idrib of the leaf is boiled and
eaten with gravy or melted butter.

Betonica.--_See_ "Stachys."

Biennials.--These plants take two years to flower, and then they die
away altogether. The seed of the hardy varieties is sown thinly in
the open border any time between April and June, and the plants
transferred in the autumn to the place where they are intended to
bloom. Seed is also sown in August and September for flowering the
following year. The half-hardy kinds may be sown in May or June. These
require protection during winter, such as is afforded by a cold pit,
frame, or greenhouse, or the covering of a mat or litter.

Bignonia _(Trumpet Flower_).--This is admirably suitable for a south
wall, but it requires plenty of room. It is propagated by cuttings
placed in sand, or by cuttings of the root. These should be planted
out in the spring, or autumn will do if they are covered with a
hand-glass.

Biota.--_See_ "Thuya."

Bird Cherry.--_See_ "Cerasus."

Blackberries.--To obtain good crops plant in a poor, dry soil on
raised banks facing south. The bushes should be planted 6 ft. apart.

Bladder Nut.--_See_ "Staphylea."

Blanket Flower.--_See_ "Gaillardia."

Bleeding Heart.--_See_ "Dielytra."

Bocconia Cordata.--Ornamental hardy perennials. They do best on a
loamy soil, and may be increased by suckers taken from established
plants in the summer and placed in rich soil; or by cuttings planted
in sand, in a gentle heat under glass; also by seed sown during the
autumn months. They appear to the greatest advantage when grown as
solitary plants, away from other tall-growing flowers. The variety B.
Frutescens has an exceedingly pretty foliage. August is the month in
which they flower. Height, 6 ft.

Bog or Marsh Land.--By planting a few of the more distinct species
adapted for such positions, bogs or marshes may be made interesting.
The following plants are suitable:--Arundo Donax, Bambusa Fortunei,
Cypripedium Spectabile, Dondia Epipactis, Drosera Rotundifolia,
Gunnera Scabra, Iris Kaempferi, Iris pseud-Acorus, Juncus Zebrinus,
Myosotis Palustris, Osmunda Regalis, Parnassia Palustris, Pinguicula
Vulgaris, Polygonum Sieboldi, and Sarracenia Purpurea.

Boltonia Asteroides.--This is a hardy perennial which flowers in
September. The same treatment that is given to Asters is suitable for
this plant. Height, 3 ft.

Bomarea.--A useful greenhouse climber, the flowers of which are
valuable for cutting, as they last a lo