56 SUMMER AND AUTUMN FLOWERS [CH. 



grouped in separate colours in the border. Buttons' 

 Yellow Prince, White Queen^ and Crimson King y when 

 treated in this way, are very striking. 



Aquilegia (Columbine) has been brought to great 

 perfection of late years in our borders. Suttons' crimson 

 and gold hybrids are lovely. They must be treated as 

 biennials, sown in boxes in spring, and planted out in 

 autumn. The more permanent sorts are chrysantha 

 (golden) and the blue and white Rocky Mountain ccsrulea 

 and alpina. 



Alyssum (Rock Madwort) is a showy rock-work 

 border plant, very easily grown in light soil, which should 

 be frequently renewed by cuttings. It is one of the most 

 satisfactory of yellow spring flowers, and contrasts well 

 with patches of Candytuft and Aubretia. 



Aster (Michaelmas Daisy). A very large family of 

 autumn-blooming composites, not to be confounded with 

 the annual China Asters. When every other flower has 

 faded these continue to bloom in spite of rain and storm. 

 They are most effective when planted amongst shrubs 

 which give support to their great stems, and room below 

 for their greedy roots. When grown in borders it is well 

 to fix a strong pea-stake in the centre of the group, into 

 which the stems may grow up. Almost all the Starworts 

 have been brought from North America. 



Aubretia (Purple Rock Cress). One of the most 



