GARDENING FOR THE MILLION

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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.

Acaena.—­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.