be increased by seed, and some of the perennial kinds by division of
the root. L. Latifolia (Everlasting Pea) flowers in August, other
varieties at different times, from May onwards. Height, 1 ft. to 8 ft.
Laurel.--Laurels will grow in any good garden soil. They are grown
both as bushes and standards, and require but little attention beyond
watering. The standards are produced by choosing a young Portugal
plant and gradually removing the side-shoots on the lower part of the
stem, and when the desired height is reached a well-balanced head is
cultivated, any eyes that break out on the stem being rubbed off
with the thumb. Lauro Rotundifolia is beyond dispute the best of all
Laurels; it is of free growth and of dense habit, and its leaves are
roundish and of a lively green. (See also "Epigaea.") All Laurels
may be propagated by cuttings and by layers, the latter being the plan
usually adopted.
Laurestinus.--See "Viburnum Tinus."
Laurus.--See "Bay, Sweet."
Lavatera.--The greenhouse and frame kinds grow in any light soil, and
are increased by cuttings of the ripened wood, under glass. The hardy
herbaceous species grow well in any common soil, and are propagated by
seeds or division. The annuals are sown in the open in spring. Some
bloom in June, others as late as August. Height, 2 ft. to 5 ft.
Lavender (Lavandula Spied).--A hardy shrub whose sweetly-scented
flowers, which are produced in August, are much prized. A dry,
gravelly soil is what it likes best. Young plants should be raised
every three years. It is readily propagated from seed sown in spring.
Cuttings about 8 in. long, taken in autumn and planted 4 in. deep
under a hand-light or in a shaded, sheltered position, will strike.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Lawns--To make or renovate Lawns sow the seed on damp ground during
March or April, if possible, but in any case not later than September,
as the young plants are easily ruined by frost. Rake the seed in
lightly, afterwards roll with a wooden roller, and carefully weed the
ground until the grass is well established. To form a thick bottom
quickly on new Lawns sow 60 lbs., or 3 bushels, to the acre; for
improving old ones, 20 lbs. per acre. Frequent cutting and rolling is
essential to success. If the grass is inclined to grow rank and coarse
it will be much improved by a good dressing of sand over it; if it has
an inclination to scald and burn up, sprinkle it with guano or soot
just before a shower of rain. An accumulation of moss upon a lawn can
only be cured by under-draining.
Lawns, Shrubs for.--See "Shrubs for Lawns."
Layering.--See under "Carnations."
Ledum (Labrador Tea).--Low-growing American evergreen shrubs,
thriving best in sandy peat, and may be increased by layers.