8 Encyclopedia of Gardening 



form a group at one end, or else be planted in straight lines at 

 intervals of about 20 ft. across the plot. Gooseberries, Currants, 

 Raspberries, and bush Apples on the Paradise stock would be most 

 suitable. A bed of Strawberries may be provided if space permits. 

 Flowers, such as annuals, may be grown in a border alongside the 

 main path. Weeds should never be tolerated on allotments, as 

 apart from robbing the soil they may, if they seed, prove a source of 

 injury to other allottees than the man on whose ground they are 

 permitted to grow. The paths should be kept neat and clean. 



Allspice. See Calycanthus. 



Almond. The Almond is one of the most useful of flowering 

 trees, because it blooms so early in spring. In mild districts it may 

 be out in March, and it is rarely later than April, except in very 

 cold parts. The pale pink flowers cover the long branches from tip 

 to base, so that the tree makes a very cheerful object. There are 

 several varieties of the common Almond. Dulcis is the Sweet 

 Almond, and Amara the Bitter Almond. Propagation need hardly 

 be considered, because those who want trees will purchase the 

 necessary number, probably in autumn. Soil : the Almond is not 

 in the least particular; it will grow almost anywhere. It is a 

 common object in the suburbs of London and other large towns. 



Aloe (al-o-e, from the Arabic alloch. Ord. Liliaceae). The Aloes 

 often excite astonishment when planted out in public parks. The 

 flowers may be 20 or 30 ft. above the ground. They are used in 

 sub-tropical gardens in summer, and put under cover in winter, for 

 they are not hardy. Several of the species are suitable for cultiva- 

 tion in greenhouses, notably striata, with spotted leaves; succo- 

 trina, with a rosette of glaucous leaves ; and variegata, the popular 

 variegated Aloe. Propagated by suckers. Soil: equal parts of 

 loam and peat, with a quarter of shattered brick. A temperature 

 of about 45 will be suitable in Winter, when very little water must 

 be given. 



Alonsoa (alonso-a, after Alonzo. Ord. Scrophularineae).- A genus 

 of graceful plants, including several which may be treated as annuals, 

 being sown under glass in a warm house or frame in winter, pricked 

 off and potted singly. They are occasionally used in flower beds. 

 Linifolia, Warscewiczii and W. compacta, all with scarlet flowers, 

 may be treated in this way. Sandy loam suits them. 



Alpine Garden and Plants. See Flower Garden Rockery. 

 Alstromeria. See Bulbs. 



Althaea, Mallow (althae-a, from altheo, to cure. Ord. Malvaceae). 

 A useful genus, which includes the popular Hollyhock, A. rosea 

 (see Hollyhocks). Another important plant is frutex (see Hibiscus 

 syriacus) ; there are several varieties. Ficifolia is the Fig-leaved 

 Hollyhock, and has fringed flowers. The Althaeas are handsome 

 shrubbery plants and thrive in any good friable soil. 



Alyssum (alyss-um, from a, without, and lyssa, rage = allaying 

 anger. Ord. Cruciferae). Charming dwarf plants, with bright 

 flowers produced in great profusion. Maritimum is a fragrant 



