314 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1903 



For the reasons given it was impossible to sow those annuals which are sown in the 

 open, in the flower garden, hence one of the hillside plots was devoted to this purpose 

 and forty-nine varieties were sown in this location on May 14, together with thirty 

 varieties of named sweet pease. All these did exceptionally well and proved a source 

 of interest to visitors in addition to providing plenty of cut flowers which would other- 

 wise have been very scarce. 



Following will be found short notes on some of the most noticeable of the annuals : 



Lupins. — Six varieties sown outside on May 14. These flowers were exceptionally 

 free in blooming, and of most delicate colours, besides having the merit of flowering for 

 a long period. 



Godetia.—'F ouv varieties sown outside on May 14. This is one of the most beauti- 

 ful of our annuals, their large flowers, of diversified colouring, showing to splendid 

 advantage when massed. Should always be sown outside as they do not transplant 

 readily. 



Ahro7iia U7nbellata. — Sown outside on May 14 ; is a very showy annual trailer. 

 Though not grown extensively it deserves more general recognition. 



Annual Larksptir. — This well known annual was specially noticeable on account of 

 its long period of blooming, continuing in flower until quite late in the season. 



Asters, Salpiglossis, Stocks, Petunias, Scabiosa, &c., were all very fine and made an 

 excellent display throughout the season on those portions of the garden that had not 

 been inundated. 



PERENNIALS (HERBACEOUS). 



The perennials which were moved to location on hillside in 1900 [see page 451 of 

 last year's report) have become well established, and made a fine and continuous display 

 of bloom throughout the past season. The following are worthy of special mention : 



Spiraea filipendula. — The Herbaceous spireas are among the most beautiful of hardy 

 perennials. This variety has very fern-like serrated leaves which lie close to the ground 

 from the centre of which large flattened panicles of pure white flowers arise making a 

 fine effect ; 18 inches high. 



Sjnraea filipendula fi. pi. — This is a double form of the above and is much 

 superior, the flower spikes being much denser and of a purer white colour ; 1 8 inches high. 



Pyrethrum uliginosum. — Produces large white daisy like flowers in profusion late 

 in the autumn ; height 2 feet. 



Geranium platypetalum. — A charming plant about 10 inches high which produces 

 large flowers of a purplish red, a very desirable acquisition. 



Hemerocallis variegata. — Similar in every respect to the Common Day Lily, but 

 having beautifully variegated green and white leaves making it very striking. Height 

 3| feet. 



Tliermopsis CaroUniana. — A showy perennial producing long dense spikes of pea 

 shaped yellow flowers very striking ; height 2|^ feet. 



Coreopsis delphinifolia. — A pretty variety of coreopsis with foliage resembling the 

 Delphinium and producing in abundance its yellow rayed flowers with dark centre ; 

 height 1| feet. 



There are many other eminently satisfactory varieties included in this collection, 

 which have not yet been touched upon in these reports, particulars of which will be 

 given from year to year. 



