Height, 15 ft.
Bousingaultia Basselloides.--A rapidly growing climber, beautiful both
in flower and foliage, the former of which is pure white, produced in
July in elegant racemes from 6 in. to 8 in. long. It is nearly hardy;
very suitable for a cool greenhouse. Any garden soil suits it. Height,
6 ft.
Bouvardias.--Favourite stove plants. They are propagated by pieces of
the thick fleshy roots, about 2 in. long, inserted in light, rich,
sandy soil, and plunged in a bottom-heat. Plant out in May in rich,
light soil, cutting back all the over-vigorous growth, so as to form a
well-balanced plant. At the approach of cold weather they may be taken
up and potted off, using small pots to prevent them damping off. In a
warm greenhouse they will flower all the winter.
Box Edging.--A deep loam suits the box best. Cuttings should be taken
early in autumn. Dig a trench, and make the bottom firm and even. Set
the young plants thinly and at regular intervals, leaving the tops 1
in. above the surface. Tread the soil firmly against them. Cover with
1 in. of gravel to prevent them growing too luxuriantly. The end of
June is a good time for clipping. May be transplanted early in spring
or late in autumn. (See also "Buxus.")
Brachycome (Swan River Daisy).--Beautiful little half-hardy annuals
bearing cineraria-like flowers that open well in the border in summer.
If well watered in autumn and removed to the greenhouse they will
continue to bloom during early winter. Sow the seed as for ordinary
half-hardy annuals in rich, light mould, covering them sparingly.
Bloom in May. Height, 6 in.
Bravoa Geminiflora (Twin Flower).--This hardy bulbous plant bears
lovely racemes of coral-coloured flowers in July. A rich loam suits it
best. Height, 1 ft.
Briza (Quaking Grass).--There are several varieties of this
ornamental hardy annual grass. Briza Gracillis is slender, and very
pretty both in a green and dried state. Briza Maxima bears large
and handsome panicles. Each variety should be sown in pots, or on a
sheltered bed out of doors, early in spring. Height, 1 ft.
Broccoli.--Requires a heavy, deep, rich soil, and liquid manure during
growth. For earliest crop sow thinly in beds early in March, giving a
little protection if necessary. Successional sowings should be made to
the end of June, to produce a constant supply till Cauliflowers are
ready. Transplant, when large enough to handle, about 2 ft. from each
other. Keep the ground free from weeds, and earth the plants up as
they advance in growth. Sow Purple Sprouting Broccoli in May for late
spring supplies.
Brodiaea Coccinea.--Handsome plants for rock-work or the border. On a
dry, light, sandy soil, with plenty of sunshine, their gorgeous spikes
of brilliant scarlet flowers are very attractive in May. The bulbs may