SUMMER MEETING. 151 



Heliotropes with their fragrant lavender and purple tlowers make 

 an indispensable attraction for the dower garden. 



Hibiscus Sinensis, Chinese varieties, particularly llegia Maxima 

 and Subviolacea, make excellent centers for vases or for flower beds, 

 and when they grow to be of considerable size they are beautiful single 

 specimens in a lawn. The dwarf blue lobelia does very well except in 

 the full sun where it often burns out in our extremely hot weather. 

 But as blue flowers are quite rare, we feel it is indispensable. 



Among roses the hardy varieties are of course almost innumerable ; 

 but I will mention two or three particularly as being sure of giving 

 satisfaction wherever planted. Ulrich Bruuer is a magniticent red, as 

 also are Gen. Jacqueminot, Gen. Washington and Mad. Ohas. Wood. 

 Magna Charta is a pink, and Coquette Des Blanches is a good white. 

 Other good roses which are hardy here, but not generally classed among 

 the hardy varieties, are Clothiide Soupert, Meteor, Eioile De Lyon, 

 Duchesse De Brabant and Hermosa. The last list of roses just given 

 is truly ever blooming. 



I might mention a great many other varieties of plants that are 

 worthy of notice, but think I have mentioned too many already to 

 come under the head of " best bedding plants." 



I regret my inability to be with you at this meeting, there being 

 other things which I cannot avoid, to keep me away from you. I trust 

 that what I have said may bring out some discussion, and by getting 

 expressions from some of your members you may be profited to some 

 extent. Trusting that this meeting wi 1 prove a profitable as well as 

 entertaining one, and thanking you for your indulgence, I am, 



E. H. Michel, St. Louis, Mo. 



A FEW HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 



As winter passes by and stormy March with occasional warm days 

 and sunshine starts the crocus and mezereums into bloom, the thought 

 comes to us, what shall we plant, what kinds will best meet our wants 

 to beautify our grounds. 



Naturally, most are inclined to such shrubs and plants that are 

 perfectly hardy and of easy cultivation ; those that in a manner take 

 care of themselves from year to year. 



In a choice selection of shrubs and climbers, a succession of bloom 

 from April to October may meet our desires, but with all we are not 

 satisfied, we are prompted to look to the humbler herbaceous plants 

 to fill many of the floral voids that are likely to occur during this time. 



