2 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



vulgaris) come the older garden forms in varieties of purple, dull red, 

 pink, and white colourings. Of these a rather more modern develop- 

 ment is a very strong growing kind with white flowers, much larger 

 than in the type. The more modern garden Columbines are nearly all 

 long-spurred, and though the older varieties of A. vulgaris have an un- 

 ending charm both of their own beauty and of association with the 

 gardens of old times, yet some of the long-spurred kinds are undoubt- 

 edly more graceful plants. For dainty loveliness and grace of carriage no 

 plant of this family can rival the long-spurred, pale yellow Californian 

 A. chrysantha, looking its best and happily thriving in some cool, half- 

 shaded portion of the garden. To this beautiful plant a host of garden 

 hybrids owe their origin. Many of these are tinted or suffused with 

 pale pink, probably due to the influence of A. canadensis and species 

 of red and yellow colourings. The Rocky Mountain Columbine (A. 

 cxrulea) is a very long-spurred kind \ with its blue and white flowers 

 and shorter growth it suggests a like garden use to the large-flowered 

 Siberian A. glandulosa, which has a short spur. But of garden Colum- 

 bines one of the most important is the beautiful blue and white A. 

 Stuarti, raised by Dr. Stuart of Chirnside, KB. Columbines should 

 be considered biennials; they are true perennials, but often die out 

 during the second year. Seeds are easily raised. Sow them as soon as 

 ripe in a box of light soil, and place in a cold frame. Sow very thinly, 

 and when the seedlings are of fair size transplant them to the place 

 they are to beautify, remembering that moderately warm soils are most 

 helpful to their growth. The double Aquilegia is a monstrosity. It is 

 the beautiful series of spurred forms that are most welcome in the 

 garden, and are the most useful for cutting. Columbine flowers are 

 excellent for table decoration. Aquilegias are useful for pots too. 



Aster (Michaelmas Daisies or Starworts). This is a delightful 

 group of hardy plants for the beginner. They are hardy, free, and 

 vigorous, making clouds of colour in September and October, even lin- 

 gering into November, when the Christmas Aster (A. grandiflorus) is a 

 bunch of purple bloom. For fully three months Asters brighten the 

 garden. The plants are cheap, and strong tufts put in during April, or when 

 new growth is just commencing, will flower the same year, while their 

 use for decorations is great ; graceful sprays put into vases are a pleasure 

 to look at. We dislike to see the Starworts bunched up like a sheaf of 

 corn. They are plants of exquisite grace, which must not be destroyed, 

 and for this reason a pretty way to use them is as flowers for breaking 

 up level masses of evergreen shrubs. When Asters are planted amongst 

 such things as Rhododendrons, they throw their sprays of flowers over 

 the shrubs when these are without bloom. When a walk runs through 

 a little wood, or some grassy path cuts into an old orchard, a rich colour 

 picture comes in autumn when Starworts are planted at the sides. But 

 they want careful " staking," not to show the stakes or to leave holes. 

 One must try to get a surface of bloom without a break, a succession of 

 colours so placed that each one helps the other. It is quite easy to make 

 a sad hash of an Aster border unless the colour association is carefully con- 

 sidered. Asters, although so vigorous and hardy, should be given some 



