GROUPS OF GARDEN FLOWERS 13 



some, strew ashes about the crowns. The way to propagate is by 

 division of the roots, which is best done in spring as the new growth 

 is commencing. Cuttings will root best in spring, and seed may be 

 sown in April under glass. Sow in shallow pans, and prick off the 

 seedlings when large enough to handle where they are to flower. It is 

 interesting to watch the seedlings flower. They are in the nature of a 

 prize packet. 



Tree, or Moutan Paeonies. It is strange that a race so gorgeous 

 and effective as this should remain in comparative obscurity, as if the 

 brilliance of its flowers were not sufficiently startling to attract the be- 

 ginner, or for that matter those who would scarcely feel flattered to be 

 described in this way. We think fashion is smiling upon the mountain 

 group ; it is quite time the pendulum of popularity swung more towards 

 a race so easily grown and so varied in colour. The flowers are enormous, 

 big fluttering clouds of petals, sometimes one row, sometimes two, and, 

 of course, many in number when the variety is quite double, a glorious 

 mass of colouring in the opening summer days. The Tree Pseony is a 

 shrub, and should be grouped upon the lawn, exposed to the south but 

 not to easterly winds. That is the secret of success judicious shelter 

 without in any degree coddling up. A rich soil is also essential ; it must 

 be deeply trenched, well manured, and give plenty of water during the 

 summer. We have seen Tree Paeonies in a hot dry border, and then 

 the owner grumbles that the big flaunting flowers seen at the early 

 shows will not venture forth. Of course not, when the plant demands 

 opposite conditions, moisture and manure. When the border is dry the 

 places where the Paeonies are to go must be specially prepared. Avoid 

 shade, for the reason that full ripening of the growth is necessary ta 

 abundant flowering. The time to plant is just when the flowers have 

 faded. Of the many good plants we have had from China, none is of 

 more importance than the Tree Paeony. It is very useful for forcing 

 gently into bloom in pots. Rich feeding is essential, but it is worth 

 some effort to get the beautiful flowers in February and March. After 

 flowering give the plants a year's rest before again submitting them to 

 pot culture. There are so many varieties that it is not easy to make a 

 selection without omitting some kind that deserves attention ; but the 

 following are very beautiful : Aphrodite, white; Duchess of Marlborough, 

 flesh colour; Eastern Prince, deep scarlet, with golden anthers to in- 

 tensify the dark colouring ; James Kelway, rose, carmine centre ; Beauty, 

 rose-lilac; Lord Byron, salmon-rose; Heine Elizabeth, pink; Atalanta, 

 purple-red ; Berenice, white-carmine. These are double ; and of the 

 singles choose : Cecil Rhodes, with fringed crimson and cerise florets ; 

 Lord Kitchener, blood-red ; Countess Crewe, salmon-pink ; Henry 

 Irving, maroon ; Lord Iveagh, rose ; Mr. W. J. Simcox, rose touched 

 with salmon; and the deep crimson, almost waxy-petalled Eastern 

 Queen. 



Chinese, or Herbaceous Paeonies. Unlike the Tree Pseonies 



these die down every year and spring up again in the following year 

 as the ordinary perennial plant of the border. The Herbaceous Paeony 

 is a fine picture in every well-planted garden the old crimson Paeony 



