FLOWERS FOR SUBURBAN GARDENS 389 



for more substantial shrubs. Neither Broom nor Gorse, however, 

 is partial to chalky soil. 



The Mock Orange (Philadelphus) is not remarkable for beauty 

 of form or colour ; indeed, its habit is rather straggly, and its 

 flowers have no decided tint they are of a cloudy white. But 

 the delicious odour of some of the species (and none is sweeter 

 than the common one, coronarius, although several are larger) 

 more than compensates for any want of beauty. We think one 

 or two Mock Oranges should be grown, but they will not come 

 into bloom until nearly the end of spring perhaps. 



One of the most beautiful of the Spiraeas, namely, arguta, is 

 an early bloomer, and this most graceful and charming plant 

 should find a place in all collections of good flowering shrubs. 

 It is not very fastidious as to soil, but enjoys loam. 



In respect of the question of soil, we may say that if any shrub 

 lover is importing soil in order to improve the natural medium 

 in his garden, on account of its paucity and want of fertility, he 

 cannot do better than arrange that the greater part of it shall 

 be decayed turf. When turves rot down after being stacked for a 

 few months they make the best soil for the great majority of our 

 finest shrubs. Practically everything will grow in it. Some leaf- 

 mould is helpful, but it need not consist of more than a quarter. 

 In the absence of leaf-mould, road sweepings could be added to 

 the loam with advantage. 



A shrub which thrives in sheltered places out of doors, but 

 which could hardly be relied upon in cold places, is Choisya ternata. 

 This is well known to gardeners and botanists, and is making its 

 way steadily in the favour of amateurs also. One thing in its 

 favour is that it is an evergreen, and the foliage is bright and 

 ornamental. The white flowers are borne in great profusion, and 

 are very pretty, while they are pleasantly scented. 



The Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus of the botanical books) is 

 one of the cheapest and most common of shrubs, but amateurs 



