3IO 



ROCK GARDENS 



rocks or for growing amongst shrubs, are M. complexa and adpressa^ 

 both of which bear rather inconspicuous white flowers. 



MuscARi (Liliaceae), Grape Hyacinth 



Little bulbous plants commonly known by name of Grape Hyacinth. 

 Only one or two species are really distinct. They are early flower- 

 ing, and valuable on that account. They like a sunny spot, and 

 increase fairly rapidly. 



M. conicum. — " Heavenly blue " is the best coloured, having deep 

 blue flowers very freely produced. 



M. moschatum. — Rather ugly flowers of a greenish-yellow colour, 

 but most deliciously fragrant, and well worth growing on that 

 account alone. 



M. szovitsianum. — Has large and pretty spikes of a pale blue 

 colour. 



Myosotis (Boraginaceae) 



The "Forget-me-nots" give us some lovely and valuable plants 

 for a moist or shady spot. So long as the ground is damp they do 

 not require shade, in fact they bloom better in the open. 



M. alpestris (syn. M. rupicola). — Likes a half-shady position 

 between pieces of sandstone, in a light, well-drained, though rather 

 moist soil ; is apt to perish in the winter in excessive moisture. It 

 forms close tufts of dark green, rather hairy leaves, and grows only 

 about 2 inches high. The flowers are of a beautiful blue colour, 

 with a yellow eye, which are borne in the greatest profusion during 

 the early summer. Though hardy, it is not easy to keep in health. 

 Easily raised, and comes true from seed. There are considerable 

 differences of opinion as to whether rupicola is merely a variety 

 of alpestris^ or a distinct species. I have taken them as being 

 synonymous, as from a gardener's point of view they are so 

 similar in appearance, and, requiring the same treatment, there 

 is no advantage in separating them. There are several named 

 varieties of M. alpest^zs^ the raisers of which claim them to be 

 superior to the type. 



M. azorica. — Likes a sheltered, half-shady position in deep, moist, 

 sandy loam. It forms spreading tufts. It has rich purple-blue 

 flowers, borne on arching stems about 6 to 9 inches long. It is not 

 very hardy, but can be easily raised from seed, which should be sown 

 in the autumn, and seedlings kept in frames during the winter and 

 planted out in May. A very choice and lovely plant. 



M. dissitifiora. — Likes moist loam in sun and partial shade. It 

 is very similar to M. sylvatica in appearance, but blooms earlier in 



