GROUPS OF GARDEN FLOWERS 21 



pamphlet concerning them from the Secretary of the Royal Horticultural 

 Society, Vincent Square, London. 



In sheltered nooks the lovely, sweet-scented Algerian Iris (/. stylosa, 

 or unguicularis, as it is also called) and its white variety flower well in 

 winter, and, where slight protection is afforded, remain uninjured except 

 by severe frosts. A mulching of light material round the clump and an 

 inverted hamper placed over the plant at night generally suffice to 

 preserve the unexpanded buds in which condition they should be cut 

 for indoor decoration from injury. They need well-drained soil. 



Since the love for water gardening and planting flowers by the stream- 

 side has developed, the Japan or Ksempfers' Iris has become a popular 

 flower, not, of course, to the same degree as the Flag Iris, but in no good 

 garden where there is a stream, pond, or water is the opportunity missed 

 of imparting to the water margin colouring of the most beautiful and 

 varied kind. Plant them by the margin of the water, not with their 

 feet actually in the water ; and this may be done in the autumn. The 

 flowers are many inches across, flat patches of colour, and when there 

 is a good selection and well planted the effect is very charming, a sur- 

 facing of varied colour, from white through purple to rose, the blooms 

 peering above the grassy leafage. Seedlings may be raised by sowing 

 seed in March, but this is not beginners' work. 



Pseonies, Tree, or Moutan. It is strange that a race so gorgeous 

 and effective as this should remain in comparative obscurity, as if the 

 brilliance of its flowers were not sufficiently startling to attract the 

 beginner, or, for that matter, those who would scarcely feel flattered 

 to be described in this way. The flowers are enormous, big fluttering 

 clouds of petals, sometimes one row, sometimes two, and, of course, 

 many in number when the variety is quite double, a glorious mass of 

 colouring in the opening summer days. The Tree Paeony is a shrub, 

 and should be grouped upon the lawn, but not exposed to easterly 

 winds. Shade from early morning sun is useful, as the young shoots 

 are often damaged by frost in spring if the sun shines on them when 

 frozen. A rich soil is also essential ; it must be deeply trenched, well 

 manured, and give plenty of water during the summer. We have seen 

 Tree Pseonies in a hot dry border, and then the owner grumbles that 

 the big flaunting flowers seen at the early shows will not venture forth. 

 Of course not, when the plant demands opposite conditions, moisture 

 and manure. When the border is dry the places where the Paeonies 

 are to go must be specially prepared. Avoid shade, except in early 

 morning, for the reason that full ripening of the growth is necessary 

 to abundant flowering. The time to plant is September or October. 

 Of the many good plants we have had from China, none is of more 

 importance than the Tree Paeony. It is very useful for forcing gently 

 into bloom in pots. Rich feeding is essential, but it is worth some 

 effort to get the beautiful flowers in February and March. After flower- 

 ing give the plants a year's rest before again submitting them to pot 

 culture. There axe so many varieties that it is not easy to make a 

 selection without omitting some kind that deserves attention ; but the 



