Chapter 12

Marvel of Peru (_Mirabilis_).--Half-hardy perennials, which are very handsome when in flower, and adorn equally the greenhouse or the open. They may be increased by seed sown in light soil in July or August and planted out in the border in spring. At the approach of frost take the roots up and store them in dry ashes or sand. They flower in July. Height, 2 ft.

Massonia.--Singular plants, which to grow to perfection should be placed in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. They require no water while in a dormant state, and may be increased by seed or by off-sets from the bulbs. Height, 3 in. to 6 in.

Mathiola.--_See_ "Stocks."

Mathiola Bicornis (_Night-scented Stocks_).--A favourite hardy annual whose lilac flowers are fragrant towards evening. They may be grown from seed sown between February and May on any ordinary soil. Height, 1 ft.

Matricaria.--This is a half-hardy annual of little interest so far as its flowers are concerned, and is mostly grown as a foliage plant. The seed should be sown in a frame in March, and transplanted at the end of May. Height, 1 ft.

Maurandia Barclayana.--This elegant twining plant is best grown in pots, so that it can more conveniently be taken indoors in the winter. The soil should be light and rich. Cuttings can be taken either in spring or autumn, or it may be raised from seed. It does very well in the open during the summer, placed against a wall or trellis-work, but will not stand the cold. In the greenhouse it reaches perfection, and blooms in July. Height, 10 ft.

Mazus Pumilio.--A pretty diminutive herbaceous plant. When grown in peat and sand in an open situation it survives from year to year, but it will not live through the winter in cold clay soils. Its pale green foliage is seen to advantage in carpet bedding, and its branched violet flowers, put forth from June to September, make it a desirable rock-work plant. It may be increased by transplanting, at the end of April, the rooted stems which run under the surface of the ground.

Meconopsis Cambrica(_Welsh Poppy_).--An ornamental hardy perennial, often found on English rocks. It may be grown in any light, rich soil, is easily raised from seed, and blooms in June. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Medlars.--These trees will grow on any well-drained soil. The Dutch Medlar is most prized, as it bears the largest fruit. It is raised from seed, and usually trained to a standard form. The Nottingham and Royal are also excellent varieties. Any special variety may be grafted on to the seedlings. On deep soils it is best grafted on the Pear stock; on light, sandy soil it may be grafted on the White Thorn. No pruning is required, beyond cutting away cross-growing branches.

Megasea.--This hardy herbaceous plant flowers from April to June. A light, sandy soil suits it best. It may be grown from seed or multiplied by division. Height, 1 ft.

Melissa Officinalis.--A hardy perennial, flowering in July. Any soil suits it. It is increased by division of the root. Height, 1 ft.

Melittis Melissophyllum (_Large-flowered Bastard Balm_).--This handsome perennial is not often seen, but it deserves to be more generally grown, especially as it will thrive in almost any soil; but to grow it to perfection, it should be planted in rich loam. It flowers from June to August, and may be increased by division of the roots any time after the latter month. Height, 11/2 ft.

Melon.--Sow from January to June in pots plunged in a hotbed, the temperature of which should not be under 80 degrees. When the plants have made four or five leaves, set them out in a house or hotbed having a temperature ranging from 75 to 85 degrees. Keep the plants well thinned and water carefully, as they are liable to damp off at the collar if they have too much wet. Do not allow them to ramble after the fruit has begun to swell, nor allow the plants to bear more than two, or at most three, melons each. They require a strong, fibry, loamy soil, with a little rotten manure worked in. The Hero of Lockinge is a grand white-fleshed variety, and Blenheim Orange is a handsome scarlet-fleshed sort.

Menispermum Canadense (_Moon seed_).--A pretty slender-branched, hardy, climbing, deciduous shrub, with yellow flowers in June, followed with black berries. It grows in any soil, and can be propagated by seed, by division of roots, or by planting cuttings in spring in a sheltered spot. Height, 10 ft.

Mentha Rotundifloria Variegata (_Variegated Mint_).--A hardy perennial, which may be grown in any soil, and is easily increased by dividing the roots. It flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.

Menyanthes.--Treat as other hardy aquatics.

Menziesia (_Irish Heath_).--This evergreen thrives best in fibrous peat to which a fair quantity of silver sand has been added. While excessive moisture is injurious, the plant must not be kept too dry; the best condition for it is to be constantly damp. Slips torn off close to the stem will root in sand under glass, placed in gentle heat. Height, 2 ft.

Mertensia.--These hardy perennials flower from March to July. They will grow in any garden soil, but do best in peat, and are propagated by division. They make fine border plants. Mertensia Maritima and M. Parviflora, however, are best grown in pots, in very sandy soil, perfection being afforded them during the winter. Height, 11/2 ft. to 2 ft.

Mesembryanthemums (_Ice Plants_).--These half-hardy, annual succulents have a bright green foliage covered with ice-like globules. They must be raised in a greenhouse or on a hotbed, sowing the seed in April on sandy soil. Prick the young plants out in May. If grown in pots they thrive best in a light, sandy loam. In the border they should occupy a hot and dry situation. Keep the plants well watered until established, afterwards give a little liquid manure. May be increased by cuttings taken in autumn. Cuttings of the more succulent kinds should be allowed to dry a little after planting before giving them water. A dry pit or frame is sufficient protection in the winter; they merely require to be kept from frost. Flower in July. Height, 1 ft.

Mespilus.--_For treatment, see_ "Medlars."

Meum Athamanticum.--A hardy perennial with graceful, feathery green foliage, but of no special beauty. It is a native of our shores, will grow in any soil, blooms in July or August, and is freely propagated by seeds. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Michaelmas Daisies (_Starworts_).--A numerous family of hardy herbaceous perennials. Some few are very pretty, while others can only be ranked with wild flowers. They thrive in any soil or position, but flourish best where there is a due proportion of sunshine. They are easily raised from seed, sown early in spring, or may be increased by root-division either in the autumn, as soon as they have done flowering, or in the spring. They vary in height from 1 ft. to 5 ft.

Michauxia Campanuloides.--This is an attractive border biennial, bearing from March to June white campanula-like flowers tinged with purple, on erect stems. It is not particular as to soil, but requires a southern position and protection in winter. Propagated by seeds in the same way as other biennials. Height, 4 ft.

Mignonette.--For summer-flowering plants sow the seed in spring, and thin out to a distance of 9 in. apart. To obtain bloom during the winter and spring successive sowings are necessary. Let the first of these be made the second week in July in light, rich soil; pot off before frost sets in, plunge them in old tan or ashes, and cover with a frame facing the west. Another sowing should be made about the middle of August, giving them the same treatment as the previous; and a third one in February, in gentle heat. Height, 9 in. to 3 ft. The Mignonette tree is produced by taking a vigorous plant of the spring sowing, and removing all the lower shoots in the autumn. Pot it in good loam, and keep it in the greenhouse in a growing state, but removing all the flowers. By the spring the stem will be woody. Let the same treatment be given it the second year, and the third season it will have become a fine shrub. It may be made to bloom during the winter by picking off the blossom in the summer and autumn. Height, 3 ft.

Mildew.--Syringe with a strong decoction of green leaves and tender branches of the elder-tree, or with a solution of nitre made in the proportion of 1 oz. of nitre to each gallon of water. Another good remedy is to scatter sulphur over the leaves while the dew is upon them, afterwards giving them a syringing of clear water.

Milkmaid.--_See_ "Cardamine."

Milk Thistle.--_See_ "Carduus."

Mimosa.--These shrubs are often called Sensitive Plants, on account of the leaves of several of the species of this genus shrinking when touched. They grow well in loam and peat with a little sand, but require to be planted in a warm situation or to have greenhouse care. Cuttings of the young wood root readily in sand under a glass. They may also be raised from seed. Mimosa Pudica exhibits most sensibility. Height, 2 ft.

Mimulus (_Monkey Flower_).--Showy half-hardy perennials which thrive in moist and shady situations and in almost any soil. They may be grown from seed sown in slight heat from February to May, or increased by division of the root. The frame and greenhouse kinds grow best in a rich, light soil, and may be multiplied by cuttings. The annuals may be sown where they are to flower. They bloom in June and July. Height, 2 in. to 11/2 ft. (_See also_ "Diplacus.")

Mina Lobata.--A charming half-hardy annual climber, bearing singularly shaped flowers, produced on long racemes. When young the buds are a vivid red, changing to orange-yellow, and when fully expanded the flowers are creamy-white. It thrives in loam and peat to which a little dung has been added, and is well adapted for arbours, trellises, or stumps of trees. Sow the seed on a hotbed in March, harden off, and transplant when all fear of frost is over. Height, 8 ft. to 12 ft.

Mint.--May be grown in any garden soil. It is increased by runners, which, if not held in check, become very troublesome. The roots may be confined by means of tiles or slates. Flowers in July. Height, 11/2 ft.

Mistletoe.--Raise the bark of an apple, pear, or oak tree on the underneath part of a branch and insert some well-ripened berries, then tie the bark down neatly with raffia or woollen yarn. If the berries were inserted on the top of the branch the operation would result in failure, as the birds would devour them.

Mitella Diphylla.--A hardy perennial which bears slender racemes of white flowers in April. It makes a pretty rock plant, delights in a peat soil, and is increased by division of the root. Height, 6 in.

Moles.--These pests may be destroyed by placing in their runs worms that have been kept for some time in mould to which carbonate of barytes has been added.

Monardia Didyma (_Oswego Mint, or Horse Balm_).--_See_ "Bergamot."

Monetia Barlerioides.--An ornamental shrub, suitable for the greenhouse or stove. It requires to be grown in loam and peat, and may be increased by cuttings planted in sand, under glass, in a bottom-heat. Height, 3 ft.

Monkey Flower.--_See_ "Mimulus."

Monkey Puzzle.--_See_ "Araucaria."

Monk's-hood.--_See_ "Aconite."

Montbretia.--Very graceful and showy plants. The flowers, which are like small Gladioli, are produced on long branched spikes and are excellent for cutting. Plant 3 in. deep and 2 in. apart in sandy loam and leaf-mould. The corms should never be kept long out of the ground, as they shrivel, and weak growth and few flowers are the result. Though they are hardy it is well to give them a covering of litter in winter. They may also be grown in pots. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Moraea Iridioides.--These plants flower in May, and require the same treatment as Ixias.

Morina (_Whorl Flower_).--An ornamental hardy perennial, which is seldom met with. It forms rosettes of large, deep green, shiny foliage and stout spikes of rose-coloured flowers in whorls, which make it one of the most attractive of Thistles. It likes a rich, light soil, is increased by seed sown in the autumn, also by division in August, and flowers in July. Height, 21/2 ft.

Morisia Hypogaea.--This is a pretty hardy perennial for rock-work. It flowers in May, and is raised from seed sown as soon as it is ripe. Height, 2 in.

Morna Elegans.--Beautiful half-hardy annuals. For early flowering sow the seed in September: for later blooms sow in February in slight heat, pot off, affording good drainage to the plants. They are very sensitive to cold, and should not be placed out of doors before the end of May. Avoid over-watering, as this would prove fatal to them. The soil should be light and sandy. Those sown in September will bloom in the greenhouse in May; those sown in February will flower in the open in the autumn. Height, 11/2 ft.

Morning Glory.--_See_ "Convolvulus."

Morrenia Odorata.--A good twining plant for the greenhouse, producing fragrant cream-coloured flowers in July. It will grow in any good loamy soil, and may be increased by cuttings. Height, 3 ft.

Moss.--To eradicate moss from fruit-trees wash the branches with strong brine or lime water. If it makes its appearance on the lawn, the first thing to do is to ensure a good drainage to the ground, rake the moss out, and apply nitrate of soda at the rate of 1 cwt. to the half-acre, then go over the grass with a heavy roller. Should moss give trouble by growing on gravel paths, sprinkle the ground with salt in damp weather.

Mountain _Avens.--See_ "Dryas."

Muhlenbeckia Complexa.--A very decorative climber, hardy in nature but requiring a good amount of sunshine to make it bloom. A well-drained, sandy soil is best for its growth, and it can be increased by cuttings of hardy shoots taken early in summer. Height, 6 ft.

Mulberries.--Any good soil will grow the Mulberry. The tree is hardy, but the fruit wants plenty of sunshine to bring it to perfection. It may be propagated by cuttings of wood one year old with a heel two years old attached. The only pruning necessary is to keep the branches well balanced. Autumn is the time to do this, not forgetting that the fruit is borne on the young wood. When grown in tubs or large pots in the greenhouse the fruit attains the perfection of flavour. In addition to the Large Black and the White (Morus Alba) the New Weeping Russian White may be recommended.

Mulching.--_See_ "Soil."

Muscari.--_See_ "Hyacinthus."

Muscari Botryoides.--_See_ "Hyacinthus."

Mushrooms.--Take partially dry horse manure and lay it in a heap to ferment. Turn and mix it well every few days, and when well and equally fermented, which will be from ten to fourteen days, make it into a bed 4 ft. wide and 2 ft. deep, mixing it well together and beating or treading it firmly. When the temperature of the bed falls to 75 degrees, or a little under, the spawn may be inserted in pieces about the size of a walnut, 2 in. deep and 6 in. apart. Now give a covering of loamy soil, 2 in. deep, and beat it down evenly and firmly. Finish off with a covering of clean straw or hay about 1 ft. thick. Water when necessary with lukewarm water; but very little should be given till the Mushrooms begin to come up, then a plentiful supply may be given. They may be grown in any warm cellar or shed, and usually appear in from four to six weeks after planting.

Musk (_Mimulus Moschatus_).--A well-known sweet-scented, half-hardy perennial, well adapted for pot culture. A moist, shady position is most congenial to it when placed in the border. Seed sown in autumn make fine, early-flowering greenhouse plants. For summer blooming the seed is sown early in spring, under a frame or hand-glass, at a temperature of from 55 to 60 degrees. It is readily propagated by division. Height, 6 in.

Mustard and Cress.--For sowing in the open choose a shady border, make the surface fine and firm, and water it well before putting down the seed. Let the seed be sown thickly at intervals of seven or fourteen days from March to September. As the Cress does not germinate so quickly as the Mustard, the former should be sown four days before the latter. The seed must not be covered, but simply pressed into the surface of the soil. Keep the ground moist, and cut the crop when the second leaf appears. For winter use it is best sown in boxes and grown in a frame, the seed being covered with flannel kept constantly moist. This may be removed as soon as the seed germinates. Gardeners mostly prefer to grow it through coarse flannel, to avoid the possibility of grit being sent to table. The curled leaf Cress is the best, and the new Chinese Mustard is larger in leaf than the old variety, and is very pungent in flavour.

Myosotis (_Forget-me-not_).--The perennial varieties of these beautiful plants grow best in moist places, such as the edges of ponds or ditches; but they also do well in pots among Alpine plants. Most of them may be increased by root division, and all of them by seed. The annuals like a dry, sandy soil, and are grown from seed sown in March. They flower in June or July. Height, 6 in.

Myrica Gala (_Candleberry Myrtle_).--This hardy deciduous shrub is very ornamental, and its foliage is scented like the myrtle. It will grow in light, rich soil, but thrives best in peat, and may be increased by seeds or layers. May is its flowering time. Height, 4 ft. M. Cerifera is treated in precisely the same manner. Height, 6 ft.

Myrsiphyllum Asparagoides.--_See_ "Smilax."

Myrtle (_Myrtus_).--Will strike readily if the cuttings be placed in a bottle of water till roots grow, and then planted; or young cuttings will strike in sandy soil under a hand-glass. They succeed best in a mixture of sandy loam and peat and on a south wall. Near the sea they prove quite hardy. Height, 6 ft.

N

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.

O

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.