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.

Leek.—­Sow early in March, and prick out the plants in rich soil, in a sheltered position, to strengthen.  As soon as they are large enough, plant them out in very rich, light ground in drills 6 in. between each plant and the rows 18 in. apart.  For large exhibition Leeks sow in boxes in February, under glass.  Plant out in June in trenches 15 in. wide and 18 in. deep, with plenty of old manure at the bottom of the trench and 6 in. of good light mould on the top of it.  Gradually earth up as the stems grow.  Water liberally in dry weather, and give a little weak liquid manure occasionally.

Leontopodium.—­Hardy perennials, succeeding best in peat soil.  They are most suitable for rock-work, and may be increased by seed or division of the roots.  Bloom is produced in June.  Height, 6 in.

Leopard’s Bane.—­See “Doronicum.”

Leptosiphon.—­Charming hardy annuals which make nice pot-plants.  The seed should be sown in rich, light soil—­peat for preference.  If this is done in autumn they will flower in April and May; if sown in spring they will bloom in autumn.  They are very attractive in beds or ribbons, and also on rock-work.  Height, 3 in. to 1 ft.