==Annuals and Biennials, Hardy==.—­It is one of the merits of hardy annuals and biennials sown in late summer for blooming in the following spring that they need very little attention.  Still, they ought not to be entirely neglected.  They should be kept scrupulously free from weeds, and it may be evident that a mulch of decayed manure is necessary to protect and strengthen them for a rich display of colour in the spring.  Such varieties as have to be transplanted should be watched, and the first suitable opportunity seized for transferring them to flowering positions.

==Abutilon== is a flowering greenhouse shrub which answers well under the treatment of an annual.  It does not need a forcing temperature at any stage, nor is the plant fastidious as to soil.  The seed, which is both slow and irregular in germinating, may be sown in pots.  As the young plants become ready they should be pricked off and kept steadily growing.  When leaves drop, it indicates mismanagement, perhaps starvation.  A well-grown specimen, when the buds show, will be two feet high, and bear examination all round.

==Anemone==.—­Against the practice of planting roots of this elegant flower we have not a word to say.  On the contrary, there is much to be advanced in its favour.  Arrangements of colour can be secured which are impossible of attainment from seedlings.  Still, there can be no doubt that the supposed necessity of depending alone on bulbs has proved a barrier to the growth of Anemones in many gardens, and on a large scale.  The culture from seed is of the simplest character, no appliances whatever beyond those at the command of the cottager being needed.  The prime requisite is a rich moist soil.  Where this does not exist naturally, a liberal dressing of mellow cow-manure, and, in dry weather, a diligent employment of the water-can, will render it possible to grow superb flowers of brilliant colour.  The best way of making the seed-bed is to open a trench, putting a layer of decayed manure at the bottom, and mingling a further quantity with the soil when it is returned.  The addition of some light compost or sand to the surface may or may not be necessary to prepare it for the seed.  We prefer sowing in rows and lightly scratching the seed in.  Some growers only sift a little sand over, and the practice answers well.  Weeds must be removed with care until the seedlings appear, and these are a long time in coming.  Thinning to six inches apart, and keeping the bed clean and moist, constitute the whole remainder of the work of growing Anemones.

==Aquilegia== sown this month in a frame will produce plants which may flower later in the year, provided the season is favourable; but they will certainly pay for this early sowing in the succeeding spring.  The plant is quite hardy, therefore seed may be sown later on in the open for a display in the following year.

==Asparagus== (=Greenhouse foliage varieties=).—­The finely feathered sprays of =A. plumosus= have become indispensable for bouquets, buttonholes, and general decorative purposes. =A. decumbens= and =A.  Sprengeri= are most graceful plants in hanging-baskets.  Seed of the three varieties should be sown in heat in either February or March.