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.
Biota.--See "Thuya."
Bird Cherry.--See "Cerasus."
Blackberries.--To obtain good crops plant in a poor, dry soil on
raised banks facing south. The bushes should be planted 6 ft. apart.