lo Oct., 1908.] Garden Notes. 627 



beautiful dwarf species producing white flowers, differing from 

 other magnolias in the number and arrangement of the petals. 

 The petals are narrow, more numerous and arranged in flat, star shaped 

 form instead of the characteristic cup shape. A new variety of the above, 

 M. stellata rosea, bearing pale rose flowers, has been lately imported from 

 Japan, and should be a valuable acquisition. M. conspicua, the Yulan, 

 is one of the finest. It gro'ws and blooms freely in the metropolitan 

 district, the flowers being white, large, erect, aiid fragrant. M. obovata is 

 a dwarf hardy kind, the flowers of which are purple without, and white 

 within. This kind is easily propagated by layering. It is frequently used 

 as a stock for the kinds that are rare or difficult to propagate. i\L. 

 spectabilis is hardy and dwarf ; the flowers are large and resemble those 

 of M. conspicua. M. superba is a variety of garden origin, of moderate 

 growth, producing flowers of a beautiful pink shade. It is one of the 

 finest deciduous kinds. M. Soulangeana, Lennei,' and others are worthy 

 of culture. 



Of the evergreen species, M. grandiflora, and M. grandiflora lanceolata 

 are well known and popular kinds, producing immense white flowers of 

 great fragrance. These are suitable for planting as avenue trees. INI. 

 fuscata, the Port-wine Magnolia, is a dwarf evergreen shrub, producing 

 purplish brown flowers in summer, the perfume of which strongly 

 resembles the smell of port wine. The latter plant is now classed by 

 botanists as Michelia fuscata. 



FlovT'er Garden. 



The work of soil cultivation, planting, seed sowing, and destruction of 

 insects, &c., recommended last month should be continued in a great 

 measure during the present. As early flowering annuals fade they should 

 be removed, and their place filled by transplanting, or sowing seeds of, 

 plants that will bloom during summer and autumn. A number of plants 

 that will make the garden bright during autumn may be raised from seeds 

 sown now. Manv tender or half-hardy annuals grown for the beautv of 

 their foliage or flowers, such as amaranthus, coleus, balsams, celosias, &c., 

 may be planted out when danger from frost has passed. Salvias "Bon- 

 fire " and " Gloire de Studgardt," commonly known as Glory of Stutt- 

 gart, are popular plants for bedding or producing bright patches of flowers 

 in groups or borders. They may be raised from seeds, or from cuttings of 

 the old plants of last season. Various plants known under the general 

 classificat'on of bedding plants may be set out, including iresines and 

 alternantheras. 



Beds for the reception of dahlias should be prepared. A deeply 

 worked, well drained, and rich soil is necessary for the production of fine 

 blooms. Dahlias may be planted now if flowers are desired during summer. 

 Divisions of the tubers or young plants from pots will provide large plants 

 that will bloom in about three months. 



Kitchen Garden. 



Growing crops should be kept free from weeds by frequentlv hoeing 

 between the rows. Thinning the plants and hand-weeding should also be 

 attended to in good time, or the result from the crops is almost sure to be 

 disappointing. 



Cucumbers, melons, marrows, raised under hot frame conditions may 

 be planted out, and seeds may be sown where the plants are to remain. 



