Flower Garden Care

Firstly the Alyssum which are hardy annuals and perennials.

The annual species, Alyssum maritimum, is one of the most popular edging plants for summer bedding. The perennial kinds, of which Alyssum saxatile may be taken as a type, are useful in the rock garden and also as edgings in the perennial border.

When it comes to cultivation, the annual alyssum will grow in almost any soil and position, though it is seen to the best advantage in full sun and light but not over-rich ground. In heavily manured borders it is apt to lose its dwarf habit and produce a superabundance of leaves.

Seed may either be sown thinl yduring April where the plants are to flower, and the seedlings thinned out as soon as possible 6 inches apart, or else seed may be sown in boxes in a cold frame during March and the seedlings pricked out into deeper trays and hardened off ready for planting out in May.

All the rock garden species should be given a fully open and sunny position in light gritty soil. Like the annual alyssum, they become straggly and untidy if the soil is too rich. Alyssum saxatile is too vigorous ‘to be planted in association with choice alpines, but is admirable for creating large drifts of bright colour on rock banks or other places where there is plenty of room for it to spread. Plants may be trimmed over after flowering if they are occupying too much space or be