12 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



thoroughly ripening off in summer. Many very beautiful kinds belong 

 to this group, and some are strangely attractive, the big /. susiana, 

 or Mourning Iris, as an example ; but those who wish to know more 

 about this fascinating section, with flowers frequently pencilled in a de- 

 lightful way and gauze-like in texture, should get Sir Michael Foster's 

 pamphlet concerning them from the secretary of the Royal Horticultural 

 Society, 117 Victoria Street, London. 



In sheltered nooks the lovely, sweet-scented Algerian Iris (/. stylosa, 

 or unguicularis, as it is also called) and its white variety flower well in 

 winter, and, where some slight protection is afforded, remain uninjured 

 except by severe frosts. A mulching of some light material round the 

 clump and an inverted hamper placed over the plant at night generally 

 suffices to preserve the unexpanded buds in which condition they 

 should be cut for indoor decoration from injury. 



Since the love for water gardening and planting flowers by the stream- 

 side has developed, the Japan or Kaempfers' Iris has become a popular 

 flower, not, of course, to the same degree as the Flag Iris, but in no good 

 garden where there is a stream, pond, or water is the opportunity missed 

 of imparting to the water margin colouring of the most beautiful and varied 

 kind. Plant them by the margin of the water, not with their feet 

 actually in the water ; and this may be done in the autumn. The flowers 

 are many inches across, flat patches of colour, and when there is a good 

 selection and well planted the effect is very charming, a surfacing of 

 varied colour, from white through purple to rose, the bloom peering above 

 the grassy leafage. Seedlings may be raised by sowing seed in March, 

 but this is not beginner's work. 



Perennial Larkspurs (Delphiniums). This is a noble group of 

 perennial plants, strong, stately, and indispensable. In June or July 

 the tall, handsome spikes give dignity to the garden, and the Del- 

 phiniums may be planted almost anywhere, massed or grouped in threes 

 or fours in the mixed border, or planted amongst evergreen shrubs. 

 There is an annual race, which are referred to in the list of this class. 

 Many beautiful varieties of Perennial Larkspur have been raised of late 

 years by Messrs. Kelway & Son, and others ; indeed, the list has grown 

 so long, and all the varieties possess some merit, that we hesitate to 

 recommend any kinds where all are so good. The best way is to see 

 a collection, if possible, or ask for a strong blue, purple, lavender, or 

 some decided colour. A tall, cylindrical spike, so symmetrical is it, 

 is the chief stem, and when this is removed after its beauty is over, 

 side-growths will prolong the display. A very effective type of Lark- 

 spur is that in which the centre is blue and outer florets creamy white. 

 More is written about Delphiniums in the list at the end of the 

 book. It must not be forgotten that there are yellow Perennial Lark- 

 spurs Beauty of Langport and Primrose being two of this kind. 

 Messrs. Kelway should raise a quite snow-white flower. It must be a 

 poor garden that will not grow Delphiniums. Like the Pseony, it en- 

 joys a very rich soil ; and, given this, and attention with regard to water 

 during dry summers, the plants should produce sheafs of blossom. 

 Slugs have a special fondness for Delphiniums, and, where trouble- 



