154 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



Now, what shall we plant in our gardens? Remember the question is, what 

 shill we plant? This daes not msan wtiit shall the batanical student, the chrysan- 

 themum crank, the carnation partialisr, the cactus fiend, or any other person 

 especially enamored of some particular class of plants, put into his garden spot. 

 The question is : "What shall we plant to grow the easiest, the fastest, make 

 the greatest amount of pleasant effect and create the most agreeable past-time for 

 ourselves. 



I will mention only such plants which are easily procured and well known, 

 adding possibly a few of later introduction, which have proven particularly useful. 



HARDY SHRUBS. 



First and beat among our hardy shrubs, I must mention the Eydr-ayigea Panicu- 

 lata Orandifiora, magnificent specimens of which excite the wonder and admiration 

 of visitors in our parks and gardens throughout the land. It is one of ihe very few 

 easily grown shrubs which bloom in the heat of the summer, and there are no 

 others that last as long and well after opening. The display their large panicles 

 of white flowers make in contrast with their green foliage can only be compre- 

 hended by persons who have seen them If you can have but one shrub, plant 

 this; it will fully repay any proper care bestowed upon it by mulching, watering 

 and pruning. 



Everybody knows Snowballs and Lilacs, whose bright flowers are particularly 

 welcome, coming as they do so early in the spring-time. 



The Calycanthus or Strawberry shrub is popular, because of its peculiar 

 pleasantly scented brownish maroon flowers. It is of easy culture. 



Weigelias, Rosea and Candida, the pink and white sorts, make the best of their 

 species, and are desirable additions to our list. 



Pyrus, or more properly, Cydonia Japonica, the " Japan Quince," makes a 

 beautiful plant, either as a single specimen or for hedges. The prevailing and 

 probably best sorts are those w^ith scarlet flowers, as they make the brightest dis- 

 plays ; they can bear many sharp prunings, and under such treatment will usually 

 flower more freely. 



The Philadelphus (Mock Orange or Siveet Jasmine) is another very attractive, 

 ornamental shrub; a vigorous grower and free bloomer. 



Magnolia Lenne, although it might be called a tree very properly, is still 

 within the bounds which permit its mention here. A magnificent plant with large 

 violet purple flowers, appearing very early in the spring before the foliage, which 

 is also of very good size. More flowers, though scarcely as large as the first, are 

 produced throiighout the summer; the plants when young require some protection 

 in the winter, but larger specimens need none. 



Magnolia Glauca is a small, white flowering sort, very sweet-scented ; quite 

 desirable, and almost evergreen. 



Magnolia Accuminata is a large, white flowering sort, which in this northern 

 climate takes the place of Grandiflora, which does not endure the winter. 



Actheas, or Hardy Hibisous, are summer blooming shrubs like the Hy- 

 drangea. The flowers of both single and double-flowering varieties range from 

 pure white to rose, red and purple shades of coloring. The flowers, however, are 

 not as attractive as those of many other shrubs. 



Deutzias and Spireas in white and pink shades are needed to make a collec- 

 tion, and make grand displays while they last, but like most others of the early 

 spring flowering shrubs, they pass away even more quickly than they come. 



