BLOOMING DATES OF PERENxMALS 5 



operation with the New England Division of the American Iris Society. Further 

 reports will include these newer varieties, which are entirely within the price range 

 of the average purse. 



Peony 



All commonly cultivated herbaceous peonies come from the species Paeonia 

 albiflora sinensis. They might be divided roughly into three groups: (1) the 

 Single type, with one or two rows of guard petals and numerous pollen-covered 

 stamens; (2) the Double type, which may be fully double without stamens or 

 semi-double with stamens intermingled with the petals (there are many grada- 

 tions from semi-double to the fully double in which the seed pods or ovaries 

 also have become petals); and (3) the Japanese type, which appears quite like 

 the single type in the singleness of the guard petals but differs in the effect pro- 

 duced by the stamens, which have been bred into quite narrow, thickened petals 

 or petaloids almost devoid of pollen. This characteristic results in a cushion- 

 like effect of multiplied stamens which often take on the color of the guard 

 petals, giving the entire flower a single tone of color. They have become the 

 favorite of the Japanese, who have developed them exclusively, and it is for this 

 reason that the group is known as the Japanese type. Their flowers, having less 

 weight than the double types, are not so likely to remain prostrate after storms; 

 the blooms last well when cut and are particularly desirable for their decorative 

 effect. 



Following the varietal name of the various peonies in the lists is the numerical 

 rating given each by the American Peony Society. The highest possible rating 

 is 10. 



Summer Phlox 



Phlox, which contributes more generously to July-August garden color than 

 any othei genus, is well represented here. Time of bloom (early, mid-season, or 

 late), dwartness and tallness, good branching habit, size of floret, and color have 

 all been considered. With the exception of a few newer forms of particular prom- 

 ise, those listed represent the best of the standard phlox which are generally 

 available in Massachusetts. 



Tulip 



Only the best of the tulip species for use in the rock garden have been included 

 in the lists. While these are not now generally available on account of inter- 

 national conditions, they have been included because of the early, crisp brilliance 

 with which their vivid colors open the season. For a succession of vivid ver- 

 milion-scarlet, as few as three bulbs each oi fosteriana, praestans, eichleri, wilson- 

 iana and greigi will create a surprising effect. Plant them near blue-flowering 

 plants such as Grape Hyacinth and delight in the sparkle their color brings to 

 the blue masses. 



