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 “Actaea.”

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.