96 THE GAEDENEE'S COMPANION 



minor) is a perfectly hardy evergreen plant, which 

 spreads very quickly, and will grow under trees or 

 shrubs, entirely covering the ground ; it has pretty 

 violet-blue flowers in May. There is a white- 

 flowered variety also, but the best is V. minor 

 variegata, which has white and green foliage, and 

 blue flowers. 



S. John's-wort. Another evergreen plant that 

 will grow anywhere, either in shade or sun, is 

 S. John's-wort (Hypericum calycinum). Its large 

 yellow flowers are too well known to need descrip- 

 tion, but it is as well liked as it is well known, and 

 deservedly so, for it comes to our aid in covering 

 the most unpromising banks and corners, making 

 them look furnished and comfortable the whole 

 year round. 



Speedwell. The little bright blue Speedwell 

 (Veronica rupestris) is a very fast-growing plant, 

 and is not particular as to soil, seeming rather to 

 prefer that which is poor and stony ; it will make 

 itself at home anywhere. Its cheerful royal-blue 

 flowers appear in June ; the foliage remains green 

 all the year. 



Alkanet. Another blue flower is Anchusa sem- 

 pervirens, our indigenous " Evergreen Alkanet ". 



