Hardy annuals are worth better treatment than they sometimes receive.  They may be sown at once where they are intended to bloom, and for the varieties preceded by an asterisk this method is a necessity, because they do not well bear transplanting.  In every case sow thinly, and afterwards thin boldly, for many of the flowers named will occupy a diameter of one or even two feet if the soil is in a condition to do them justice.  Give the ground a deep digging and incorporate plenty of manure, except where Nasturtium is to be sown.  A rather poor soil is necessary for this annual, or the flowers will be hidden by excessive foliage.

==Abutilon.==—­There is yet time to raise plants for blooming in the current year.  The seedlings must be potted on regularly to render them robust and free-flowering.

==Aster.==—­Only those who are closely acquainted with the modern development of this handsome flower can have any conception of its varied forms and colours.  There are dwarf, medium, and tall varieties in almost endless diversity, and nearly all of them will be a credit to any garden if well grown.  Too often, however, flowers are seen which are a mere caricature of what Asters may become in the hands of men who understand their requirements.  To grow them to perfection the ground should be trenched in the previous autumn, where the soil is deep enough to justify the operation.  If not, the digging must be deep, and plenty of decayed manure should be worked in.  Leave the ground roughly exposed to the disintegrating effects of winter frosts; and in spring it should be lightly forked over once or twice to produce a friable condition, in which the roots will ramify freely and go down to the buried manure for stimulating food.  If by such means stiff land can be made mellow, it will grow Asters of magnificent size and colour.

In sowing it is not wise to rely on a single effort.  We advise at least two sowings; and three are better, even if only a few plants are wanted.  This diminishes the risk of failure and prolongs the flowering season.  Prepare a compost of leaf-mould and loam, mixed with sharp sand to insure drainage.  Towards the end of the month sow in pots or in seed-pans on an even surface; and we lay stress on a thin sowing, to avoid the danger of the seedlings damping off.  Barely cover the seed with finely sifted soil, and place sheets of glass on the pans or pots to check rapid evaporation.  If water must be given, immerse the pots for a sufficient time, instead of using the water-can.  A cool greenhouse, vinery, or a half-spent hotbed is a good position for the pans, and a range of temperature from 55 deg. to 65 deg. should be regarded as the outside limits of variation.