.

Ox-Tongue.—See "Bugloss."

Oxythopis Campestris.—A hardy perennial with lemon-yellow flowers in June and July. It will grow in any good garden soil, and is propagated by seed only, which should be sown where the plants are intended to be grown. Height, 6 in.

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When you think about flower delivery, have you ever considered giving a bonsai tree instead of flowers? Bonsai trees are a remarkable gift that can last for many years and are always admired as a source of beauty. These trees can be ordered from your local florist or from many online florists.

The bonsai is not Japanese in origin despite "bonsai" being a Japanese term for "potted plant." The style of miniature trees in containers dates back to an ancient dynasty in China and bonsai is the way the Japanese pronounced the Chinese term for these tiny creations. The Chinese "bonsai" trees became more widespread in Japan and today outside of China they are almost always termed as bonsai.

In Japan, these miniature trees are very popular indoors and out while in the west we think of them as pretty much indoor pot plants. Some are actually more suitable to be outdoors and your gift will normally come with care instructions. A bonsai tree is a regular deciduous tree (one that sheds its leaves in fall or winter) or an evergreen species.

The bonsai tree is created by a combination of pruning, shaping, and root paring to make it have smaller leaves and a tiny size. Bonsai trees are classified as tiny to large, with the tiny trees being one inch or less and the large as big as four feet tall. Most florists will have the small to medium size but may be able to order any size you desire.

It takes many years and lots of special care to create a bonsai tree, which is part of why these make such a special plant gift. The small pot limits the roots and helps to keep it small, while careful pruning also restricts growth. Pruning and root cutting must not be done when the tree is dormant so it is seasonal. Special bonsai tools are also used.

The bonsai tree may also be wired to maintain the shape until the wood grows firm. Wires can then be removed and the shape is established. The bonsai choices are extra nice as a wedding gift, since they symbolize long life and permanence. They also would make a lovely and lasting memorial when there has been a death in the family.

 

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Narcissus.—See "Daffodils."

Nasturtiums.—These are among the most useful of our hardy annuals, producing a display of the brightest of colours throughout the entire summer. The tall-growing climbers make a gay background to a border, and are equally valuable for trellis-work, while the dwarf varieties are first-class bedding plants, and of great service for ribboning. The seeds may be sown in pots in September or in the open ground early in spring. A light sandy or gravelly soil is the best to produce a wealth of bloom. Height, 6 ft. and 1 ft.

Nectarines.—Require the same treatment as the Peach. In fact, the Nectarine stone sometimes produces a Peach, and a Peach stone often produces a Nectarine. Fairchild's, Humboldt, Lord Napier, and Red Roman are useful varieties. They should stand 20 ft. apart.

Neilla.—These shrubs thrive in ordinary soil, and are increased by cuttings of the young wood. They flower in July. N. Torreyi bears white Spiraea-like flowers, which are very effective. Height, 6 ft.

Nemesia.—A most beautiful half-hardy annual of the Antirrhinum class. Sow the seed early in spring on a hotbed, and plant out in May in rich, light soil. Cuttings of the young wood will strike under glass. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2-1/2 ft.

Nemophila.—Pretty, neat, and compact hardy annuals, well worth cultivating. They succeed best in a moist and shady situation, delight in peat or vegetable mould, and when grown in circles are very striking. If wanted to flower early, sow the seed in autumn, or on a hotbed in spring; and if required for late blooming, sow in the open in March. Treated thus they flower from June to September. Height, 1 ft.

Nepeta Glechoma Variegata.—A very useful plant for hanging baskets. It can be trained as a pyramid or allowed to hang down; in many cases it is employed as edgings. It is of easy culture, and does well as a window plant or in a cool greenhouse. The soil should be light and dry. It flowers in July, and may be increased by root-division.

Nerine Sarniense.—See "Guernsey Lily."

Nertera Depressa (Coral Berry).—This pretty Moss-like plant is fairly hardy, and is eminently suited for a sheltered position on the rockery. The soil should consist of leaf-mould and sand, and overhead sprinkling with soft water is very beneficial. In cold districts it is better to grow it in the greenhouse. The flowers are produced in July, succeeded by orange-coloured berries. It is easily increased by dividing it early in the spring. Height, 3 in.

Neuvusia Alabamensis.—A tamarix-like shrub, bearing clusters of white flowers early in spring. Will grow in any soil or situation. Increased by cuttings placed in sand under glass.

Nicotiana (Tobacco Plants).—Very showy half-hardy annuals. N. Affinis bears long, tubular, sweet-scented, white flowers in July, and grows to the height of 3 ft. N. Virginica produces immense leaves and pink flowers, and the plants are 4 to 5 ft. high. The seed is sown on a hotbed in spring, and when the second or third leaf appears the plants are put into small pots and placed in a frame till the end of May, when they are transferred to the border.

Nierembergia (Cup Flowers).—These elegant half-hardy annuals grow well in any light soil, but prefer a mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould. Sow the seed in March or April in slight heat, harden off, and plant out in May as soon as all fear of frost is over. They flower in July. Height, 9 in. to 1 ft.

Nierembergia Rivularis.—This herbaceous plant is of a creeping nature; it has deep green ovate foliage and large saucer-shaped white flowers. It needs a moist position, and is increased by division. The bloom is produced throughout June, July, and August. Height, 3 in.

Nigella.—These hardy annuals, a species of Fennel-flower, are both curious and ornamental. Perhaps the best known among them is N. Hispanica, or Love-in-a-Mist. They only require sowing in the open in spring—but not before the middle of March—to produce flowers in July and August. Height, 9 in. to 2 ft.

Night-scented Stocks.—See "Mathiola."

Nolana.—Hardy annuals that are suitable for the border, as they are very showy when in flower. The seed should be sown in spring on a gentle hotbed, and the plants transferred to the garden about the middle of May. N. Atriplicifolia may be sown in the open in the autumn. They flower in July and August. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft.

North Borders, Plants suitable for.—Hardy Camellias, Chrysanthemums, black and green Tea Plant, Rhododendrons, Ferns, Red Currants, Morello Cherries, and spring and summer cuttings of all sorts.

Nuttallia.—This early-flowering shrub is only hardy in the south and south-west of our country. It requires a light, rich soil, and may be increased by division. Racemes of white flowers are produced during February and March. Height, 2 ft.

Nycterina.—Exquisite little half-hardy plants, suitable for pots or rock-work. The seed should be sown early in spring on a gentle hotbed, and the young plants transferred to the pots or open ground at the end of May, using a light, rich soil. Height, 3 in.

Nymphaea Alba.—A hardy aquatic perennial, frequently found in our ponds. It flowers in June, and may be increased by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.

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