Tuberous Begonias should be planted in small pots placed in heat, early in spring, and at intervals of a fortnight for succession, using a compost of equal parts of fibrous loam, leaf-mould, and sand.  Press the soil rather firmly so as to promote sturdy growth, and only just cover the top of the tuber.  Water moderately till the plants begin to grow freely.  Gradually harden off, and plant out the last week in May or early in June, or shift into larger pots for conservatory decoration.  Cuttings may be taken in April.  The plants may also be raised from seed sown in February or March in a temperature of 65 degrees.  Before sowing mix the seed with silver sand, then sprinkle it evenly over a box or pan of moist, fine, light loam and silver sand; cover with a sheet of glass, and keep shaded.  Transplant into small pots, and pot on from time to time as the plants increase in size.  Plants so treated will flower in June or July.  When the leaves of the old plants turn yellow keep the roots quite dry, afterwards turn them out of the pots and bury them in cocoa-nut fibre till January, when they must be re-potted.

Belladonna Lily.—­See “Amaryllis.”

Bellis Perennis.—­See “Daisies.”

Benthamia.—­An ornamental half-hardy shrub.  A profuse bloomer, the flowers of which are followed by edible strawberry-like fruit.  Will succeed in any good garden against a south wall.  Easily raised from seed or by layers.  Flowers in August.  Height, 3 ft.

Berberidopsis Corallina.—­Distinct and very pretty evergreen climbing shrubs, which prove hardy in the south and west, but need protection in other places.  They are not particular as to soil, and may be increased by cuttings.

Bergamot (Monardia Didyma).—­This hardy perennial will grow almost anywhere, and may be increased by seed or by division of the root.  It flowers in July.  Height, 4 ft.

Beta Cicla.—­A hardy annual which succeeds in any common soil.  Its dark crimson and yellow flowers are borne in August.  Height, 6 ft.  It is used as spinach.  In Germany the midrib of the leaf is boiled and eaten with gravy or melted butter.

Betonica.—­See “Stachys.”

Biennials.—­These plants take two years to flower, and then they die away altogether.  The seed of the hardy varieties is sown thinly in the open border any time between April and June, and the plants transferred in the autumn to the place where they are intended to bloom.  Seed is also sown in August and September for flowering the following year.  The half-hardy kinds may be sown in May or June.  These require protection during winter, such as is afforded by a cold pit, frame, or greenhouse, or the covering of a mat or litter.

Bignonia (Trumpet Flower).—­This is admirably suitable for a south wall, but it requires plenty of room.  It is propagated by cuttings placed in sand, or by cuttings of the root.  These should be planted out in the spring, or autumn will do if they are covered with a hand-glass.