282 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



their beauty well fits it for a place in this colleetion. Many varieties 

 are in the market of which the double rose-colored one with variegated 

 foliage is the equal of ar^y. 



HERB^. 



Coming back to early spring, we find among the hardy herbaceous 

 plants some species of the columbines, among the first to come into 

 bloom. The peculiar form of its flower, together with a great variety of 

 colors, render them very effective. There are two species especially 

 worthy of our consideration. 



The Canada Columbine fAquilegia Canadensis) is an early spring 

 bloomer, attaining a height of from eighteen inches to three feet, with 

 red and yellow flowers, having medium-sized spurs. A bed five feet in 

 diameter, which will hold about fifteen plants, will ordinarily give a 

 profusion of bloom lasting from April until June. 



The Golden Columbine ( AcquUegia chrysantha) is a somewhat 

 taller grower, with large jellow flowers, having long spurs. It comes 

 into bearing about June 1, or a little before the Canada Columbine 

 ceases, and lasts from six to eight weeks. They succeed best in a 

 slightly sheltered position, and prefer a moist soil. 



The Perennial Larkspur ( Delphinium formosnm) bears, through the 

 late summer and autumn, indigo blue flowers, arranged as spikes. In 

 form the individual blossoms resemble those of the columbine in that 

 both are spurred, the columbine having five and the larkspur but one,, 

 the two lurnishing an incessant bloom from April until November. 



Phloxes are a justly popular plant, and at least two species re- 

 quire our attention : 



Phlox suhlata has a trailing habit of growth, never reaching more 

 than a few inches in height, and soon forms a solid mat which is fre- 

 quently hidden by the dense bloom of beautiful pink flowers which 

 appear in and last into May. The narrow, moss-like leaves present a 

 brilliant autumn display and perfume. 



Phlox paniculata, with its numerous varieties and hybrids, ranging 

 in color from pure white to dark rosy salmon, intermingled with a light 

 crimson, form a pleasing combination of colors when properly arranged. 

 The best effect can usually be secured by planting in clumps at the 

 same time not so dense that each plant will lose its individuality. 

 They bloom continually during the summer and autumn months. In 

 spring the plants send up several shoots, of which all but one should 

 be pinched off so that the plant may assume an upright growth. 



The Bleeding Heart (Dicentra SpectablisJ in very early spring pro- 

 duces its crop of pinkish heart-shaped flowers in drooping racemes. 

 The plant grows to a height of from one to two feet, and in planting 



