14(5 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1891. 



« 



peat, sand, and loam, and bloom in the later part of May and 

 June. 



The Azalea Mollis is comparatively a new species from Japan, 

 and, after ten years' trial in my grounds, is found hardy. It 

 also thrives and grows vvell ; it is the earliest to bloom and 

 makes large trusses of beautiful iiowers, of several shades of 

 color, and is destined, when more widely disseminated, to 

 become very popular. 



Of the many flowering shrubs, both native and foreign, none 

 are more attractive the year round than the Rhododendrons. 

 This charming shrub, after many years' trial, is now fairly 

 established and recognized as hardy. The maximum is native, 

 and found growing wild in some sections of the State ; the 

 foreign, or catawbiense and hybrid varieties, are found to be 

 most satisfactory, many seedlings being brought out every 

 season. This class of plants, when nursery grown, are easily 

 transplanted. When planted in groups or masses nothing can 

 compare with the gorgeous eflect of their bloom in contrast 

 with their wealth of evergreen foliage. In the preparation of 

 the soil for the Rhododendron it should be trenched three feet in 

 depth, and the soil should be well mixed with peat and sand 

 and well-decomposed leaf mould, in equal parts ; a heavy mulch 

 of forest leaves should protect the plants in winter, to prevent 

 the ground from freezing, as the leaf undoubtedly derives some 

 nourishment from the roots during the winter season. A 

 northerly-sheltered situation contributes to the chances of suc- 

 cess. A most beautiful collection is found in Elm Park, thanks 

 to the untiring zeal and foresisjht of Edward Winslow Lincoln. 



The Kalmia Latifolia, or the common Laurel of our hillsides 

 and pastures, is now receiving more attention and is proving 

 also one of the very desirable evergreen shrubs ; the magnificence 

 of these plants, when receiving good cultivation, can scarcely 

 be imagined in their glossy green leaves, shapely form, and 

 profuse trusses of unique and charming flowers. While they 

 are largely grown from seed in nurseries, they are also readily 

 transplanted in their wild state, during the period from August 

 to November. They should be taken up with a ball of earth 



