CHAPTER XXIV 



FOURTH WEEK IN JUNE 



AMONGST the finest of the shrubs now in blossom 

 the Honey-ball Tree, or Golden Ball of Japan, is 

 conspicuous, for it is covered at every point with 

 yellow flowers, each so full of honey that it scents the sur- 

 rounding air and attracts all the bees in the neighbourhood, 

 so that a continual humming sound surrounds the shrub. 



In a sheltered corner here this fine plant grows to the 

 height of 1 6 feet, and is nearly as deep through : an 

 unusual sight, except in Japan, for it is not absolutely hardy, 

 and more commonly it only attains half that height, being 

 often cut back severely by the cold winds of our spring. 

 The silver-lined foliage is distinct and handsome, and in 

 a suitable position, sheltered from the north and east, with 

 deep soil, few shrubs can rival it in June. Cuttings put in 

 under a frame in autumn are not difficult to manage, but 

 they should be sheltered for the first winter, until their stems 

 are hard and woody. 



Every garden, however small, should contain an arch or 

 a series of arches covered with roses and clematis, for the 

 beauty of these two plants is enhanced by their being planted 

 near each other, and both are just now in full bloom. The 

 new clematis Ville de Lyon is very distinct from the rest, 

 the flower being about 8 inches across, and crimson in tint, 

 with an edge of a deeper shade than the centre. As a com- 

 panion for the rose Reve d'Or, with creamy-yellow blooms, 

 the Ville de Lyon clematis is most beautiful ; whilst the 

 rich blue flowers of C. Blue Gem harmonise well with any 



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