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 be planted in November, and left undisturbed.

Broom.—­Hardy shrubs thriving in almost any soil.  Cuttings will strike if planted in sand under glass. (See also “Genista” and “Spartium.”)

Broussonetia Papyrifera.—­A very effective deciduous shrub, with large, curiously-cut leaves.  It likes an open soil, and is propagated by cuttings.  February is its blooming time.  Height, 12 ft.