28 



Gardening for Amateurs 



of one colour are generally more effective, 

 and show to better advantage in the garden 

 than those of mixed flowers. 



A variety of the Flag, or German Iris. 



Roses and Larkspurs. An exception to 

 this rule is found in the case of Roses and 

 Larkspurs (Delphiniums). A bed thinly 

 planted with Rose Gruss an Teplitz, the 

 vacant spaces being filled with blue Del- 

 phiniums, is quite charming ; the rich crim- 

 son hue of the Rose blooms and the bronze 

 tint of the leaves associate perfectly with 

 the tall, stately blue- blossomed Larkspur. 

 Still another mixed bed may be planted with 

 German Iris and Foxgloves. The latter add 

 greatly to the general effect if naturally 

 and informally grouped towards the back- 

 ground. Foxgloves seed 

 themselves freely and 

 come up year by year 

 in wide and natural 

 groups. 



Japanese Anemones 

 are especially delightful 

 when planted in bold 

 masses. They prefer 

 partial shade, and suc- 

 ceed best when left un- 

 disturbed for a number 

 of years. The white 

 variety is very popular, 

 and one of the most 

 effective ; but Queen 

 Charlotte, with large, 



semi -double, rose-coloured flowers, and rosea 

 superba, with delicate pink blossoms, should 

 also be grown. Artemisia lactiflora is very 

 attractive during late sum- 

 mer and autumn ; its stately 

 heads of white flowers reach 

 a height of 4 feet, and con- 

 tinue fresh and bright for 

 a number of weeks. This 

 plant needs a fairly moist 

 soil, and succeeds admirably 

 near the stream side. 



Stenanthium robustum 

 is a valuable plant, and 

 flourishes under similar con- 

 ditions to the above, but it 

 prefers a peaty soil, although 

 loam, lightened by leaf soil, 

 may be substituted for it. 

 The white, feathery plumes 

 grow to a height of 6 feet 

 and are strikingly beauti- 

 ful. 



Blue Alkanet. The Dropmore variety 

 of Anchusa italica is a charming plant that 

 should be in every garden. The deep sky- 

 blue flowers are always admired, and are 

 produced in profusion for many weeks dur- 

 ing the summer. The variety Opal has blos- 

 soms that are slightly paler in colour. The 

 Anchusas or Alkanets are readily raised 

 from seed sown in the open garden during 

 May, or they may be increased by taking 

 up the roots in autumn, cutting them into 

 pieces several inches long and keeping in a 

 frame during winter. 



Ch.lice-cupped Narcissi in grass. 



