DIVISION OF EORTICULTCIiE 663 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 

 F. E. Buck, B.S.A., Assistant in Charge. 



The report ^\-liieli follows dealing with ornamental g-arden'ing activities at the 

 Central Farm at Ottawa during 1915-16 is written from the standpoint, this vear, of 

 the progress made in some of the more detailed phases of the work. 



CHINA ASTEES. 



The annual aster, or more correctly the China aster, is now one of the ' most 

 popular flowers grown. In its season it is without a rival. The aster came from 

 China about 1731. It is botanieally known as Callistephus chinensis or hortensis, 

 which signifies " beautiful crown." 



A large number of varieties has been under trial for some years at Ottawa and 

 also at the branch Farms. For the past two or three years, in addition to the main 

 or variety trials, experiments and observations have been made to gain information 

 on a peculiar and modern affection of the plants sometimes called aster "yellows." 

 The experiments will be carried on for .another year, however, before results are given. 



DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASTER. 



The original aster was single in form and almost two feet hi^h. Soon after its 

 introduction into Britain double forms became the rule. About 1850 the " quilled " 

 type was originated. This type is so named on account of the quilled or rolled form 

 of its florets. The flowers of this type are almost globular in shape. ■ 



Since that date all the other forms or types have been produced. Attention was 

 first given to producing dwarf and bedding types. Then followed in the eighties and 

 nineties of last century the strap or flat-rayed types like the Comet asters and the 

 loose fluffy types like the Ostrich Plume. These remain to-day great favourites. 



Deservedly, however, the most popular types to-day are the branching asters. 

 These produce flowers of both globular and somewhat flattened form. The flowers are 

 of large size, borne on long, strong stems, making them excellent for cutting. 



During recent years these branching asters have given most satisfaction at the 

 Farms, although all other forms are still grown in limited quantities as well. 



CLASSIFICATION OF THE ASTER. 



There are several systems of classifying asters, some more elaborate perhaps than 

 necessary. The system which follows is one aiming at simplicity and practicability. 

 In describing the best asters some system of classification is necessary. Those, however, 

 who grow these flowers for general use are not interested in any elaborate or botanical 

 classification. What is sought, therefore, in the following system is to group together 

 asters which are similar in main characteristics of vigour and size of plants, *arid 

 general type or size of flowers. 



The asters mentioned in group 1 consist of varieties which are highly recommended. 



1. The plants are large and generally vigorous. From li to 2h feet high. 



2. The flower stems are long and generally thick. 



3. In some cases the stems branch from the main stem in all directions; in other 

 cases they are upright or only partly spreading. 



4. The flowers are of large size and lasting in quality either on the plant -or when 

 cut. 



16 46 Ottawa. 



