56 VILLA GAEDENING pakt I 



abundance — covering something like 150 acres in the grounds and 

 "vvroods — are all of the connnou ponticum type, yet the effect of such 

 a sight becomes indelibly fixed on the mind. Though the Rhodo- 

 dendron, the pride of the spring and early summer garden, is classed 

 with American plants, yet it is not exclusively of American origin. 

 The common species (ponticiun), which is naturalised in our woods, 

 is a native of Europe. The magnificent scarlet species (arborea) of 

 oiu- conservatories comes from India ; and from the high mountain 

 ranges of India a numerous and distinct, though a somewhat tender, 

 race of Rhododendrons have been imported. Solitary species have 

 been obtained from other countries, including Russia. From 

 America, Catawbiense — a host in itself — and many other hardy 

 species have been introduced, which in our gardens have multiplied 

 exceedingly, throwing oft' many hybrid forms. It has been sup- 

 posed by many that for its perfect development the Rhododendron 

 requires peat or bog earth ; but this is not so, as they will flourish 

 very w^ell if leaf-mould and old manure (preferably cow manure) 

 be added to the soil. They delight in the moisture and shade of 

 woodland districts of the southern and w^esteru counties, and they 

 revel amid the rich alluvial deposits of old river beds. Knowing 

 these facts, it is a comparatively easy matter to prepare a place for 

 Rhododendrons. The site shoidd be trenched up deeply, but not 

 bringing any bad stutt' to the surface. In extreme cases — to get 

 depth of soil without undue elevation — the bad soil may be taken 

 away. Anything in the way of decayed vegetable matter will do 

 for the Rhododendron beds ; chopped turf, leaf-moidd, old hotbeds, 

 cleanings of ditches, and charred refuse may be employed, but no 

 lime or calcareous matter, for they will not grow on a limestone 

 soil, and this fact must be kept in mind. Being of a fibry-rooted 

 nature. Rhododendrons wall always lift with balls, and there is less 

 danger in transplanting than with most things. April and October 

 are the best months for moving them, and if the work be done with 

 care, there need be no fear of the result; but their permanent well- 

 doing will depend entirely upon the preparation of the site ; and a 

 mulching with short manure immediately after planting is very 

 important. After the flowering has finished, the seed pods should 

 be removed from all choice specimens, as they tend so much to 

 exhaust the plants. Shelter from cold winds is necessary, especially 

 the first season of planting, as, if the plants have been obtained 

 from a nursery, they probably have been taken from a well-sheltered 

 situation. In cold districts, north or north-west of London, where 

 the rainfall is considerable, less shade will be required, as without 

 sunshine the wood will not ripen and the plant will not blossom 

 freely. 



