OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN FLOWERS. 235 



Salix Reticulata. 



WRINKLED or NETTED WILLOW; Nat. Ord. SALICACE^J. 

 A NATIVE deciduous shrub, of creeping or prostrate habit, not 

 growing higher than 2in. As the flowers are inconspicuous and 

 only interesting to the botanist or when under the microscope, 

 let me at once say I mention this subject because of its beautiful 

 habit and distinct quality of foliage. When grown on rock- 

 work, no other plant can compare with it, and where choice 

 spring bulbs are planted, this handsome creeper may be allowed, 

 without injury to such roots, to broadly establish itself; so 

 grown, its little stout leaves, thickly produced, flatly on the 

 surface, are much admired. 



The flowers or catkins stand well above the foliage, but are 

 unattractive, being of a dusky brown colour ; the leaves are dark 

 green, downy, of much substance, l^in. long, and nearly lin. 

 broad, but the size of foliage varies according to the conditions 

 under which the specimens are grown ; the sizes now referred to 

 are of plants grown on rather dry rockwork and fully exposed ; 

 the form of the leaves is orbicular, obtuse, not in the least notched, 

 bald, reticulately veined, and glaucous beneath; the stems are 

 short and diffuse, and tinged with red on the younger parts. 



During winter, when bare of foliage, its thick creeping stems, 

 covered with fat buds and interlaced in a pleasing manner, 

 render it interesting in almost any situation not shaded. It 

 forms a capital carpet plant from early spring to the end of 

 summer. 



It is in no way particular as regards soil, and though it loves 

 moisture, like most other willows, it proves thriving in diy 

 places. It is, moreover,- a good grower in large towns. Its 

 propagation may be carried out before the leaves unfold in 

 spring. Little branches with roots to them may be cut from 

 the parent plant, and should be set in sandy loam and watered 

 well to settle it about the roots. 



Flowering period, September to strong frosts. 



Sanguinaria Canadensis. 



BLOODROOT; Nat. Ord. PAPAVERACE^E. 



THIS is a native of North America, and is, therefore, hardy in 

 this climate; tuberous rooted. It is a curious plant, not only 

 from its great fulness of sap or juice, which is red (that of 

 the root being darker, whence its name Bloodroot), but also 

 because of the shape of its leaves, their colour, and method of 

 development (see Fig. 81). Though very dwarf, it is handsome 

 and distinct. 



The flowers are pure white and nearly 2in. across ; the petals 

 have good substance, but they fall in five or six sunny days ; the 



