THE GARDEN 21 



branches of more than two seasons, in order to induce free shooting. 



As to soil, almost any kind will do, for the bush is one of the hardiest. 

 But, of course, all shrubs should be given soil as well furnished with nour- 

 ishment as it is possible to get hold of. 



Plant the tree against a background of dark green, either at the foot 

 of a thickly-growing vine, or among a dark evergreen shrubbery. This wilJ 

 bring out a delightful contrast of color, form and habit. 



Particularly well does the golden bell look when placed apart from 

 any other plant. In the corner of an iron fence, or a wire one, where it 

 will obtain abundance of air, light and sunshine, this shrub will do unusu- 

 ally well. 



As regards the value of the golden bells, I would sooner part with my 

 choicest lilacs — which is saying much — than do without them. 



GOLDEN TUFT — ALYSSUM SAXATILE 



A delightful little creeping plant, and one that no garden should be 

 without, no matter how small, is the old-fashioned golden tuft, a member of 

 the useful alyssum tribe. Commencing quite early in the spring, usually 

 the last week of April, it spreads a brilliant yellow mat over rocks and 

 stones and earth, blooming away a.« merrily as you please until Jack Frost 

 comes along with his nippers. 



Golden tuft is a perennial of extreme hardiness, is easily grown, 

 requires little attention — once thoroughly started — and is without doubt 

 the most prolific yellow bloomer of early spring. It produces its flowers in 

 loose panicles, each head lasting several weeks, before the least sign of 

 decay appears. 



On account of the unusual long "tap root," which renders transplant- 

 ing (unless in the hands of an adept) an extremely difficult matter, the 

 plants are best raised from seed in one's own garden, in a spot chosen as the 

 permanent bed; if the plants come up too thickly they can be weeded out 

 without disturbing those which are to remain. Or, if transplanting is to be 

 tried, it may be done while the plants are quite young, before the tap root 

 has penetrated any distance into the earth, so that there will be less risk of 

 breaking these roots. If the seed is sown this spring the plants will bloom 

 next spring, according to the rule of perennials. 



The stock may be increased the second year by division of the roots, or 

 by cuttings. While this plant is not very particular as to soil, yet it does 

 not love heavy or wet earth. Especially hateful to it is a heavy clay. Given 

 a light, warm, sandy medium in which to grow, this flower will be a con- 

 stant delight with its cheerful yellow heads spreading wherever they are 

 able to push their way. 



As a border edging it forms a beautiful golden frame for other plants. 

 Especially adapted for a rockery or any kind of rock garden, its roots will 

 penetrate deeply among the stones and rocks, and thus a permanent plant 

 will be obtained, ready to spring up year after year with a constant supply 

 of golden flowers. 



Give plenty of water, especially through the month of August, and 

 treat once and a while to a dose of liquid manure. Protect the roots through 

 the winter months. 



HELIOTROPE 



Heliotrope is really a house plant, altho many grow it quite success- 

 fully in the outdoor garden. 



This is one of the most richly perfumed of all plants, although not in 

 itself strikingly beautiful, either as to leaf or flower. And yet the coarse. 



