THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



June Eupatorium Ageratoides has pretty, white, Ageratum- 



i~^5 like flower heads, and comes in very useful for cutting. 

 Gaillardias are generally represented in gardens by 

 the varieties of Picta, which are grown as half-hardy 

 annuals, being raised from seed sown under glass in 

 spring. There are, however, some perennial forms, 

 varieties of Aristata, which are hardy perennials, and may 

 be raised from seed now. 



The Goat's Rue (Galega Officinalis), lilac, and its variety, 

 Alba, white, are particularly valuable on account of the 

 fact that they will grow on almost any soil. They do not 

 merely live, but thrive and grow to large proportions, on 

 very poor land. They last, too, for a good many weeks. 

 The Gentians give us blue of so deep a tone that 

 " Gentian blue " has come to be referred to as a standard 

 of richness by gardeners. The plants are hardy peren- 

 nials of dwarf growth, suitable for rockwork or the front 

 of borders. The Gentianella (G. Acaulis) is one of the 

 finest, the flowers being not only extraordinarily brilliant 

 in colour, but of large size. It is glorious in a mass in 

 spring. One finds the plant a little baffling sometimes. 

 It may grow freely, be perfectly healthy, and form a 

 number of buds, yet fail to expand any flowers. This is 

 sometimes — perhaps generally — due to drought, and if 

 the soil is dry when the plant is in bud a soaking of 

 water may be given ; followed, if the ground is light and 

 poor, with hquid manure. Asclepiadea, the "Willow 

 Gentian," does best in shade. It is taller than the 

 majority, growing to eighteen inches or two feet high. 

 Bavarica is a beautiful species, and likes moist soil. 

 Pneumonanthe, the " Calathian Violet," is also good. 

 Septemfida, azure blue, is a pretty and easily grown 

 species ; and Verna, blue, with white centre, is also an 

 accommodating as well as a most beautiful plant. The 

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