1G8 , - THE FLOEAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



have seen it at NottiDgbam in a garden, where it has grown most 

 luxuriantly for the past seven years. It is the plant known in America 

 as the " A^irginian poke." 



Rlieum cmodi is a huge-leaved rhubarb, with red stems, very 

 handsome, and will do in any soil. I saw, not long since, common 

 rhubarb planted in a bed amongst those splendid rhododendrons 

 and hollies near Eotten Row, in Hyde Park. They had a good 

 effect ; but I thought it a pity they had not planted Rheum emodi 

 instead, for it is ten times more handsome than any rhubarb, and is 

 not open to the reproach of being a kitchen plant. I once saw 

 scarlet-runner beans planted to make a mass of red in a flower- 

 garden. I granted they were beautiful at a distance ; but I said 

 such planting was not creditable, because when we discover its 

 nature, we feel we have been cheated. 



Palaver pulcherrimum and P. trium]rjliale are huge species of 

 poppy, with scarlet flower, the plants rising three feet high. Put 

 them in a sunny border. They do not last long in full beauty ; but 

 while they are good, they are glorious. 



Ligularia gigantea. — This plant bears some resemblance to the 

 Chinese coltsfoot, Farfugium grande^ and is well adapted for a raised 

 bank. It grows quite three feet high, and soon makes a great mass 

 of most handsome leaves. 



Heradeum giganteum is a gigantic hemlock, only fit for the 

 shrubbery and retired parts of the grounds, but in a suitable place, 

 especially near water, it is a grand and imposing object, presenting 

 its vast head of white flowers on a stem six feet high. 



Flymus glauca. — This lovely grass is not at all understood ; its 

 beauty is distinct and delightful ; the rather broad leaves arch over 

 in every variety of graceful curve, and the colour is a glittering 

 glaucous green. Its proper place is on a dry sandy bank, but it will 

 grow in any soil and almost any position. I have lately visited a 

 garden which is known to the readers of the Floeal Would, and 

 seen this grass making a superb eftect. One great tuft of it stands 

 high up in a huge hollow tree, in the midst of brake and other ferns, 

 in a rockery, and other plants are in pots on the lawn, placed in 

 pairs alternately with pairs of Cedrus deodara, Cupressus Lawsoniana, 

 Abies Douglassi, etc., and other conifers, which are also in pots. 

 The Elymus contrasts finely with the bright green of the turf, and 

 the rich dark and light of the coniferous trees. 



Now I have named a few plants that no one who loves a garden 

 should be without. They are all cheap, easily obtained, easily 

 grown, will increase with time, will give dignity and splendour to 

 any garden. My list of favourites is not exhausted, but I shall not 

 name any more at present. 



