1873.] GOSSIPY GLEANINGS. 83 



the Sedums are applicable, particularly S. carnea variegata — it affords 

 a most graceful drapery always fresh. Of Mesembryanthemums, M. 

 lucanthemum and M. roseum are superior. Variegated Thymes look 

 well ; dwarf variegated grasses also. Of Mimulus, the musk variety 

 is the best. Oxalis tropceoloides, with its purple-brown leaves and 

 yellow flowers, is striking. Aubrietia grandiflora variegata, A. del- 

 toidea grandiflora, A. purpurea variegata, Bambusa Japonica variegata, 

 to furnish the top, Centaurea argentea, are splendid in winter. Linn sea 

 borealis, a truly lovely little plant, allied to the Honeysuckle, with 

 slender trailing stems and fragrant pink-eyed bell-flowers. Lobelias 

 of sorts, Myosotis rupicola, M. Palustris, Phlox Nelsonii, Saxifraga 

 cymbalaria, S. liir cuius, S. pectinata, S. Japonica variegata, &c. 

 Besides Sedum carnea variegata, we must not forget S. atropurpureum. 

 S. Japonicum variegatum, S. Sieboldii, and Sempervivum Californicum, 

 form nice rosettes ; so does Echeveria secunda glauca. But I must stop 

 and commence the building again. Just put in a circle of the nicest 

 variegation to satisfy the eye in the mean time, and the bulbs will ap- 

 pear by-and-by to add to the beauty. All the plants having been put in, 

 proceed to build the sides up with moss a bit before putting in more bulbs. 

 Then follow the same process of bulbs and other plants, succeeded with 

 tiers of moss until the top is reached, when Hyacinths and large Ferns 

 and other flowering plants form part of the whole; and complete the 

 work by covering the upper surface of the soil with moss. Finally, 

 regarding watering and training, always supply enough water to wet 

 the entire soil, and this more frequently than to a pot. Train by 

 pegging in with hooks of wire any straggling growth, and distribute the 

 shoots with an eye to lightsome grace. By the by, we must not omit 

 to mention variegated Ivies, and that splendid species of Virginian 

 creeper, Ampelopsis Veitchii. Nothing can surpass the last suspended 

 in festoons over the basket ; its pretty russet foliage is charming. 



Leaving the things of mid-air, let us descend again and give our 

 attention to those on terra Urma. In the number of the ' Gardener ' 

 for November, our Editor has characterised Acer negundo variegata as 

 one of the most effective plants for the flower-garden. This can well 

 be conceived if it looks only half as well outside as it does indoors, 

 treated as a greenhouse plant ; for, to say the least, it is simply mag- 

 nificent, more especially when the plants have reached 6 or 8 feet in 

 height, at which size they are suitable for grouping with large Camellias, 

 when their presence most effectually lights up the gloom natural to a Cam- 

 ellia-house in summer, or amongst Rhododendrons in spring. Such plants 

 are invaluable, particularly when associated with red or crimson sorts. 

 Acer negundo variegata is a variegated form of Maple, and therefore 

 deciduous. Under glass it retains its leaves six months — that is to say. 



