MIDSUMMER POMPS 



age and bloom will in August and September 

 seem to be the only inhabitants of this part of 

 the border or the garden. If the objection be 

 raised that the poppy leaves must shade such 

 seeds in May and June, I reply that it is easy so 

 to stake aside a leaf or two of the poppy in many 

 places as to allow the sun full access to the little 

 seedlings of annuals. 



Shall I be forgiven for returning to the subject 

 of sea-lavenders, or statices, for a moment ? Seeds 

 of several varieties started under glass not only 

 made a pretty effect in rows but became a ne- 

 cessity for cutting. The variety bonduelli already 

 mentioned was tried for the first time, taken on 

 faith and the word of Sutton & Sons. It found 

 favor at once. Statice sinuata, mauve, came true 

 to its name, bearing pale-mauve flowers in what 

 might be called tiny boughs or branches about a 

 foot from the ground. Statice sinuata Mauve proved 

 to be of many lovely tones of pale mauve, bluish 

 mauve, and cream-white. But, oh, the pale-yel- 

 low variety, S. sinuata bonduelli, again ! In this 

 we have almost a primrose-yellow Gypsophila pa- 

 niculata for the making delicate of our bowls and 

 jars of July flowers. One should see it with sea- 

 holly. On its fitness for use with Gladiolus primu- 



169 



