76 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 



from such free flowering subjects as the various Quinces, 

 Brooms, Weigela, Syringa, and others. Whole branches 

 of bud and blossom look exquisite when lightly arranged 

 in jars and vases, the Japanese methods being worthy of 

 imitation, so that in both garden and house endless possi- 

 bilities are presented to the modern gardener. In order 

 to recall a few of the best varieties, nearly all of which 

 are hardy, I give a list of those which have proved 

 deserving of a place. 



Azalea. These beautiful flowers should be grown 

 much more extensively. Not only during their flowering 

 period, but in the full glory of their autumn foliage, 

 they are supremely lovely. An endless number of 

 varieties are available, the hardy Ghent Azaleas with a 

 fine range of colour being perhaps best for general pur- 

 poses. A. mollis, a dwarf Japanese variety, is useful for 

 grouping in front of the larger kinds. Those living in 

 the south, or having gardens with sunny, sheltered dells, 

 may also plant A. Indica, which is a sub-evergreen. 

 Let no one be deterred from growing these beautiful 

 shrubs under the impression that they require peat ; in 

 ordinary garden soil they thrive wonderfully, if protected 

 from cold winds. 



Magnolia. Beautiful flowering shrubs from China and 

 Japan. M. conspicua bears a profusion of snowy blossoms 

 early in May. A dwarf growing variety with starry 

 white flowers, M.. stellata, should be grown in sheltered 

 corners. At Kew the effect of bold groups of Azaleas 

 and Magnolias in the open may be seen during the spring 

 and early summer months. 



Rhododendrons form gardens in themselves, such is the 

 variety of habit and colouring which they display. Never- 

 theless they are often overplanted, and when out of flower 

 the banks of evergreen foliage become monotonous. A 

 better plan is to choose a few really good hybrid varieties 

 and group them carefully according to colour and period 



