THE DAWN OF SPRING 



Gypsophila Repens. — A white summer bloomer; the well-known March 

 G. Paniculata, the flowers of which are used a good deal in 16-31 

 floral decorations, is a totally different plant. There is a rose- 

 coloured variety of Repens. 



Helianthemums or Sun Roses. — These ramble freely, are ever- 

 green, and flower more or less all through the summer, com- 

 mencing in late spring. The flowers are produced abundantly, 

 are large, and are of many beautiful colours. A great point 

 in favour of the Sun Roses is that they will thrive in hot, dry 

 positions. Those who are particularly interested in this useful 

 class might get a few of the best named varieties, such as 

 Golden Queen, Magenta Queen, Pink Beauty, Snowflake, and 

 Mrs. C. W. Earle. The names are a guide to the colours 

 except in the case of the last, which is crimson. These 

 varieties are not dear. 



Iberises or Perennial Candytufts. — Some of these are evergreens, 

 and flower profusely in late spring and early summer, forming 

 dense white cushions, which may be several feet across. They 

 enjoy sunshine, but do not object to shade for a part of the day. 

 Sempervirens is the most popular species, and there are several 

 special varieties of it, such as the double (Flore Pleno), Gar- 

 rexiana (with very large flowers), and Little Gem, dwarf. 



Leontopodium Alpinum (the Edelweiss). — A white Alpine of very dis- 

 tinct appearance, which spreads into broad cushions and flowers 

 freely. There is a large variety of it called Himalayanum. 



Linarias or Toad Flaxes. — There are several charming kinds of 

 this pretty genus, notably Alpina, violet with yellow centre ; 

 Cymbalaria, the Kenilworth Ivy, lilac and orange ; and the 

 white variety of the latter species. They trail and flower freely 

 in summer. 



Lithospermum Prostratum is one of the best of trailers for rock- 

 work. It is evergreen, it grows freely, it bears its flowers abun- 

 dantly for several months, and the colour is a rich deep blue. 



Mossy Saxifrages, notably Saxifraga Hypnoides and its varieties, 

 such as Purpurea, with dark red flowers ; and Rosea, with 

 rosy blossoms, are dainty plants, forming a close carpet of 

 foliage dotted with pretty flowers. 



Mountain Thymes (Thymus Serpyllum and its varieties), of which 

 Albus, white, and Coccineus, crimson, are desirable, are of 

 prostrate habit, spread freely, and enjoy sunny places, even if 

 dry. Dwarf, early flowering bulbs like Scillas, Narcissi, and 

 Irises may be planted among the Thyme. 

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