212 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



can be screened from east winds. It forms a dense shrub, with long 

 branches of graceful outline, and numerous small, dark green leaves. 

 In favourable seasons thoroughly established plants produce small, in- 

 attractive, but very sweet-scented flowers. A. Gilliesi is vigorous, but, 

 unfortunately, rather more tender. It should be represented in the 

 wall garden. Its holly-like leaves are very handsome, toothed, glossy 

 green, and its rich yellow flowers are borne in axillary panicles. 



Bamboos. To facilitate reference, Bambusa, Arundinaria, and 

 Phyllostachys are here brought under the general heading of Bamboos, 

 as they are closely allied to each other. No plants give a more tropical 

 appearance to the landscape than suitably placed, healthy Bamboos. 



During the past few years considerable interest has been aroused 

 in this family, the effect of plants in certain positions, hardiness, and 

 general ornamental qualities being referred to in the horticultural press. 

 To prevent disappointment, a few preliminary remarks respecting culture 

 and aspect may not be without value. In the first place, a position screened 

 from the east and north is essential, also a deep, rich, moist soil in which 

 leaf-mould forms a large part. A yearly top-dressing of manure or leaf- 

 mould greatly benefits them, and while growth is in progress frequent 

 soakings of water will be of immense value. A mistake, unfortunately 

 too often made in the culture of these graceful plants, is, that they are 

 disturbed at the root at the wrong time of the year. Never move 

 them in winter, but wait until the end of May or even the month of 

 June before dividing them, because at that time fresh growth is being 

 formed, and they then move with ease and certainty, the roots are 

 quickly re-established, and the plants grow away as though they had not 

 been interfered with. They are very graceful by the water margin, 

 as well as single specimens on the lawn, and also for sub-tropical 

 gardening. Bambusa tessellata, also known under the name of Raga- 

 mowski, a fairly well-known kind, is of close, compact, dwarf habit, and 

 very distinct. Its broad, rich green leaves are quite fifteen inches long. 

 B. marmorata also belongs to the dwarf section, and requires a warm 

 spot to bring out its true beauty, a cold, bleak situation being most un- 

 suitable for this dainty little Bamboo, with its slim dark stems and short, 

 rich green leaves. B. palmata spreads rapidly, and delights in partial 

 shade. Its broad, bright green leaves are large and handsome. The 

 smallest of all Bamboos is B. pyg?nxa, well adapted for the wild garden, 

 and is also serviceable for permanent edgings. It spreads with excep- 

 tional freedom, and soon forms a dense carpet of greenery. 



Arundinaria Falconeri, with its slender stems a dozen feet or more 

 long, supplied with rich green leaves, is pretty if planted in a sheltered 

 ravine. A. Hindsii is also conspicuous for its erect stems and dark 

 green foliage. A. Fortunei (Bambusa Fortunei variegata) is a neat and 

 ornamental grass, a foot or so high, suitable for adorning the front of 

 the shrubbery, or for growing in pots for placing in cool greenhouses. 

 It is quite hardy, and its narrow pale green leaves, striped with white, 

 are very effective. A. aitricoma, better known as the golden form of 

 Bambusa Fartunei, is indigenous to Japan, and grows about three feet 

 high. It spreads rapidly, and its yellowish green leaves are regularly 



