THE HEATH GARDEN 



THE following article is by Mr. T. Wilson, head gardener at 

 Glamis Castle, N.B., and is included here on account of the 

 practical suggestions set forth by the writer : 



In these days, when fashion has given a healthy impetus to the 

 improvement of flower gardening in all its aspects, including rock, 

 water, and wall gardening, as well as a revival of topiary work, it may 

 not be out of place to enter a special plea for a more extended use of 

 this interesting race of hardy plants. If one could imitate the graphic 

 pen of a Reginald Farrer and so describe the many gems contained in 

 the genus, their easily understood and modest requirements, together 

 with the knowledge that they provide an inexpensive hobby which 

 may be enjoyed equally by those looking for further extension to their 

 pleasure grounds or those possessing only a small strip of ground 

 which may be unsuitable for other styles of gardening. Then the 

 formation of Heath gardens would soon become general. 



The genus Erica, belonging to the Natural Order Ericaceae, is said to 

 contain between four hundred and five hundred species, the majority of 

 which come from South Africa, the others being natives of Britain and 

 Southern Europe. The common Heath or Ling, Erica vulgaris or 

 Calluna vulgaris^ so plentiful in the Highlands of Scotland and on moors 

 in England, is said to extend to North America, but only in small 

 quantities. The South African species were at one time largely grown 

 as greenhouse plants, but few of them are now in cultivation, their 

 places being filled by numerous soft-wooded hybrids which are largely 

 grown on the Continent for autumn and winter decoration; but it is 

 of the varieties that have proved hardy in Britain that I propose to 

 treat. A full collection or a selection of those best suited to the 

 climate may be had to provide a succession of flower almost through- 

 out the year; indeed, it may be said that the Heath garden is never 

 entirely devoid of flowers unless when the plants are buried deep in 

 snow. Those flowering in late autumn retain their flowers, with very 

 little diminution in the bright colours, through the dull months of 

 November and December, and after the plants are entirely denuded 

 of flowers, numerous varieties show such a distinction and contrast in 

 the colouring of the foliage some silvery, some golden, and others 

 bronzy or russety that they are not without decorative effect, while 

 such varieties as JS. multiflora^ E. arborea, and JE. codonodes will by 

 the end of the year be pushing out their delicate flowers until arrested 



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