Flowers

Nasturtiums are good annuals to grow in dry garden spots, window boxes and hanging baskets. Sow seeds in pairs 30cm apart and thin to one when they sprout.

Dimorphotheca, Eschscholtzia (Californian poppy), Linum, Portulaca and annual chrysanthemums are good to grow in poor, sunbaked soil.

Gaillardia, Verbascum, marguerite daisy, Arctotis, Gazania, scented winterflowering Iris unguicularis (formerly L. stylosa) and Crassula croccinea (a succulent) are perennials to try in dry sunny spots, while Crocosmia can provide flowers in season from the poorest soils.

Lilium regale, one of the most popular lilies, is easily raised from springsown seed. In good growing conditions, bulbs will form and produce flowers in two years. Sow in seedraising mix that has been saturated with water. Cover the seeds with 1cm of mix. Germination may be erratic. During the first season, seedlings seem to direct all their energies into bulb production.

Fragrant oldfashioned annuals include nightscented stock, mignonette and tobacco plant

(Nicotiana). Nightscented stocks are easy to grow and do not require a rich soil. Sow near a window or deck used on summer evenings.

Mignonette must be sown in its permanent position as the plants resent being moved. Lime in the soil will help strong growth. Sow seed sparsely and thin plants early.

Nicotiana is valued for its perfume and trumpetshaped white or red flowers. Sow seed under cover this month and transplant in early

December. It can tolerate a semishaded position.