24 



Shrubs and Ornamentals 



There are several shrubs that give satisfactory results if 

 grown on tilled land or given sufficient water. Among these are 

 the Tamarisk, Spiraea Van Houttei, several kinds of Honey- 

 suckles, Snowball, Common and Persian Lilac (the latter being 

 specially desirable), Mock Orange, Golden Elder, Cut Leaf 

 Sumac, Flowering Almond, Siberian Pea Tree, the native Flower- 

 ing Currant, and Thunberg Berberry. 



The Peony has given such a wealth of bloom that it should 

 be especially mentioned. Figure 14 shows a bed of Peonies in 

 the foreground as they appeared in 1912. These were mulched 

 in the winter and watered in summer. 



A few of the flowers which give the most satisfactory results 

 for the labor expended are the Pansy. Tulip, Peony. Dahlia, 

 Phlox, and Gladiolus. 



Fig. 14. Peonies at the North Platte Substation. 



The Pansy does well when planted along the north side of 

 the house. It will usually live thru the winter if mulched with 

 leaves or straw. 



The Tulip will live in the ground for several years with 

 good results if watered and mulched during the winter. Many 

 dig the Tulip bulbs after the stalks have died down and keep 

 them in the cellar until fall and then plant them again or throw 

 them away and purchase new bulbs. However, we have had 

 better results by letting the bulbs stay in the soil year after 

 year. 



