DESCRIPTIVE AND SELECTIVE. 199 



flowers, and may be sown in spring to bloom the same 

 year, or in early autumn to flower the following spring. 



ASTER (Michaelmas Daisy). — Of the first im- 

 portance as border plants, on account of their vigorous 

 growth, late blooming and brilliant colours, the 

 Michaelmas Daisies are only of secondary interest for 

 the rockery, as the finest species and varieties are much 

 too large. Alpinus (see one of the coloured plates) is 

 the most popular for this purpose, as the habit is dwarf 

 and neat, the flowers of the species are blue, and 

 there is a white variety. They will thrive in ordinary 

 soil, and are easily propagated by division between 

 autumn and spring. 



ASTRAGALUS (Milk Yetcr). — A useful legumin- 

 ous (Pea) genus, but not of outstanding merit. The 

 species are hardy, and will grow in ordinary soil. 

 Monspessulanus, an evergreen trailer with purple 

 flowers, is perhaps the best. It comes rapidly from 

 seed. 



A ST RANT I A MAJOR is a useful old European 

 Alpine, with Anemone-like leaves and flowers borne in 

 an umbel. The variety Carniolica is good. They thrive 

 in sandy loam and may be propagated by division. 



AUBRIETIA (Purple Rock Cress) — ^This beau- 

 tiful plant should be regarded as quite indispensable 

 by the rock gardener, for in habit, hardiness, ease of 

 culture and beauty it is almost unequalled. There is 

 nothing better for poor Umestone soils, and it will come 

 in useful alike for covering the face of large stones with 

 a carpet of charming flowers, or for making beautiful 

 patches in borders. Much closer and neater in growth 



