HERBACEOUS PLANTS VS. BEDDING PLANTS. 65 



group of them, with their bold spikes of white wax-like flowers, is 

 a sight which commands attention. 



In such beds nothing is finer among the taller plants than the 

 Clematis, trained loosely to a light support, or, what is better, left 

 to climb over the taller roses, with the blooms of which it affords 

 a fine contrast. Among these Jackmanni^ Fortunei, Flamniula ^ and 

 some of the hardier of the hj^brids are best. Clematis coccinea, 

 especially, looks best grown in an open bed, and left to itself to 

 find support on neighboring plants. It has a scrambling habit, 

 but it is a beautiful object when in perfection. Another plant seldom 

 seen, and yet worthy of a place in every garden, is Latliyruslati- 

 foUus, the Everlasting Pea. There are three varieties of this, which 

 I have seen, — graiidijloncs, a brigiit scarlet ; alhiflorus^ the white ; 

 and a striped variet}'. Tliis splendid perennial loves to be undis- 

 turbed, clambering over any support near it, and flowers incessantly, 

 especiall}' if not allowed to form seed. Its flowers are especially 

 adapted for cutting, and last long after being cut. 



Among the herbaceous plants none are more striking than the 

 Campanulas, and no bed ought to be without them in variety*. 

 There are man}' dwarf and Alpine species, wliich are particular as to 

 location, and need especial care, but among those which are robust 

 enough to flourish in tlie border are CaipcUica, persicifolia, and 

 the tlouble variety of this, both white and blue, and Van Houttei. 

 C. glotneiata Daliurica is one of the fiiiest, but I do not know whether 

 or not it is hardy here. These are dwarfer plants, all good for 

 cutting, and I would favor their being planted in groups of two or 

 more. As companions to these, and among the finest of all hardy 

 plants, are the double and single P\ rethrums. When once estab- 

 lished, they form strong clumps, and are profuse in bloom. The 

 double kinds most of us liave seen on exliibition here, but tiiey 

 are generally unknown except among amateurs, who are familiar 

 witli their merits. I know of no choicer flower for cultivation in 

 the garden, where cut flowers are wanted. Tliey are as desirable 

 as the Chrysanthemum, and there is a delicate refinement about 

 the flowers, as well as diversity in color, which ranges from pure 

 white to brilliant shades of scarlet. They are quite hard}', but 

 like good food and occasional division. The single ones I do not 

 so much fancy, tliougli good colored varieties are verj' stiiking. 

 With a stock of these in the garden, few would wish to exchange 

 them for bedding plants. 



Among other good things are the white and red Dictamnus Frax- 



