FLOWER CULTURE 



63 



Shrubs that would flower and make backgrounds for these low 

 herbs would include the early flowering Magnolias, Forsythia, 

 Berberis, Cydonia japonica, Kerria japonica, Rhodotypos Ker- 

 rioides, several species of Prunus and Pyrus, Ribes aurea, Cornus 

 Mas, Halesia, Spiraea, Lilacs, Deutzia, and Dogwood. March, 

 April, and May would be the three months for the spring garden. 



The Summer Garden. 



The summer garden should contain the majority of plants that 

 would produce flowers in June, Jul}', and August. The first great 

 floral feast at this time would be the German irises. They are the 

 poor man's orchids and they are not at all fastidious about soil or 

 situation and will grow in almost any place whether it is in shade 

 or sunshine. A few of the finest kinds are Mrs. H. Darwin, Vic- 

 torine, Mme. Chereau, Jacquiniana, Queen of May, Bronze Beauty, 

 florentina, and the pallida dalmatica section. As these are fading 

 away the Siberian iris begins to bloom and the variety Orientalis 

 is extremely rich in color. One of the first of the bellflowers to 

 bloom is Campanida persicifolia. It has several good varieties 

 that are especially valuable as garden plants, such as Moerheimii 

 humosa. 



Foxgloves are good for grouping effects and they are showy and 

 graceful plants in the border; they grow well in almost any kind 

 of soil. The perennial larkspurs are the noblest and stateliest 

 plants we have in June and July. The finest kinds are the various 

 hybrids. There are many species of Pentstemons that are most 

 eflfective and quite hardy which are seldom seen; Pentstemon digi- 

 talis, diffusus, ovatus, spectahilis, and harhatus rar. Torreyi are the 

 best kinds. The hybrid Pentstemons are charming plants, are 

 easy to raise from seed, and will flower the first season if sown 

 early. Sweet William is an old-fashioned plant and is esteemed 

 as one of the finest of hardy plants. There are fine strains and 

 by raising them from seed they come almost all of them true to 

 color. The Oriental poppy should not be left out of the list. Its 

 flowers do not last long but they are extremely showy and brilliant; 

 it is one of the noblest of hardy plants. It is a strong grower and 



