==Vallota purpurea.==—­This handsome bulbous plant is not quite hardy, but in several of the Southern counties it may be grown in the open ground, with only the shelter of dry litter or a mat.  In pots the bulbs should not be allowed to go dry through the winter; and when growth commences in spring, water must be given freely.  Good loam suits the Vallota, and it is desirable to avoid re-potting until the flowering period has passed:  when a transfer becomes necessary, disturb the roots as little as possible.

==Verbena,== if not sown last month, should be got in promptly, for it is important not to hurry the growth of this plant by excessive heat.

==Wigandia== is a half-hardy perennial, grown exclusively for its noble tropical foliage.  If started now, it will attain a large size as an annual.  It is impossible to grow this plant too well.  A lavish employment of manure and water will secure stately specimens.  The instructions given for Ricinus apply equally to the Wigandia.

==March==

The first duty is to ascertain that there are no arrears to make good or failures-to replace.  If any sowing has gone wrong, do not waste time by repining over it, but sow again.  Growing flowers under artificial conditions is a prolonged struggle with Nature, in which the most experienced and skilful gardener need not be ashamed of an occasional failure.  But the cause of the failure should, if possible, be ascertained for future guidance.  We say if possible, because the secret cannot always be discovered.  There may have been every apparent condition of success, and yet, for some inexplicable reason, there has been disappointment.  As a rule, however, the cause will be found by the man who is determined to make every failure the stepping-stone to future success.

The lengthening days and the growing power of the sun demand increased vigilance and activity.  Danger of frost remains, and, worse still, there may come the withering influence of the north-east wind, which scorches delicate seedlings as with a breath of fire.

==Annuals, Hardy,== may be sown in the open from February to May.  Perhaps a list of the principal flowers comprised under this denomination may aid the memory.  Several of the following are not strictly hardy, but for practical ends they may be so regarded.

Abronia
Acroclinium
Alyssum
Asperula
Bartonia
Cacalia
Calandrinia
Calendula
Candytuft
Centranthus
Chrysanthemum,
   annual
Clarkia
Collinsia
Collomia
Convolvulus minor
Coreopsis
Cornflower
Dimorphotheca
Erysimum
Eschscholtzia
Eutoca
Gilia
Godetia
Gypsophila
Hawkweed
Helichrysum
Hibiscus
Jacobea
Kaulfussia
Larkspur
Lavatera
Layia
Leptosiphon
Leptosyne
Limnanthes
Linaria
Linum
Love-lies-bleeding
Lupinus
Malope
Marigold