170 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



better than twice the number in the same space. For the strongest 

 growers 6 feet in depth of water is none too much. I have seen 

 such as JV. Marliacea chromatella doing well in as much as 18 feet of 

 water, but I do not recommend planting at that depth. This variety 

 is very often seen late in the season to be overcrowded. When such 

 is the case, it points to a need of division. The flowers are often 

 smothered by the leaf-growth also when the latter is so dense ; this in 

 no sense is desirable. Vigorous growth is also fostered and encouraged 

 when the mud is too deep ; this fact must also be contemplated when 

 the planting is being done. I knew an instance once where there was 

 an escape of sewage into a lake ; here the growth was luxurious almost 

 beyond description. 



On the other hand, there are several of these hybrids that are of 

 quite moderate growth, yet producing both leaves and flowers of large 

 size. When I note that any particular variety possesses long petioles 

 (or leaf-stalks), I take it as an indication that it will thrive better in 

 deeper water. What I do not like to see is a plant that has a tendency 

 to produce a multitude of small leaves, which lie almost upon each 

 other at times, and with but few flowers. A few years ago this appeared 

 to be a weakness of a few of the hybrids. I have not noted it to such 

 an extent during the past two or three years. When it does occur, it 

 is advisable to break up the plant into single crowns where it is possible 

 to do so. This should be done in May, if it be possible, and with a 

 sharp knife, aiming at a few roots to each division. These will almost 

 invariably establish themselves during the coming summer. Some 

 there are that flower so profusely, almost at every leaf, and do not in 

 consequence make any back breaks. It is rather difficult to propagate 

 such. We had such a case once in N. Laydekeri rosea, which never 

 made a break. This plant ultimately died, but not before we had 

 obtained one seedling from it. 



Their Value in the Water Garden. Water Lilies play an important 

 part now in the effective grouping of water plants, combined with 

 sub-aquatics and plants that associate with both, and which may be 

 fairly termed water-side plants. Taking the illustration as an example, 

 one may note how well all the subjects comprised therein blend 

 with one another. Here may be noted such water plants as the 

 Arrow-head (Sagittaria species), the Water Sedge (Cyperus longus\ 

 and of sub-aquatics such as the Astilbes in variety. Upon firmer 

 ground may be noted both Bamboos and Miscanthus, as well as the 

 moisture-loving Saxifrage (S. peltata), the giant Californian species. 

 Such a grouping as this is most effective, the trees in the distance 

 adding to the general attractiveness. In the immediate foreground one 

 Water Lily gives indication of needing either deeper water or division. 

 Allusion to the treatment of such will be noted further on. Each of 

 the clumps of Lilies is planted at a good distance apart. This is as it 

 should be. When possible, it is most advisable to plant for colour 

 effect. By selecting those that can be relied upon to flower freely, this 

 can be done. It is possible to so arrange such a water garden as this 



