46 THE NEW GARDENING 



clumps, which are apt to become tiresome through over- 

 growing smaller things. 



ARTEMISIA LACTIFLORA. Very little interest has 

 hitherto attached to the Artemisias, and perhaps the 

 best-known member of a large genus has been the species 

 Abrotanum, which cottagers grow under the names of 

 Southernwood and Old Man, and the hoary leaves of 

 which are strongly scented. With the introduction of 

 the new species lactiflora this state of things is changed, 

 for gardeners recognize in it a very useful thing for group- 

 ing in the wild garden and elsewhere. The plant grows 

 four to five feet high, and is of slender habit, with dark 

 green graceful foliage. The flowers are borne in freely 

 branched panicles (in a " panicle " the flowering branches 

 are divided irregularly) on the upper part of the stems, 

 are white, and are fragrant. It is a late summer bloomer, 

 and is not unworthy of pot culture. 



ASTILBE. This genus embraces Spiraea Japonica, one 

 of the most popular of spring-blooming plants, and of 

 which the variety Silver Sheaf, with pure white flowers, is 

 desirable. Astilbe grandis is a new Chinese species, re- 

 sembling Davidii in growth, but with white instead of 

 crimson flowers. It is a tall plant with immense leaves. 

 Lemoinei Plumet Rose, with drooping panicles of deep rose 

 flowers, is also an interesting Astilbe ; while the new variety 

 of rivularis called major should not be overlooked, 

 especially by those who practise bog-gardening. Arendsii 

 Ceres and A. Pink Pearl, the former rosy lilac, the latter 

 pink, are two good new Astilbes ; they grow two to three 

 feet high and bloom in summer. 



CAMPANULAS. Some of the newer dwarf Bell- 

 flowers are beautiful for the front of the border, or for 



