Tender.—­These must be sown on a hotbed, or in rather stronger heat than is necessary for half-hardy descriptions.  As soon as they are large enough to be shifted, prick them off into small pots, gradually potting them on into larger sizes until the flowering size is reached.

Anomatheca Cruenta.—­This produces an abundance of bright red flowers with a dark blotch and a low growth of grass-like foliage.  It is suitable for either vases, edges, or groups.  Plant the bulbs in autumn in a mixture of loam and peat, and the plants will flower in July.  They require a slight protection from frost.  If the seed is set as soon as it is ripe it produces bulbs which will flower the following year.  Height, 6 in.

Antennaria.—­Hardy perennial plants, requiring a rich, light soil.  They flower in June and July, and may be increased by cuttings or division.  The heights of the various kinds range from 3 in. to 2 ft.

Anthemis Tinctoria (Yellow Marguerites).—­These perennials are almost hardy, needing protection merely in severe weather.  They are readily raised from seed sown in gentle heat early in spring or by slips during the summer months.  Transplant into light soil.  As pot plants they are very effective.  June is their flowering period.  Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Anthericum Liliago (St. Bernard’s Lily).—­One of the finest of hardy plants, and easy to grow.  Planted in deep, free, sandy soil, it will grow vigorously, and in early summer throw up spikes of snowy-white, lily-like blossoms from 2 to 3 feet in height.  It may be divided every three or four years, but should not be disturbed oftener.  Mulching in early springtime is advantageous.

Anthericum Liliastrum (St. Bruno’s Lily).—­This hardy perennial is a profuse bloomer, throwing up spikes of starry white flowers from May to July.  Treat in the same manner as the foregoing.  Height, 2 ft.

Anthoxanthum Gracila.—­Sweet vernal grass.  It is graceful and ornamental, and is used for edgings.  Sow in spring, keeping the seed moist until it germinates.  Height, 6 in.

Anthyllis Montana.—­A fine hardy perennial for rock-work.  It is of a procumbent habit, and has a woody nature.  A vegetable soil is best suited for its growth, and its roots should be in contact with large stones.  It may be increased by cuttings taken in spring and planted in the shade in leaf-mould.  It flowers at midsummer.  Height, 6 in.

Antirrhinum (Snapdragon).—­Handsome hardy perennials; most effective in beds or borders.  They stand remarkably well both drought and excessive rainfall, and succeed in any common soil.  Seeds sown early in spring produce flowers the same year.  For spring bedding, sow in July; keep the young plants in a cold frame, and plant out in March or April.  Choice sorts may be plentifully increased by cuttings taken in July or August.  Flower from July to September.  Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.