Gardening in California 



BETULA ALBA (Birch). 



The Birch is a highly ornamental deciduous tree of graceful, 

 sometimes drooping habit, bearing light-green leaves. All of the 

 species are hardy and will grow freely in any well-drained soil, 

 provided they get abundance of water at the roots. A situation 

 on or about a well-kept lawn suits the Birch admirably if well- 

 sheltered from harsh winds. Fine effects are produced by com- 

 bining the Birch with the Bamboo, as, when planted in group 

 form, their habits of growth blend well together. 



Propagate by seeds which should be sown as soon as ripe in 

 a shady border in light sandy soil; barely cover the seeds with 

 the soil. The seedlings should be transplanted, when a year old, 

 into nursery rows. 



BOUVARDIA. 



A very useful Fall-flowering 

 little shrub with opposite leaves 

 and tubular-shaped fragrant 

 flowers, a native of Mexico and 

 Texas. Bouvardia angustifolia, 

 Bouvardia scabra and Bouvardia 

 jasminiflora are among the best 

 for outdoor culture. 



Propagate by cuttings put in 

 a cold frame early in August, 

 using half-ripe wood, or in the 

 open ground, in November, in 

 sandy soil, using firm ripe wood, 

 the cuttings to be about six 



inches in length, of the previous season's growth and planted 



four inches deep. 



[74] 



Bouvardia. 



