2l6 



MY GARDEN. 



not equal to the natural wild flower, yet they are valuable additions to 

 the flower-garden. One late anemone, the A. wtifolia, var. Honorine 

 Jobert (fig. 410), which flowers in September and October, is so beau- 

 tiful that it should be grown in every garden. Its charming foliage, 

 and the freshness of its large pure white flower, appearing as it does 

 when vegetation naturally takes its rest, make it a most desirable 

 acquisition. It is one of the loveliest of all garden plants. 



FIG. 410. Anemone vitifolia. 



FIG. 411. Anemone hepatica. 



FIG. 412.- Ranunculus. 



Another early spring flower, the Hepatica (Anemone hepatica, fig. 

 411), a plant from Europe, is a very valuable acquisition in early 

 spring. There are many varieties, single and double, red, blue, and 

 white. The Hepatica angulosa is a magnificent flower, more than an 

 inch across ; after that the double red is the most beautiful. When 

 they will grow, all the varieties should be planted, but in my garden 

 their cultivation is very difficult. The climate does not suit them ; 

 the leaves become diseased and the whole plant perishes ; and up to 

 this time I have been unable to establish a satisfactory plantation. 

 They like good rich loam, which I give them, nevertheless they fail. 



" From the soft wing of vernal breezes shed, 

 Anemonies ; auriculas, enrich'd 

 With shining meal o'er all their velvet leaves ; 

 And full ranunculus', of glowing red." 



THOMSON'S Seasons. 



The florists' Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus, fig. 412) is really 

 fine, but it is troublesome to grow, and requires special treatment, 

 and therefore is not adapted for a wild or general garden. The border 

 anemones produce a fine effect in proper places. Except the wild 



