Chapter 1

GARDENING FOR THE MILLION

_By_ ALFRED PINK

AUTHOR OF "RECIPES FOR THE MILLION."

T. FISHER UNWIN

PREFACE.

It is with the object of stimulating the cultivation of gardens still more beautiful than those generally to be met with that the present volume has been written. It has not been thought necessary to repeat in each case the times when the seeds of the various flowers and plants are to be sown. A careful attention to the remarks made under the headings of "Annuals," "Biennials," "Perennials," and "Seed-Sowing" will supply all the information needed. That the work may prove useful to those at least who supervise their own gardens is the sincere wish of the author.

DULWICH.

GARDENING FOR THE MILLION

A

Aaron's Rod.--_See_ "Solidago."

Abelia.--Very ornamental evergreen shrubs, bearing tubular, funnel-shaped flowers. They succeed in any ordinary soil if the situation is warm and sheltered, and are readily raised by cuttings. Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.

Abies _(Spruce Firs)_.--Among these ornamental conifers mention may be made of the beautiful Japanese Spruce Ajanensis, which grows freely in most soils and has dual-coloured leaves--dark green on the upper surface and silvery white underneath; this makes a grand single specimen anywhere. The White Spruce (_Abies Alba Glauca_) is a rapid grower, but while it is small makes a lovely show in the border; it prefers a moist situation. Of the slow-growing and dwarf varieties Gregorii is a favourite. The Caerulea, or Blue Spruce, is also very beautiful. Clanbrasiliana is a good lawn shrub, never exceeding 4 ft. in height. The Pigmy Spruce (_A. Pygmea_) is the smallest of all firs, only attaining the height of 1 ft. Any of these may be increased by cuttings.

Abronia.--Handsome half-hardy annual trailers. Grow in sandy peat and multiply by root division. Flowers in April. Height, 4 in. to 6 in.

Abutilon.--Evergreen greenhouse shrubs of great beauty and easy cultivation. May be raised from seed, or by cuttings of young shoots placed in spring or summer in sand under glass, or with a bottom heat. Cut the old plants back in January, and when new shoots appear re-pot the plants. Height, 5 ft. to 8 ft.

Acacia.--Winter and spring flowering greenhouse shrubs with charming flowers and graceful foliage. May be grown from seed, which should be soaked in warm water for twenty-four hours, or they may be propagated by layers, cuttings placed in heat, or suckers. They like a rich sandy loam soil. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Acæna.--These shrubby plants are herbaceous and mostly hardy, of a creeping nature, fast growers, and suitable for dry banks or rough stony places. They flourish best in sandy loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings placed under glass. The flowers, which are green, are produced in May. The height of the various kinds varies from 3 in. to 2 ft.

Acantholimon Glumaceum _(Prickly Thrift)_.--This is a frame evergreen perennial, thriving in any light, rich soil. It can be increased by dividing the roots. In May it puts forth its rose-coloured flowers. Height, 3 in.

Acanthus.--A coarse, yet stately hardy perennial, which has large ornamental foliage, and flowers in August. It is not particular as to soil or situation, but free space should be given it. Will grow from seed sown from March to midsummer, or in August or September in a sheltered situation. Will also bear dividing. Height, 3 ft.

Acer (_Maple_).--Very vigorous plants, suitable when young for pots, and afterwards for the shrubbery. The A. Negundo Variegata has silvery variegated leaves, which contrast effectively with dark foliage, Campestre Colchicum Rubrum, with its bright crimson palmate leaves, is very ornamental, as is also Negundo Californicum Aurem, with its golden-yellow foliage. The Maple grows best in a sandy loam. It may be increased by cuttings planted in a shaded situation, or by layers, but the choice varieties are best raised from seed sown as soon as it is ripe.

Achillea Ptarmica (_Sneezewort_).--A pure white hardy perennial which blooms in August. The dried leaves, powdered, produce sneezing. Any soil. Best increased by rooted off-sets. Flowers from July to September. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Achimenes.--Fine plants, suitable for the greenhouse, sitting-room, or hanging baskets. Plant six tubers in a 5-in. pot, with their growing ends inclining to the centre and the roots to the edge of the pot, and cover them an inch deep with a compost of peat, loam, and leaf-mould, or a light, sandy soil. Keep them well supplied with liquid manure while in a growing state. Height, 6 in. to 2-1/2 ft.

Aconite (_Monk's-Hood or Wolf's-Bane_).--Very pretty and very hardy, and succeeds under the shade of trees; but being very poisonous should not be grown where there are children. Increased by division or by seeds. Flowers June to July. Height, 4 ft. (_See also_ "Winter Aconites.")

Acorus (_Sweet Flag)._--A hardy bog plant, having an abundance of light-coloured evergreen foliage. It will grow in any wet soil. Height, 2 ft.

Acroclinium.--Daisy-like everlastings. Half-hardy annuals suitable for cutting during summer, and for winter bouquets. Sow in pots in February or March, cover lightly with fine soil, plunge the pot in gentle heat, place a square of glass on the top, and gradually harden off. Seed may also be sown in the open during May or in autumn for early flowering. Height, 1 ft.

Acrophyllum Verticillatum.--A greenhouse evergreen shrub. It will grow in any soil, and may be increased by cuttings of half-ripened wood. March is its flowering season. Height, 3 ft.

Acrotis.--These are mostly hardy herbaceous plants from South Africa. The soil should consist of two parts loam and one part leaf-mould, and the situation should be dry and sunny. Seed may be sown early in March in gentle heat, and the plants grown on in a cold frame till May, when they may be planted out a foot apart. They will flower at midsummer. Winter in a warm greenhouse. Height, 2 ft. Some few are of a creeping nature.

Actaea Spicata (_Bane Berry_).--A hardy herbaceous perennial which delights in a shady position, and will even grow under trees. It is increased by division of the roots, or it may readily be raised from seed in ordinary soil. May is its flowering month. Height, 3 ft.

Actinella Grandiflora.--A showy herbaceous plant, bearing large orange-coloured flowers in July. It is not particular as to soil, and is increased by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.

Actinomeris Squarrosa.--This hardy and ornamental herbaceous plant bears heads of bright yellow flowers, resembling small sunflowers, from June to August. It thrives in any loamy soil, and is easily increased by dividing the root. Height, 4 ft.

Adam's Needle.--_See_ "Yucca."

Adenandra Fragrans.--An evergreen shrub suitable for the greenhouse. It thrives best in a mixture of sandy peat and turfy loam. Cuttings of the young branches stuck in sand will strike. It flowers in June. Height, 3 ft.

Adenophora Lilifolia.--Pretty hardy perennials suitable for the border. Produce drooping pale blue flowers on branching spikes in July. Any soil suits them. They may be grown from seed, but will not allow being divided at the root. Height, 1 ft.

Adlumia Cirrhosa.--Interesting hardy climbers. Will grow in any soil, and are readily increased by seeds sown in a damp situation. Require the support of stakes. Bloom in August. Height, 15 ft.

Adonis Flos.--Showy crimson summer flowers, requiring only the simplest treatment of hardy annuals. Sow in March or April in the open border. Height, 1 ft.

Adonis Pyrenaica.--A rare but charming Pyrenean perennial species, with thick ornamental foliage, and producing large golden-yellow flowers from May to July. It needs no special treatment. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Adonis Vernalis.--A favourite hardy perennial, which grows freely from seed in any garden soil. It may also be increased by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.

Æthionema Cordifolium.--This little Alpine plant is a hardy evergreen that is very suitable for rock-work, as it will grow in any soil. Its rose-hued flowers are produced in June. It may be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Height, 3 in.

Agapanthus (_African Lily_).--This is a noble plant, which succeeds well in the open if placed in a rich, deep, moist loam in a sunny situation or in partial shade. In pots it requires a strong loamy soil with plenty of manure. Throughout the summer the pots should stand in pans of water. Re-pot in March. Give it plenty of pot room, say a 9-in. pot for each plant. In winter protect from severe frost, and give but very little water. The flowers are both lovely and showy, being produced during August in great bunches on stems 3 ft. high. The plant is nearly hardy. Several growing together in a large tub produce a fine effect. It is increased by dividing the root while in a dormant state.

Ageratum.--Effective half-hardy annual bedding plants, thriving best in a light, rich soil. Seed should be sown in heat in February or March. Cuttings root freely under glass. Height, 1-1/2 ft. There is a dwarf variety suitable for ribbon borders and edgings. Height, 6 in.

Agricultural Seeds.--Required per statute acre.

Carrot 5 to 6 lb. Cabbage (to transplant) 1" Cabbage (to drill) 2 to 3" Kohl Rabi (to drill) 2 to 3" Lucerne 16 to 20" Mangold Wurtzel 5 to 7" Mustard (Broadcast) 10 to 20" Rape or Cole 4 to 6" Rye Grass, Italian 3 bus. Rye Grass, Perennial 2" Sainfoin 4" Tares, or Vetches 3" Turnip, Swedish 3 lb. Turnip, Common 2 to 3" Trifolium 16 to 20"

Agrostemma.--A hardy annual that is very pretty when in flower; suitable for borders. Flourishes in any soil, and is easily raised from seed sown in spring. Blooms in June and July. There are also perennial varieties: these are increased by division of the root. Height, 1 ft. to 3 ft.

Agrostis.--A very elegant and graceful species of Bent-Grass. It is a hardy annual, and is largely used for bouquets. Sow the seed in March. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.

Ajuga Reptans.--A hardy herbaceous perennial, suitable for the front of borders. It will grow in any soil, and may be propagated by seeds or division. May is its flowering season. Height, 6 in.

Akebia Quinata.--This greenhouse evergreen twining plant delights in a soil of loam and peat; flowers in March, and is increased by dividing the roots. Height, 10 ft.

Alchemilla Alpina (_Lady's Mantle_).--A useful hardy perennial for rock-work. It will grow in any soil, if not too wet, and may be increased by seed sown in the spring or early autumn, or by dividing the roots. It flowers in June. Height, 1 ft.

Allium Descendens.--A hardy, bulbous perennial. Plant in October or November in any garden soil, and the flowers will be borne in July. Height, 1 ft.

Allium Neapolitanum.--This is popularly known as the "Star." It bears large heads of pure white flowers, and is suitable for borders, pots, or forcing in a cool house. Any common soil suits it. It is increased by off-sets. Being one of our earliest spring flowers, the bulbs should be planted early in autumn. Height, 1 ft.

Allspice.--_See_ "Calycanthus" and "Chimonanthus."

Alonsoa.--A pretty and free-blooming half-hardy annual, which produces fine spikes of orange-scarlet flowers in June. It is multiplied by cuttings or seeds. Height, 1 ft. to 1-1/2 ft.

Aloysia Citriodora.--This favourite lemon-scented verbena should be grown in rich mould. If grown in the open, it should be trained to a wall facing south, and in winter the roots need protecting with a heap of ashes and the branches to be tied up with matting. It is increased by cuttings planted in sand. August is its flowering season. Height, 3 ft.

Alsine Rosani.--This pretty little herbaceous plant, with its cushions of green growth, makes a very fine display on rock-work or in any shady position. Ordinary soil suits; it is of easy culture, and flowers during June and July. Height, 3 in.

Alstromeria (_Peruvian Lilies_).--These beautiful summer-flowering hardy perennials produce large heads of lily-like blossoms in great profusion, which are invaluable for cutting for vase decorations as the bloom lasts a long time in water. Plant in autumn 6 in. deep in a well-drained sunny situation, preferably on a south border. Protect in winter with a covering of leaves or litter. They may be grown from seed sown as soon as it is ripe in sandy loam. They bloom in July. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Alternantheras.--Cuttings of this greenhouse herbaceous plant may be struck in autumn, though they are usually taken from the old plants in spring. Insert them singly in 4-1/2-in. pots filled with coarse sand, loam, and leaf-mould. When rooted, place them near the glass, and keep the temperature moist and at 60 degrees or 65 degrees, then they will flower in July. Height, 4 in. to 1 ft.

Althea--_See_ "Hibiscus."

Alyssum.--Well adapted for rock-work or the front of flower-beds, and is best sown in autumn. The annual, or Sweet Alyssum, bears an abundance of scented white flowers in June, and on to the end of September. The hardy perennial, Saxatile (commonly called Gold Dust), bears yellow flowers in spring. Height, 6 in.

Amaranthus.--The foliage of these half-hardy annual plants are extremely beautiful, some being carmine, others green and crimson, some yellow, red, and green. They are very suitable either for bedding or pot plants. Sow the seed early in spring in gentle heat, and plant out in May or June in very rich soil. If put into pots, give plenty of room for the roots and keep well supplied with water. Flower in July and August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 6 ft.

Amaryllis.--These plants bear large drooping bell-shaped lily-like blossoms. They thrive best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, with a fair quantity of sand. The pots must in all cases be well drained. Most of the stove and greenhouse species should be turned out of their pots in autumn, and laid by in a dry place until spring, when they should be re-potted and kept liberally supplied with water. A. Reticulata and A. Striatifolia bloom best, however, when undisturbed. Discontinue watering when the foliage shows signs of failing, but avoid shrivelling the leaves. The hardy varieties should be planted 6 in. deep in light, well--drained soil, and allowed to remain undisturbed for two or three years, when they will probably require thinning out. They are increased by off-sets from the bulbs.

The Belladonna (_Belladonna Lily_) should be planted in June in a sheltered border in rich, well-drained soil.

Formosissima (_the Scarlet Jacobean Lily_) is a gem for the greenhouse, and very suitable for forcing, as it will bloom two or three times in a season. It should be potted in February.

Lutea (_Sternbergia)_ flowers in autumn. Plant 4 in. deep from October to December.

Purpurea (_Vallota Purpurea or Scarborough Lily_) is a very beautiful free bloomer. October and November or March and April are the most favourable times for potting, but established plants should be re-potted in June or July.

Ambrosia Mexicana.--A hardy annual of the simplest culture. Sow the seed in spring in any fine garden soil. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

American Plants.--These thrive most in a peat or bog soil, but where this cannot be obtained a good fertile loam, with a dressing of fresh cow manure once in two years, may be used; or leaf-mould and soil from the surface of pasture land, in the proportions of three parts of the former to one of the latter. The soil should be chopped up and used in a rough condition. Sickly plants with yellowish foliage may be restored by applying liquid manure once a week during the month of July. A light top-dressing of cow manure applied annually, and keeping the roots free from stagnant water, will preserve the plants in good health.

Ammobium.--Pretty hardy perennials which may be very easily raised from seed on a sandy soil. Flower in June. Height, 2 ft.

Ampelopsis.--Handsome and rapid climbers, with noble foliage, some changing to a deep crimson in autumn. The Veitchii clings to the wall without nailing, and produces a profusion of lovely leaves which change colour. Any of the varieties may be grown in common garden soil, and may be increased by layers.

Anagallis (_Pimpernel_.)--Very pretty. Sow the hardy annuals in the open early in March; the biennials or half-hardy perennials in pots in a greenhouse or a frame, and plant out when strong enough. May also be increased by cuttings planted in ordinary soil under glass. Flower in July. Height, 6 in.

Anchusa.--Anchusa Capensis is best raised in a frame and treated as a greenhouse plant, though in reality it is a hardy perennial. The annual and biennial kinds succeed well if sown in the open in rich soil. All are ornamental and open their flowers in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft. (_See also_ "Bugloss.")

Andromeda.--An ornamental evergreen shrub, commonly known as the Marsh Cystus, and thriving in a peat soil with partial shade. May be grown from seed sown directly it is ripe and only lightly covered with soil, as the seed rots if too much mould is placed over it. Place the seedlings in a cold frame and let them have plenty of air. It is more generally increased by layers in September, which must not be disturbed for a year. Drought will kill it, so the roots must never be allowed to get dry. It flowers in April and May. Height, 2 ft.

Androsace.--Pretty little plants, mostly hardy, but some require the protection of a frame. They grow best in small pots in a mixture of turfy loam and peat. Water them very cautiously. They flower at different seasons, some blooming as early as April, while others do not put forth flower till August. They can be increased by division as well as by seed. Height, 6 in.

Anemones.--These are highly ornamental, producing a brilliant display of flowers. The scarlets make very effective beds. They are mostly hardy, and may be grown in any moist, light, rich garden soil, preferably mixed with a good proportion of silver sand. They should occupy a sunny and well-drained situation. For early spring flowering plant from October to December, placing the tubers 2-1/2 or 3 in. deep and 4 or 5 in. apart, with a trowelful of manure under each plant, but not touching them. A little sea sand or salt mixed with the soil is a preventive of mildew. If planted in February and March they will bloom from April to June. They are increased by seeds, divisions, or off-sets; the greenhouse varieties from cuttings in light loam under glass. The tubers will not keep long out of the ground. In growing from seed choose seeds from single-flowering plants; sow in March where they are intended to flower 1 in. deep and 9 in. apart; cover with leaf-mould. Two or three sowings may be made also during the summer. Height, 6 in. to 2 ft.

Anemonopsis Macrophylla.--A rather scarce but remarkably handsome perennial, producing lilac-purple flowers with yellow stamens in July and August. It will grow in ordinary soil, and may be increased by division. Height, 2 ft.

Angelonia Grandiflora Alba.--An elegant and graceful greenhouse plant, giving forth a delicious aromatic odour. It grows best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, but thrives in any light, rich soil. Take cuttings during summer, place them under glass, but give a little air occasionally. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Annuals.--Plants of this description arrive at maturity, bloom, produce seed, and die in one season.

_Hardy_.--The seed should be sown thinly in the open borders during March, April, or May in fine soil, covering slightly with well-prepared mould--very small seeds require merely a dusting over them. When the plants are large enough to handle, thin them out boldly, to allow them to develop their true character. By this means strong and sturdy plants are produced and their flowering properties are enhanced. Many of the hardy annuals may be sown in August and September for spring flowering, and require little or no protection from frost.

_Half-Hardy._--These are best sown in boxes 2 or 3 in. deep during February and March, and placed on a slight hotbed, or in a greenhouse at a temperature of about 60 degrees. The box should be nearly filled with equal parts of good garden soil and coarse silver sand, thoroughly mixed, and have holes at the bottom for drainage. Scatter the seeds thinly and evenly over the soil and cover very lightly. Very small seeds, such as lobelia and musk, should not be covered by earth, but a sheet of glass over the box is beneficial, as it keeps the moisture from evaporating too quickly. Should watering become necessary, care must be taken that the seeds are not washed out. As soon as the young plants appear, remove the glass and place them near the light, where gentle ventilation can be given them to prevent long and straggly growth. Harden off gradually, but do not plant out until the weather is favourable. Seed may also be sown in a cold frame in April, or in the open border during May; or the plants may be raised in the windows of the sitting-room.

_Tender_.--These must be sown on a hotbed, or in rather stronger heat than is necessary for half-hardy descriptions. As soon as they are large enough to be shifted, prick them off into small pots, gradually potting them on into larger sizes until the flowering size is reached.

Anomatheca Cruenta.--This produces an abundance of bright red flowers with a dark blotch and a low growth of grass-like foliage. It is suitable for either vases, edges, or groups. Plant the bulbs in autumn in a mixture of loam and peat, and the plants will flower in July. They require a slight protection from frost. If the seed is set as soon as it is ripe it produces bulbs which will flower the following year. Height, 6 in.

Antennaria.--Hardy perennial plants, requiring a rich, light soil. They flower in June and July, and may be increased by cuttings or division. The heights of the various kinds range from 3 in. to 2 ft.

Anthemis Tinctoria (_Yellow Marguerites_).--These perennials are almost hardy, needing protection merely in severe weather. They are readily raised from seed sown in gentle heat early in spring or by slips during the summer months. Transplant into light soil. As pot plants they are very effective. June is their flowering period. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Anthericum Liliago (_St. Bernard's Lily_).--One of the finest of hardy plants, and easy to grow. Planted in deep, free, sandy soil, it will grow vigorously, and in early summer throw up spikes of snowy-white, lily-like blossoms from 2 to 3 feet in height. It may be divided every three or four years, but should not be disturbed oftener. Mulching in early springtime is advantageous.

Anthericum Liliastrum _(St. Bruno's Lily_).--This hardy perennial is a profuse bloomer, throwing up spikes of starry white flowers from May to July. Treat in the same manner as the foregoing. Height, 2 ft.

Anthoxanthum Gracila.--Sweet vernal grass. It is graceful and ornamental, and is used for edgings. Sow in spring, keeping the seed moist until it germinates. Height, 6 in.

Anthyllis Montana.--A fine hardy perennial for rock-work. It is of a procumbent habit, and has a woody nature. A vegetable soil is best suited for its growth, and its roots should be in contact with large stones. It may be increased by cuttings taken in spring and planted in the shade in leaf-mould. It flowers at midsummer. Height, 6 in.

Antirrhinum (_Snapdragon_).--Handsome hardy perennials; most effective in beds or borders. They stand remarkably well both drought and excessive rainfall, and succeed in any common soil. Seeds sown early in spring produce flowers the same year. For spring bedding, sow in July; keep the young plants in a cold frame, and plant out in March or April. Choice sorts may be plentifully increased by cuttings taken in July or August. Flower from July to September. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.