134 



BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS 



mically, must include it. The single 

 is easily raised from seed sown in 

 June, and the double may be propa- 

 gated by cuttings. The former spreads 

 the faster; the latter is the prettier as 

 a flower. 



(i) Arnebia echioides (Prophet Flower}. A 

 distinct and charming plant ; the pre- 

 vailing colour is yellow, but the flowers 

 have dark dots when young. 



(i) Aubrietias. As valuable as Arabises, 

 coming from seed as readily and as 

 cheaply, flowering as profusely, and 

 having brighter colours. Every rock 

 garden must contain some of these 

 beautiful carpeters, notably Campbelli, 

 violet, and Leichtlinii, rose. If the 

 seed catalogue that is consulted does 

 not name these, but includes graeca 

 or purpurea, buy either of these for 

 raising plants in quantity, and procure 

 a few plants of the others at the first 

 opportunity. 



(i) Cerastiums. Like the Antennaria, these 

 are used for their silvery foliage. 

 There are two species, Biebersteinii 

 and tomentosum, both of which are 

 procurable quite cheaply from several 

 seedsmen. They are of low growth 

 and spread freely, even in soil that is 

 not of the best. 



(i) Crocuses. Every flower gardener is 

 familiar with the early Dutch Crocuses, 

 particularly the yellow, which he buys 

 from bulb-dealers in autumn. A few 

 of these may be planted on the rockery 

 if desired, but there is more interest 

 in the species, such as the orange 

 aureus, the white biflorus, the purple 

 imperati, and the lilac Sieberi. It is 

 not every bulb-dealer who offers these, 

 but they are not difficult to get. 



(i) Cyclamens. -The hardy Cyclamens, such 

 as coum, rose ; hederaefolium, purple ; 

 and europaeum, red; are dainty little 

 flowers, which come in autumn, 



winter, and spring. They make a 

 charming picture at Kew in associa- 

 tion with Snowdrops. Corms are pro- 

 curable from bulb-merchants at no 

 great cost. 



(i) Dianthuses (Pinks'). One of the most 

 valuable of all the many genera of 

 rock plants, these lovely sisters of 

 the Carnation, the Pink and the Sweet 

 William are distinguished by brilliant, 

 sparkling colours, and great abund- 

 ance of bloom. The Alpine Pink 

 (alpinus), rose, and the Cheddar Pink 

 (caesius), rose, are two of the most 

 beautiful species, and they are not 

 at all expensive. 



Dodecatheon (American Cowslip}. An in- 

 teresting and uncommon looking plant, 

 with lilac flowers. The bulb-dealer 

 will supply it in autumn at a very 

 moderate rate. 



Erinus alpinus, A useful plant with violet 

 flowers. 



Erythronium (Dog's-tooth Violet}. A very 

 pretty and distinct plant, almost equally 

 admired for its flowers and its leaves. 

 The latter are quaintly marbled. There 

 are several different sorts, and dens- 

 canis, rose; giganteum, white; and 

 grandiflorum, yellow ; mayall be grown. 

 The first can be bought from almost 

 any bulb-dealer in autumn, and is a 

 cheap plant; the others are in fewer 

 hands, and may be a little more expen- 

 sive. 



Gentians. These give us that scarce colour 

 pure, deep blue. Acaulis is the finest. 

 It has large flowers full of rich colour. 

 Verna is also very pretty. 



( i) Hepaticas. These are really Anemones, 

 and their full, correct name is Anemone 

 Hepatica, but they are grown in nearly 

 all gardens, and included in most bulb 

 lists, simply as Hepaticas. They are 

 delightful plants, blooming very early 

 in the year, and in great profusion. 



