528 EXl'Eh'ni r:\TAL FARMS 



5 GEORGE v.. A. 1915 



The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England. 



The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, U.S.A. 



The material reached Ottawa in November, and was i)lanted out immediately. 

 Most of "the plants came tlirougli the winter safely and made satisfactory growth during 

 the season of 1913. 



Among several interesting 'new species and varieties sent from the Arnold 

 Arboretum, there was included a specimen of that rare and unique tree, discovered in 

 ( 'hina by E. H. Wilson some years ago, called Davidia involucraia. This tree 

 has a'very interesting history and is classed as one of the most beautiful of all the 

 rare flowering plants. 



Nearly all of the shrubs in this collection were specimens of a few of the newer 

 shrubs collected by this renowned collector, now in the employ of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture. Mr. Wilson's introductions number several thousand, 

 many of which are likely to be popular additions to our exotic ornamentals. It is an 

 advantage to have some specimens of these desirable plants from a first-hand source. 



PROMISING SHRUBS RECENTLY IMPORTED. 



Amongst the new varieties of shrubs imported from Europe during the past 

 few years are several new varieties of that very graceful shrub "The Tamarisk" 

 (Tamarix). Last year some of these varieties went through the winter better than 

 others. A hardy variety would certainly prove very acceptable, as this shrub is unique 

 and could be used to great advantage. It is striking and beautiful when in bloom in 

 July and August. 



NOTES ON ANNUAL FLOWERS. 



For several years past considerable varietal test work has been carried on with 

 annual flowers, and during the past year some experimental work was commenced in 

 connection with these flowers. 



During the summer of 1913, 31.5 difterent varieties or selected strains of annuals 

 were grown in the test plots at the Central Farm. 



In the following lists a number of the best of tliese is described. It seems desirable 

 to outline the strong points which are claimed for annual flowers. It is not intended 

 by so doing to suggest that they are competitors for popular favour with the perennial 

 flowers, for both types are necessary in our gardens. The purpose is more to indicate 

 liow easy it is to get flowers to brighten all parts of the country in an almost incredible 

 .-^hort space of time and at a minimum of labour and outlay. 



1. Annuals, perhaps more than any other group of flowers, exhibit a wonderful 

 diversity of form and colour by means of which bold and beautiful eflFeets may be 

 produced. 



2. By using annuals these effects may be produced in the short space of two or three 

 months from the time the seed is sown. Annuals have no rivals in this respect. The 

 bare earth is transformed into a fairy-land of beauty in twelve short weeks. 



3. On account of their various habits it is possible to use annuals for all sorts of 

 purposes, such as: screens for ugly fences, plants to cover rocks, flowers for beds and 

 borders, etc. 



4. As flowers for cutting, some of the annuals are unequalled, to mention only the 

 riweet peas and asters is a proof. No cottage need be without flowers. 



5. Annuals as a group possess a large number of fragrant flowers, for instance: 

 Ten-week stocks, sweet peas, niigiionette, candytuft, petunias, etc. 



Ottawa. 



