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J

Jacobaea (Ragwort).—May be raised from cuttings in the same way as Verbenas, and will grow freely from seeds sown in autumn or spring. It delights in a rich, light soil. The purple Jacobaea is a great favourite of the public. Flowers in August. Height, 1 ft.

Jacob's Ladder.—See "Polemonium."

Jasione Perennis (Sheep Scabious).—A hardy perennial which produces a profusion of heads of blue flowers in June, and continues to bloom till August. It enjoys a peat soil, and should have the protection of a frame during the winter. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Height, 1 ft.

Jasminum.—These are favourite plants for training over arbours or trellis-work, and for growing against walls. The hardy kinds will flourish in ordinary soil. The stove and greenhouse sorts should be provided with a mixture of sandy peat and loam. They may all be increased by cuttings of ripened wood planted in a sandy soil under glass. J. Nudifolium produces an abundance of bright flowers after its leaves have fallen, and is very suitable for town gardens. J. Unofficinale is likewise adapted for town, bearing confinement well, and has very sweet flowers. J. Revolutum needs protection in severe weather. They bloom in July. Height, 12 ft.

Job's Tears.—See "Coix Lachryma."

Jonquils.—These are quite hardy, and may be grown in the open in the same manner as Hyacinths. Five or six bulbs in a 5-in. pot make a very pretty bouquet. They are excellent early flowers, and very odoriferous. Plant in autumn, placing sand round the bulbs. Best not disturbed too often. The leaves should not be cut off when withering, but allowed to die down. They bloom in April. Height, 1 ft.

Joss Flower.—See "Chinese Sacred Narcissus."

Juniper (Juniperus).—These useful conifers prefer dry chalk or sandy soils, but will thrive in any ground that is not too heavy. J. Japonica, Sabina, and Tamariscifolia do well on steep banks and rock-work. They may be propagated by seeds, grafting, or by cuttings of firm young shoots planted in a sandy compost, kept shaded, and covered with a hand-glass.

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E

Earwigs, to Trap.—An inverted flower-pot, containing a little dry
moss or hay, placed on a stick, forms a good trap for these pests. They
will also congregate in any hollow stems of plants that may be laid
about. They may be destroyed by shaking them into boiling water.

Eccremocarpus (Calampelis).—These climbing half-hardy perennials
will grow in any garden soil, a light, loamy one being preferable. Sow
the seed in autumn on a slight hotbed, pot off, and winter in a
greenhouse. The plants will be ready to turn out on a warm south wall in
April or May. Cut them down in the autumn, and cover the roots with dry
leaves: they will shoot up again in the spring. The foliage is dark and
Clematis-like; the flowers are borne in clusters, are tube-shaped, and
bright orange-scarlet in colour. They are increased by cuttings.

Echeveria.—Choice greenhouse evergreen shrubs. They grow best in a
sandy loam, with a little peat, mixed with pulverised brick rubbish.
Water must be given cautiously. Young plants may be taken off the parent
in October and pressed firmly, but without bruising them, in light, rich
soil. Cuttings should be left for a few days to dry before planting.
They flower in autumn. In winter keep them in a cold frame, and as dry
as possible. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Cone Flower).—A stately hardy
perennial, very pretty when in flower, but hardly suitable for cutting
purposes. It likes a rich, light, loam soil and plenty of sunshine. The
roots may be divided in spring, after growth has fairly started. It
blooms during September and October. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Echinops (Globe Thistle).—Coarse perennial plants, of stiff
growth. Any soil suits them, and they may be increased by dividing the
roots. They bloom in July. Height, 4 ft.

Echium Creticum.—A scarlet-flowering hardy annual which should be
grown wherever bees are kept. Sow in spring in any garden soil. Height,
1-1/2 ft.

Edelweiss.—See “Gnaphalium.”

Edraianthus Dalmaticus.—A charming little herbaceous perennial
which proves quite hardy in our climate, and well deserves a place in
the rockery. Plant in deep, rich loam, and cover the surface of the
crown with 1/2 in. of coarse sand. It may be propagated from off-sets,
taken with as much root as possible as soon as flowering ceases. Winter
the young plants in a cold frame, and do not give them too much water,
or they will rot. They will bloom in July and August. Height, 4 in.

Egg-Plant (Aubergine).—The fruit of the egg-plant is edible. The
seed is sown in March or April in pots of well-drained, light, rich
soil, and placed in a cucumber frame or on a hotbed with a temperature
of 75 degrees. When the plants are fairly up they are potted off
separately, and when they have started into growth the points are
pinched out, so as to induce a bushy habit. It is necessary to keep the
roots well supplied with water. When the fruit is set, the growth is
stopped at the first joint beyond it. They are mostly treated as
greenhouse pot-plants, but may be grown in the open if planted on a
south border, in ridges like those made for cucumbers, and covered with
hand-glasses till established. The Aubergine is a tender annual. Height,
2 ft.

Eggs of Insects, to Destroy.—Into 3 gallons of water stir 1/4 peck
of lime, 1/2 lb. of sulphur, and 1/2 lb. of tobacco. When settled,
syringe the trees and walls with the clear liquid. More water may be
added afterwards.

Eichhornia Crassipes Major.—A pretty and curious plant which may
be grown in bowls of water like the Chinese Lily. The stalks are
bladders about the size of a greengage, which enable the plant to float.
The flowers are soft lilac-rose in colour, and sparkle as if polished,
each one being about 2 in. in diameter. A little soil at the bottom of
the bowl is beneficial. It will flourish out of doors in summer.

Elder.—See “Sambucus.”

Eleagnus.—Effective variegated shrubs which prove perfectly hardy
in the south of England. They grow in any ordinary soil, and are
increased by cuttings. Height, 10 ft.

Elsholtzia Cristata.—Hardy annuals of great value where there are
bees, the flowers being very sweet. Sow in the open in spring. Height, 1
ft.

Empetrum.—Small hardy evergreen shrubs requiring an elevated and
exposed position, and a dry, barren soil. They flower in May, and are
propagated by layers. Height, 1 ft.

Endive.—Sow at intervals from May till the end of August, but the
principal sowing, to stand the winter, should be made the first week in
August, giving the plants the protection of a frame. When the early sown
ones are 2 in. high transplant them to a rich nursery bed. When 4 in.
high lift them carefully, with the soil round the roots, and place them
in drills about 3 in. deep and 1 ft. apart each way. Water well
immediately after planting, and keep the soil moist.

Epacris.—Pretty Heath-like shrubs. They like a sandy peat soil,
and plenty of moisture. The pots in which they grow should be provided
with ample drainage and stood in a larger-sized pot, with wet moss
between the two. As soon they have done blooming cut them back freely,
and when the fresh shoots are 2 or 3 in. long, pot them off, placing
them in a close, cool pit for three or four weeks. Gradually harden off,
then place them in a sunny situation out of doors, and remove them to
the conservatory in October. They only need sufficient heat to keep out
the frost. Cuttings of the young wood placed in sand with a little
bottom-heat will strike.

Epigaea Repens (Creeping Laurel).—This creeper is hardy and
evergreen, and its flowers possess a delicious fragrance. It may be
grown in loam and sandy peat or in leaf-mould with a little sand added,
in a well-sheltered and moist situation; and may be propagated by
layers, in the same manner as Carnations. It flowers in April. Height, 6
in.

Epilobium Angustifolium.—An ornamental herbaceous plant which may
be grown in any common soil from seed sown in autumn, or may be
increased by division of the roots. It puts forth its flowers in July.
Height, 4 ft.

Epimedium.—An elegant hardy perennial, suitable for shaded borders
or rock-work. The best soil for it is sandy peat. It flowers between
April and June, and is increased by dividing the root. Height, 1 ft.

Eragrostis Elegans (Love Grass).—One of the best of our hardy,
annual, ornamental grasses. Sown in March, it will reach perfection in
August or September. Height, 1 ft.

Eranthis Hyemalis.—See “Winter Aconite.”

Eremurus Robustus.—This hardy perennial bears tall, handsome
spikes of sweetly-scented, peach-coloured flowers in May. It will grow
in any ordinary soil, and is easily propagated by young plants from the
roots. Height, I ft.

Ericas (Heaths).—It is useless to attempt to grow these
beautiful shrubs unless proper soil is provided. The free-growing kinds
thrive best in good black peat and require large pots. The dwarf and
hard-wooded kinds must be provided with sandy peat, and the pots
thoroughly well drained. They need less water than the free-growing
kinds. They all want a good deal of air, and must not be crowded too
closely together. Protect from frost and damp. Cuttings off the tender
tops of the shoots planted in sand under glass will strike. The cuttings
of the stronger-growing kinds should be somewhat longer. As soon as
rooted, pot off singly, place in a close frame, and harden off by
degrees. The hardy sorts grow in a sandy peat, and may be increased by
layers or by cuttings. They bloom at various times. Height, 6 in. to 4
ft. (See “Heaths, Greenhouse.”)

Erigeron.—Very handsome hardy perennials, producing a copious
display of bloom. They will grow in any soil, and may be increased by
division or by seed sown between March and July, or in August or
September. They flower at the end of July. Height, 1 ft.

Erinus.—The hardy perennial kinds bloom in March, the greenhouse
varieties in May. The latter are very pretty. They all like a sandy
soil, and may be increased by seed or by division. Height, 6 in. to 9
in.

Eriogonum.—These pretty, hardy, herbaceous plants bloom in June.
They grow best in a compost of loam and peat, and are easily raised from
seed. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Eriostemon.—Greenhouse evergreen shrubs. Grow in sandy peat with a
little loam added. Cuttings will strike in sand. They flower in May and
June. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Erodium.—An extensive genus of very beautiful plants, mostly
hardy. They will grow in any soil, and merely require ordinary
treatment. The bloom is produced in June or July. Height, 4 in. to 1 ft.

Eryngium.—A very ornamental and beautiful kind of Thistle. They
are mostly quite hardy, and will grow in any garden soil, though they
thrive best in a light, sandy one. The greenhouse and frame varieties
should be grown in pots, so that they can be easily housed in winter.
They are readily increased by seed or division, and produce their
flowers in July. Height, 1 ft. to 4 ft.

Erysimum.—Flowers of little merit. The herbaceous kinds thrive in
common soil, but do best in a mixture of loam and peat. They may be
increased by cuttings placed under glass. The annuals and biennials
merely need sowing in the open during autumn. They bloom in June and
July. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.

Erythrina Crista Galli (Coral Plant).—A showy, summer-blooming
greenhouse plant. Place it in turfy loam enriched with old manure. It
may be transferred to the garden in the summer, and when the wood is
ripe cut it back and keep it dry till spring. Cuttings taken at a joint,
with the leaves left on, may be struck in sand.

Erythronium Dens-Canis (Dog’s Tooth Violets).—See “Violets.”

Escallonia.—Handsome, half-hardy, evergreen shrubs, possessing
rich glaucous leaves and bunches of tubular flowers. A peat and sandy
loam soil suits them best. They may be planted against, and trained to,
a south wall, but need protection from frost. The laterals may be cut
back fairly close in March to encourage new growth. They may be
propagated by layering in the autumn, or by suckers taken in the spring.
Height, 3 ft.

Eschscholtzia.—Pretty hardy annuals, especially during August,
when they are in flower. Any rich soil suits them. Easily raised from
seed sown on a gentle hotbed in spring, and afterwards transplanted to
the border. They flower longest if sown in autumn, but the young plants
need protection through the winter. Height, 1 ft.

Eucalyptus Citriodora.—A useful window or greenhouse plant, with
small, oblong, bright green leaves, furnished with appendages that emit
an odour resembling the Lemon-scented Verbena. It is of easy
cultivation, growing freely from seed sown in slight heat. Height, 4 ft.

Eucalyptus Globulus.—A greenhouse everlasting tree, commonly known
as Blue Gum. It delights in a mixture of peat, loam, and sand. Cuttings,
which should not be too ripe, root in sand under glass. It may be grown
from seed sown, in a temperature of 65 degrees, from February to April.
It flowers in June.

Eucharidium.—Pretty little hardy annuals, nearly allied to the
Clarkia. The seed may be sown in autumn for early flowering, or in
spring for blooming in July. Height, 1 ft.

Eucomis Punctata.—A fine, autumn-blooming plant, bearing long
spikes of fragrant creamy-white flowers and curiously-spotted stems. It
may be grown in any rich soil. Height, 2 ft.

Eucryphia Pinnatifida.—A dwarf evergreen shrub with flowers
resembling a white St. John’s Wort. It grows best in a compost of loam
and peat, and is propagated by cuttings planted in sand, and subjected
to heat.

Eugenia Ugni.—An evergreen shrub which produces white flowers in
May, succeeded by round, edible berries. It should be grown in loam and
peat. Ripened cuttings may be struck in sand under glass. Height, 4 ft.

Eulalia Japonica.—A hardy perennial Giant Grass. It is very
handsome as single specimens on lawns, or used in groups on the margins
of shrubberies. The flower panicles in their first stage have erect
branches, but as the flowers open these curl over gracefully, resembling
a Prince of Wales feather. Height, 6 ft.

Euonymus Radicans Variegata.—A hardy evergreen shrub which, given
a sunny situation, will grow in any soil, though a rich, sandy one is
preferable. It may be increased by layers, by seed, by cuttings of ripe
wood taken early in autumn and planted in the shade, or by dividing
strong roots. May is its time to flower. Height, 6 ft. Other varieties
of the Euonymus, or Spindle Tree, are equally hardy, and easy to
propagate.

Eupatorium Odoratum.—A greenhouse shrub which bears sweet-scented
white flowers in August, continuing in bloom for a long while. It may be
planted out at the end of May, but must be lifted before the frost
comes. When flowering ceases, give less water and prune hard back. It
grows well in peat and loam, and is increased by seed or by cuttings of
the young shoots in spring in bottom-heat. Pinch back freely until the
end of July, leaving all growth after that period. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Euphorbia.—An elegant class of plants. The stove and greenhouse
varieties are generally succulent, and require but little water, while
the hardy kinds need plenty of moisture. Any rich, light soil suits
them, but for the tender, succulent plants it should be mixed with brick
rubbish. Best grown from seed, though the roots may be divided. Height,
2 ft.

Eurya Latifolia Variegata.—A fine, variegated, large-leaved
evergreen, very suitable for covering a low wall, or for conservatory
decoration. It delights in a compost of loam and peat, and is propagated
by cuttings planted in a sandy soil on gentle heat. Height, 2 ft.

Eurybia.—Very pretty flowering shrubs for walls, borders, or
rockeries. They require a light, rich soil, and may be increased by
seeds sown early in spring on a gentle hotbed. Height, 2 ft.

Eutaxia Myrtifolia.—Pretty evergreen shrubs, suitable for the
greenhouse. They thrive best in a mixture of peat and loam, and require
the pots to be well drained. To have nice bushy plants they must be
pinched back well. Cuttings will strike in sand under glass. They flower
in August. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Eutoca.—Exceedingly pretty hardy annuals. Sow the seed in light
soil early in spring where it is to flower, and thin out so that the
plants have plenty of room. They bloom in July. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Evening Primrose.—See “Oenothera.”

Everlasting Peas.—See “Peas, Everlasting.”

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B

Babianas.—Charming, sweet-scented flowers, suitable for either pot
cultivation or the border. In August or September place five bulbs in a
well-drained 5-in. pot, using rich, light, very sandy soil; cover them
completely, and press the mould down gently. Water very sparingly until
the roots are well formed; indeed, if the soil is moist when the bulbs
are planted, no water will be needed till the new growth appears above
ground. Stand the pots in ashes and cover them with 3 in. of cocoa-nut
fibre. When the flower spikes are formed, give weak liquid manure twice
a week till the flowers open. Keep them in a temperature of 55 degrees.
When the foliage begins to die down gradually, lessen the amount of
moisture given. The bulbs while dormant are best left in the pots. For
cultivation in the open, choose a warm situation, make the soil light
and sandy, adding a good proportion of well-rotted manure, and plant the
bulbs 5 in. deep either in autumn or spring. Height, 6 in. to 9 in.

Bahia Lanata.—A hardy herbaceous plant of easy culture from seed
sown in spring or autumn in any garden soil. It produces bright orange
flowers from June to August. Height, 1 ft.

Bahia Trolliifolia.—This hardy herbaceous perennial will grow in
any kind of soil. It flowers in August, and can be increased by
division. Height, 1 ft.

Balsams.—The seeds of these tender annuals require to be sown in
early spring in a hot-house or a warm frame having a temperature of 65
to 75 degrees. When 2 or 3 in. high, or large enough to handle, prick
off singly into small pots, shade them till they are established, and
re-pot as they advance in strength in a compost of loam, leaf-mould,
sand, and old manure. Give them air when the weather is favourable. The
last shift should be into 24-sized pots. Supply them with an abundance
of liquid manure, admit as much air as possible, and syringe freely.
They must never be allowed to get dry. Secure their stems firmly to
sticks. They will flower in the open early in September. Height, 1-1/2
ft. to 2 ft.

Bambusa.—The dwarf-growing Bamboos Fortunei variegata and
Viridi-striata make graceful edgings to borders or paths. The whole
family like a rich, loamy, damp soil.

Baneberry.—See “Actæa.”

Baptisia Australis.—This ornamental hardy perennial makes a good
border plant, growing in any loamy soil, and producing its blue flowers
in June and July. It can be multiplied by dividing the root. Height, 3
ft.

Barbarea.—See “Rocket.”

Barberries.—Very ornamental hardy shrubs, bearing rich yellow
flowers in spring and attractive fruit in the autumn. Most handsome when
trained to a single stem and the head allowed to expand freely. They are
not particular as to soil, but prefer a rather light one, and succeed
best in a moist, shady situation. Cuttings or layers root freely in the
open. They require very little attention, beyond occasionally cutting
away some of the old branches to make room for new growth. Height, 1-1/2
ft. to 2 ft.

Bartonia aurea.—Beautiful hardy annuals, the flowers of which open
at night and effuse a delightful odour. Sow the seed in autumn on a
gentle hotbed; pot off, and protect in a greenhouse during the winter.
Plant them out in the open in May, where they will flower in June.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Bay, Sweet (Laurus Nobilis).—This half-hardy evergreen shrub
likes a sheltered position. Protection from severe frosts is requisite,
especially while it is young. It is more suitable as an isolated
specimen plant than for the border. Increased by layers or by cuttings
of the roots.

Beans, Broad.—A deep, strong loam is most suitable, but good crops
can be obtained from any garden soil. The first sowing should be made in
February or March, and in succession to May. A sowing of Beck’s Green
Gem or Dwarf Fan may even be made in November in rows 2 ft. apart. Other
varieties should be planted in rows 3 ft. apart, sowing the seed 3 in.
deep and at intervals of 6 in. When the plants have done flowering pinch
off the tops, to ensure a better crop; and if the black fly has attacked
them, take off the tops low enough down to remove the pests, and burn
them at once. Seville Longpod and Aquadulce may be recommended for an
early crop, and Johnson’s Wonderful and Harlington Windsor for a main
one.

Beans, French.—The soil should be dug over to a depth of at least
12 in. and liberally enriched with manure. In the open ground the first
sowing may be made about the third week in April, another sowing early
in May, and subsequent sowings for succession every two or three weeks
until the end of July. Plant in rows 2 ft apart, and the seeds 6 to 9
in. apart in the rows. A sharp look-out ought to be kept for slugs,
which are very partial to French Beans when pushing through the soil.
For forcing, sow in pots under glass from December to March.

Beans, Runner.—These are not particular as to position or soil,
but the best results are obtained by placing them in a deep rich mould
where they can get a fair amount of sunlight. Sow, from the second week
in May until the first week in July for succession, in rows 6 ft. apart,
thinning the plants out to 1 ft. apart in the rows. Protect from slugs
when the plants are coming through the ground, and support them with
sticks immediately the growth begins to run. Scarlet Runners may be kept
dwarf by pinching off the tops when the plants are about 1 ft. high, and
nipping off the subsequent shoots when 6 in. long.

Beet.—Land that has been well manured for the previous crop is the
best on which to obtain well-shaped roots of high quality. Sow in April
and May in drills 18 in. apart, and thin out the plants to about 9 in.
apart. Take up for use as wanted until November, when the whole crop
should be taken up and stored in dry sand, and in a place where neither
moisture nor frost can reach them. When storing them cut off the tails
and some portion of the crowns, but be careful not to wound any part of
the fleshy root.

Begonias.—A somewhat succulent genus of conservatory plants. They
all require a very rich loamy soil containing a little sand; and heat,
moisture, and shade are essential to their health. Cuttings 2 or 3 in.
long will root readily in spring or summer. Stand the cuttings in the
shade and do not over-water them; or they may be raised from seed sown
in March in a hot-house or frame having a temperature of 65 degrees.
Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.

Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat, early
in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using a
compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Press the
soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just cover
the top of the tuber. Water moderately till the plants begin to grow
freely. Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in May or
early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory decoration.
Cuttings may be taken in April. The plants may also be raised from seed
sown in February or March in a temperature of 65 degrees. Before sowing
mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it evenly over a box or pan
of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand; cover with a sheet of glass,
and keep shaded. Transplant into small pots, and pot on from time to
time as the plants increase in size. Plants so treated will flower in
June or July. When the leaves of the old plants turn yellow keep the
roots quite dry, afterwards turn them out of the pots and bury them in
cocoa-nut fibre till January, when they must be re-potted.

Belladonna Lily.—See “Amaryllis.”

Bellis Perennis.—See “Daisies.”

Benthamia.—An ornamental half-hardy shrub. A profuse bloomer, the
flowers of which are followed by edible strawberry-like fruit. Will
succeed in any good garden against a south wall. Easily raised from seed
or by layers. Flowers in August. Height, 3 ft.

Berberidopsis Corallina.—Distinct and very pretty evergreen
climbing shrubs, which prove hardy in the south and west, but need
protection in other places. They are not particular as to soil, and may
be increased by cuttings.

Bergamot (Monardia Didyma).—This hardy perennial will grow
almost anywhere, and may be increased by seed or by division of the
root. It flowers in July. Height, 4 ft.

Beta Cicla.—A hardy annual which succeeds in any common soil. Its
dark crimson and yellow flowers are borne in August. Height, 6 ft. It is
used as spinach. In Germany the midrib of the leaf is boiled and eaten
with gravy or melted butter.

Betonica.—See “Stachys.”

Biennials.—These plants take two years to flower, and then they
die away altogether. The seed of the hardy varieties is sown thinly in
the open border any time between April and June, and the plants
transferred in the autumn to the place where they are intended to bloom.
Seed is also sown in August and September for flowering the following
year. The half-hardy kinds may be sown in May or June. These require
protection during winter, such as is afforded by a cold pit, frame, or
greenhouse, or the covering of a mat or litter.

Bignonia (Trumpet Flower).—This is admirably suitable for a
south wall, but it requires plenty of room. It is propagated by cuttings
placed in sand, or by cuttings of the root. These should be planted out
in the spring, or autumn will do if they are covered with a hand-glass.

Biota.—See “Thuya.”

Bird Cherry.—See “Cerasus.”

Blackberries.—To obtain good crops plant in a poor, dry soil on
raised banks facing south. The bushes should be planted 6 ft. apart.

Bladder Nut.—See “Staphylea.”

Blanket Flower.—See “Gaillardia.”

Bleeding Heart.—See “Dielytra.”

Bocconia Cordata.—Ornamental hardy perennials. They do best on a
loamy soil, and may be increased by suckers taken from established
plants in the summer and placed in rich soil; or by cuttings planted in
sand, in a gentle heat under glass; also by seed sown during the autumn
months. They appear to the greatest advantage when grown as solitary
plants, away from other tall-growing flowers. The variety B. Frutescens
has an exceedingly pretty foliage. August is the month in which they
flower. Height, 6 ft.

Bog or Marsh Land.—By planting a few of the more distinct species
adapted for such positions, bogs or marshes may be made interesting. The
following plants are suitable:—Arundo Donax, Bambusa Fortunei,
Cypripedium Spectabile, Dondia Epipactis, Drosera Rotundifolia, Gunnera
Scabra, Iris Kaempferi, Iris pseud-Acorus, Juncus Zebrinus, Myosotis
Palustris, Osmunda Regalis, Parnassia Palustris, Pinguicula Vulgaris,
Polygonum Sieboldi, and Sarracenia Purpurea.

Boltonia Asteroides.—This is a hardy perennial which flowers in
September. The same treatment that is given to Asters is suitable for
this plant. Height, 3 ft.

Bomarea.—A useful greenhouse climber, the flowers of which are
valuable for cutting, as they last a long time in water. It thrives best
in a mixture of sand, peat, and loam.

Borago Laxiflora.—This very choice Boragewort is a trailing hardy
biennial. It produces lovely pale pendent flowers from June to August,
will grow in almost any soil, and can be increased by seed or division.
Height, 1 ft.

Borecole, Kale, or Curled Greens.—Sow towards the end of March or
early in April. Plant out as soon as ready in moderately rich soil in
rows 3 ft. apart, and the plants 2 ft. apart in the rows. If the seed is
sown thickly, the young plants must be pricked off into another bed
until ready for planting, as strong, sturdy plants always produce the
best results. They may succeed peas without any fresh manure.

Boronias.—Greenhouse evergreen shrubs. A single plant of B.
Megastigma is sufficient to perfume a good-sized house. B. Drummondi,
Elatior, Heterophylla, and Serrulata are all good plants. The pots
should be filled with sandy peat and be well drained. They are
propagated by cuttings taken at a joint and placed under glass. May is
their flowering month. Height, 2 ft.

Bougainvillea.—A greenhouse evergreen climber, thriving best in a
loamy soil. It flowers in June, and may be increased by cuttings.
Height, 15 ft.

Bousingaultia Basselloides.—A rapidly growing climber, beautiful
both in flower and foliage, the former of which is pure white, produced
in July in elegant racemes from 6 in. to 8 in. long. It is nearly hardy;
very suitable for a cool greenhouse. Any garden soil suits it. Height, 6
ft.

Bouvardias.—Favourite stove plants. They are propagated by pieces
of the thick fleshy roots, about 2 in. long, inserted in light, rich,
sandy soil, and plunged in a bottom-heat. Plant out in May in rich,
light soil, cutting back all the over-vigorous growth, so as to form a
well-balanced plant. At the approach of cold weather they may be taken
up and potted off, using small pots to prevent them damping off. In a
warm greenhouse they will flower all the winter.

Box Edging.—A deep loam suits the box best. Cuttings should be
taken early in autumn. Dig a trench, and make the bottom firm and even.
Set the young plants thinly and at regular intervals, leaving the tops 1
in. above the surface. Tread the soil firmly against them. Cover with 1
in. of gravel to prevent them growing too luxuriantly. The end of June
is a good time for clipping. May be transplanted early in spring or late
in autumn. (See also “Buxus.”)

Brachycome (Swan River Daisy).—Beautiful little half-hardy
annuals bearing cineraria-like flowers that open well in the border in
summer. If well watered in autumn and removed to the greenhouse they
will continue to bloom during early winter. Sow the seed as for ordinary
half-hardy annuals in rich, light mould, covering them sparingly. Bloom
in May. Height, 6 in.

Bravoa Geminiflora (Twin Flower).—This hardy bulbous plant bears
lovely racemes of coral-coloured flowers in July. A rich loam suits it
best. Height, 1 ft.

Briza (Quaking Grass).—There are several varieties of this
ornamental hardy annual grass. Briza Gracillis is slender, and very
pretty both in a green and dried state. Briza Maxima bears large and
handsome panicles. Each variety should be sown in pots, or on a
sheltered bed out of doors, early in spring. Height, 1 ft.

Broccoli.—Requires a heavy, deep, rich soil, and liquid manure
during growth. For earliest crop sow thinly in beds early in March,
giving a little protection if necessary. Successional sowings should be
made to the end of June, to produce a constant supply till Cauliflowers
are ready. Transplant, when large enough to handle, about 2 ft. from
each other. Keep the ground free from weeds, and earth the plants up as
they advance in growth. Sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in May for late
spring supplies.

Brodiaea Coccinea.—Handsome plants for rock-work or the border. On
a dry, light, sandy soil, with plenty of sunshine, their gorgeous spikes
of brilliant scarlet flowers are very attractive in May. The bulbs may
be planted in November, and left undisturbed.

Broom.—Hardy shrubs thriving in almost any soil. Cuttings will
strike if planted in sand under glass. (See also “Genista” and
“Spartium.”)

Broussonetia Papyrifera.—A very effective deciduous shrub, with
large, curiously-cut leaves. It likes an open soil, and is propagated by
cuttings. February is its blooming time. Height, 12 ft.

Browallia.—Very handsome half-hardy annuals; will grow readily
from seed in any garden soil, but prefer a sandy one. They bloom in
July. Height, 2 ft.

Brussels Sprouts.—For a first crop sow early in March, and in
April for succession. Transplant as soon as ready into deeply-trenched,
well-manured soil, about 2 ft. apart. Hoe well, and keep clear from
weeds. For exhibition and early use sow in a greenhouse, or in a frame
over a gentle hotbed, about the middle of February; prick off into a
cold frame, gradually harden off, and plant out in May.

Bryanthus Erectus.—A hardy evergreen shrub, which will grow in any
soil if the situation is shady and damp. It thrives without any
sunshine, but will not endure the constant dropping of moisture upon its
leaves from trees. Cuttings strike readily. April is its flowering time.
Height, 1 ft.

Budding.—Budding consists in raising an eye or bud from one part
of a bush or tree and transplanting it to another part, or to any other
plant of the same species. The process is not only more simple and rapid
than that of grafting, but many leading nurserymen contend that a better
union is effected, without the risk of dead wood being left at the
junction. It may be performed at any time from June to August, cloudy
days being most suitable, as the buds unite better in wet weather. It is
chiefly employed on young trees having a smooth and tender bark. Of the
various systems of budding, that known as the Shield is probably the
most successful. Make a small horizontal cut in the bark of the stock,
and also a vertical one about an inch long, thus forming an elongated T
shape. Next select a branch of the current year’s growth on which there
is a well-formed leaf-bud. Pass a sharp knife 1/2 in. above the bud and
the same distance below it, taking about a third of the wood with the
bud. If in the process of detaching it the interior of the bud is torn
away it is useless, and a fresh bud must be taken. Now hold the bud in
the mouth, and with as little delay as possible raise the bark of the
stock with a knife, insert the bud, and bind it on with raffia. When the
bud begins to grow the binding must be loosened. To prevent the shoots
being torn away by the wind a stake may be tied on to the stock, and the
new shoot secured to it by means of raffia. Fruit trees are sometimes
budded close to the soil on stocks 1-1/2 ft. in height. The buds are
rubbed off the stock as soon as they appear, but the stock is not cut
away until the following spring.

Buddlea.—Half-hardy, tall, deciduous greenhouse shrubs, delighting
in a loamy soil mixed with peat. They may be grown out of doors during
the summer, but need the protection of a house in winter.

Bugloss (Anchusa).—This showy plant, bearing large blue flowers
in June, may be increased by division of the roots into as many plants
as there are heads, from slips, or from seed sown in the open border in
spring. It is popularly known as Ox-Tongue.

Bulbocodium Trigynum (Colchicum Caucasium).—A miniature hardy
bulbous plant, which produces in February and March erect flowers about
the size of snowdrops. Set the bulbs in sandy loam or leaf-mould,
choosing a sunny situation. The bulbs may be divided every other year.
Height, 2 in.

Bulbocodium Vernum (Spring Saffron).—This bulb produces early in
spring, and preceding the foliage, a mass of rose-purple flowers close
to the ground. It is perfectly hardy, and valuable for edgings or
rock-work. Plant in autumn in light vegetable mould, and in a sheltered,
well-drained position. It will not grow in stiff, clay soil. The bulbs
may be divided every two years, after the tops have died down. This
dwarf plant flowers from January to March. Height, 6 in.

Buphthalmum Salicifolium (Deep Golden-yellow Marguerite).—Showy
and ornamental hardy perennials. They will grow in any good soil, and
flower from May to September; may be increased by suckers. Height, 1-1/2
ft.

Burning Bush.—See “Dictamnus” and “Fraxinella.”

Buxus (Tree Box).—A useful evergreen shrub which may be grown in
any soil or situation. The B. Japonica Aurea is one of the best golden
plants known for edgings to a walk. The closer it is clipped the
brighter it becomes. Increased by suckers or layers.

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