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Selection of Varieties: Ageratum

Ageratum is classed as a half-hardy annual. The seed should be started indoors in March or April, the plants being set out in their permanent position after all danger of frost is over. Ageratum comes in several colors, pale lavender-blue, deep blue, and white. There are two forms, the very dwarf and the larger, more branching type. The pale lavender-blue is by far the most pleasing color and it combines well with many of the other annuals. Asters are among the few annuals with which one is apt to have trouble. If they are fortunate enough to escape the ravages of the aster beetles, that dread disease called "the yellow" is likely to overtake them sooner or later. Asters have such a place, however, both in the garden and as cut flowers, that one is tempted to try to grow them each year in spite of discouragements. The seed may be sown either indoors or directly in the garden. There are early, mid-season, and late varieties and a wide range of coloring. Although there is no known cure for the aster "yellows,"--one of our large institutes for plant research is at present working on the problem,--it is thought that good cultivation, fertile soil, and abundant moisture are all factors that aid in its control. Planting in fresh soil where asters were not grown the previous year is also recommended. Aster beetles, like rose beetles, must be picked off by hand and dropped into a container filled with kerosene. Asters reach a height of from fifteen to twenty inches and should be spaced from eight to ten inches apart.

Antirrhinums or snapdragons are among the most popular and most useful of all summer annuals. In mild climates and in very sheltered positions they will frequently live over the winter and may be regarded as biennials, but in most sections of the country they are treated as annuals. For best results the seed should be started indoors in March or early April. It may, however, be sown in the garden directly where the plants are to flower. The young seedlings should be thinned out and left to stand from six to eight inches apart, being pinched back in order to make them bushy and vigorous. The intermediate type is by far the best for general garden use. Snapdragons are in valuable inhabitants of the cutting garden, and are excellent for midsummer and autumn bloom in the perennial border. A wide range of colors may be had: white, yellow, pink, rose, red, and deep garnet.

Occasionally snapdragons are troubled with a foliage disease known as anthracnose. This causes the leaves to crinkle up and drop off, and dusty brown spots are frequently prevalent. If taken in the early stages, this may be controlled by spraying with Bordeaux mixture.

Brachycome is the delightful Swan-river-daisy, bearing small, daisy-like flowers of a soft medium blue with a yellow centre. The plants reach a height of hardly twelve inches and are useful near the front of the flower border or as an edging. The seed may be sown either indoors or directly in the garden and comes into bloom within a few weeks. Although not very frequently grown, this is a dainty and lovely thing.