Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1864 edition. Excerpt: ... PLANTS MOST USED FOE WINTER AND SPRING DECORATION, WITH THEIE GENERAL TREATMENT, CULTUEE, AND PROPAGATION. Altssum (madwokt). The Alyssum is one of the most useful. It begins to bloom as early as February if it has been properly cared for; and it continues less or more up to the end of May. April is perhaps the time it makes most display, when its golden yellow bloom comes out in great profusion, either as beds or ribbons, or as edgings to baskets, vases, &c, where something half-trailing is required. They can be lifted back and forward at any time. Some of our plants are several years old, and never fail in blooming; they are even now (end of August), so much in bloom as to make a good show in the back border where they are laid in. Varieties.--There are a great many very beautiful varieties besides those mentioned in this work; but not having grown them we can only say, the early-blooming sorts can be used as those given. Saxatile has a light leaf and bright yellow flowers. Saxatile variegata is a good edging plant, and blooms as the other, but if used for edging the bloom frequently takes away the effect of the variegation. Argenteum is a silvery-leaved variety, with yellow flowers. Calycinum is an annual, and for spring-blooming should be sown in August, and transplanted into the beds. It makes beautiful white edgings, and is very sweet. Treatment and Culture.--They grow in any common garden soil, and, like many of the Cruciferse, will keep alive for months without any roots whatever if kept from the hot sun. In planting them in the autumn in beds or rows, they are spread out and pegged into their proper places. When the beds are large a few Lasthenia seed are sprinkled over the surface, or a few plants put between, which being the...