Flowering Plants for Conservatory Decoration 



By Thomas Proctor, Superintendent "Blantyre" Gardens, Lenox, Mass. 



I am frequently asked by parties visiting our con- 

 servatory, what varieties of flowering plants we consider 

 the best for Summer and Autumn decoration. In deahng 

 with this subject I will mention the varieties we have 

 found the most serviceable for a structure such as we 

 have got to contend with here. 



Our conservatory was formerly a loggia, or covered 

 terrace adjoining the mansion, and extending outwards 

 some fifty feet, with a slate roof and low, projecting eaves. 

 About ten years ago this was converted into a conserva- 

 tory, the sides enclosed w-ith glass, and radiators installed 

 for heating, etc. 



Any casual observer will readily see, however, that a 



able space in the greenhouses for months, only to find 

 that a large majority of the plants when they did flower 

 would not last a week under the conditions existing here. 



I will now name the varieties we have found the most 

 serviceable. Those we consider the best for their lasting 

 qualities are grown in quantity, namely : 



Campanula pyramidalis. Campanula media. Campanula 

 percicifolia ; Digitalis gloxiniseflora, Celosias, Hydran- 

 geas, Humea elegans, Rehmannia angulata, and Clarkia 

 Suttons double salmon pink. 



We also grow the following in batches for succession 

 throughout the season : 



Fuchsias, Stocks, Gloxinias, Tuberous Begonias, Lilies, 



THE COXSERV.\TORV .AT "BL.XXTVRE" GARDENS, LENOX, .M.\SS. 



Structure of this kind is far from being an ideal place for 

 plants in bloom. 



I presume there are other gardeners throughout the 

 country confronted with much the same conditions, and, 

 like ourselves, expected to furnish a continuous display 

 of flowering plants in the conservatory during the sum- 

 mer and autumn months, and no doubt have found it 

 rather difficult at times to do so. 



In giving our experience relative to this matter, I trust 

 it may render a little assistance to those who may be 

 starting to face a similar problem. 



We have tried most everything in the way of flowering 

 plants recommended for the conservatory, taking up valu- 



Civpsophila elegans, Petunias. LoIrIi;! u-ihiut. Celosias, 

 Hvdrangeas. Artemisia lactiflora, Gladiolus, and .Margue- 

 rite Mrs. Fred. Sander. 



TJie different varieties are placed in groups around the 

 conservatory, and arranged to harmonize with the groups 

 on either side when possible. 



Our employers usually reach liere towards the latter 

 part of May and remain until the end of October. On 

 their arrival the conservatory will be full of the following 

 plants in l)loom : 



Schizanthus Wisetonensis, Calceolaria hybrida. Spircas, 

 Tuberous Begonias, Gloxinias, Petiuiias. Celosias. Hy- 

 drangeas, Rehmannia angulata, Clarkia Sutton- double 



