December 3, 1910 



HORTICULTURE 



765 



Viola cornuta 



j;r 



When passing over the long list of 

 varieties of the genus viola, described 

 in leading horticultural encyclope- 

 dias, one soon becomes aware that 

 the majority is mainly of interest 

 to the botanist and the collector. 

 Aside of a limited number of species 

 of the odorata class grown for forc- 

 ing there are few which have held 

 their own as permanent inhabitants 

 of the garden. Leaving out the 

 sweet-scented spring violets, all that 

 remains is the pansy and the horned 

 violets — Viola comuta. The latter 

 a native of southern Europe is of 

 late gaining more and more ground, 

 both in European and American 

 gardens. In foliage and general 

 habit of growth it closely leans 

 toward the pansy, but its flowers, 

 appearing in pale violet blue and in 

 pure white, are of the shape and 

 size of the single violet. They stand 

 out in great profusion, iive above 

 the foliage, and, as the flowering 

 period lasts through the whole sum- 

 mer the value of Viola cornuta as a bedding plant and for 

 various other ornamental purposes is self-evident. I 

 have been using it as border and for mass effects on 

 single beds by themselves and its sheets of color proved 

 highly effective. English and German gardeners during 

 recent years show a special preference for a true violet 

 colored variety named Gustave Wermig. In growth it 

 is more compact and vigorous as the original form and 

 the plants are most of the season literally covered with 

 flowers, resembling in shape and size a large well devel- 

 oped single violet of a clear blue shade. 



Of late much has been said in the horticultural press 

 abroad about the new Viola cornuta hybrids. If the 

 colored pictures sent out by the introducers are correct, 

 it means that we are gradually going to have similar 

 color combinations in Viola cornuta flowers as we are 

 having in pansies. Seed of the new strain, sowed here 

 last year brought forth disappointing results. 



It is claimed, however, that the best colored varieties 



Viola ihkm ia 

 In a Northenst Harbor Rock Garden. 



are rarely coming true from seed, but must be propagated 

 by cuttings, or division. What, according to my obser- 

 vation, hitherto apparently appeals most forcefully in 

 Viola cornuta is the close resemblance of its flowers to 

 the violet. If, in the eventful shape and coloring of 

 miniature pansies, tliis plant species will meet with the 

 same popular favor, remains to be seen. Well grown 

 stock of the original plain colors finds willing purchasers, 

 for every lover of violets has a desire for the summer- 

 flowering Viola cornuta. The photograph for our illus- 

 trfation, taken in a Northeast Harbor rock garden last 

 August, is one instance showing its adaptability for 

 various positions. It is this remarkable latitude of use- 

 fulness in ornamental garden planting that is placing 

 Viola cornuta in rank and file with our best low growing 

 hardy flowering perennials. 



Northeast Harbor, Maine. 



Fruit and Vegetables Under Glass 



POT VINES 



Pot vines can now 'be started at once and will furnish 

 fruit for cutting the last week in April. Presuming 

 they are already established in twelve-inch pots, ram 

 each one firm before taking in. To grow these success- 

 fully a house should be devoted to them, where the pots 

 can be plunged in leaves, to give the necessary bottom 

 heat. 



Later on these leaves serve a double purpose. If the 

 bottom of the pot is partly knocked out the roots will 

 run amongst the decaying leaves, giving more feeding 

 surface and also keep the pot from drying out. 



Bend the canes to insure an even break and syringe 

 with warm water twice a day. Maintain a night tem- 

 perature of 40 to 45 degrees with a rise of 10 degrees 

 with sun heat. Black Hamburgh alone should be used 

 for this house. 



MELONS 



Plants which will be ripening fruit during the early 



months of the year are best grown in 14-inch pots, as 

 each plant is then under better control. Sow seeds in 

 small pots and shift on to 4 in., thence to finals. Give 

 one-quarter of the pot to drainage and make the soil 

 quite firm. The collar of plant should be level with the 

 top of pot when finished. Seed sown now should be 

 ripening fruit during March. Hero of Lockinge is the 

 best variety to use for winter work. 



RE-POTTING FRUIT TREES 



Fruit trees in pots are not as well known as their 

 merits deserve to be. Much more fruit can be produced 

 out of a house by judiciously handling trees in pots than 

 is possible otherwise. An orchard house is a great acqui- 

 sition to any establishment, not only for its productive- 

 ness but also for its beauty. Even where an orchard 

 house is not available pot trees can be grown successfully 

 in newly planted vineries or peach houses or even those 

 in full bearing, provided that they can receive sufiBcient 

 light. 



