AFTER THOUGHTS 285 



bed of Gladiolus the effect is very fine, as the Summer 

 Hyacinth throws its flowers well above the others. It 

 is hardy, and is an excellent plant for cemetery use. 

 In order to secure a good effect several bulbs must be 

 planted in a clump. 



I intended to speak of the Salvia as a summer 

 bloomer. It is one of our most effective bedders. It 

 can be made to do excellent work as the center of a 

 group. Its long spikes of brilliant flowers make a 

 splendid show among Cannas and other plants with 

 rich green foliage. When used with the Helianthus or 

 with yellow Hollyhocks, or as a background for white 

 Perennial Phlox, it is very fine. Yellow and white 

 brings out the intense richness of its flowers vividly. 

 It is excellent for cutting. Plant it near a clump of 

 Goldenrod and note the effect. It is difficult to tell 

 which is the more brilliant. 



And that reminds me that I wanted to speak a 

 good word for this beautiful flower. I have several 

 clumps of it growing in my yard, and it is greatly 

 admired by all who see it. It is quite amusing to have 

 an old farmer stop and lean over the fence to ask me 

 what "that yellow posy is." As if he had not seen it 

 growing, all his lifetime, in the pastures and fence 

 corners ! But it is hardly to be wondered at that he 

 thinks it something else than the despised "yellow 

 weed," for under good treatment it improves wonder- 

 fully. It becomes a great, round, compact mass of 

 flower stalks three feet high, completely covered with 

 golden plumes. It is well worth a place in every 

 garden. Few flowers give such a rich and solid color 

 effect as the Goldenrod. 



