110 THE CANADIAN HOllTICULTUPJST. 



MIDSUMMER AND AUTUMN" FLOWERING SHRUBS AND 

 PLANTS FOR THE DECORATION OF GARDENS. 



BY WILLIAM C. BARRY. 



Many, if not the majority of gardens, which in the spring and early 

 hummer charm the eye and gladden the heart with a profusion of flowers 

 become all at once, as autumn approaches, almost destitute of bloom. 

 This is not surprising, when we consider that the greater number of shi^ubs 

 and plants flower in May and June, and that the late flowering species and 

 varieties are not, comparatively speaking, numeroiis nor sufficiently well 

 known to be duly appreciated or properly employed. Some persons are 

 accustomed to regard this annual change as a natural consequence, and 

 make no attempt to extend the flowering season, while others more obser- 

 vant having noticed that there are gardens which, even during the siimmer 

 months, exhibit a wealth of flewers, are prompted to inquire, and questions 

 are often put to us in this way : 



What can I plant to render my ga,rden heautiftd and attractive in autumn? 



It is gratifying to note that during the past few years considerable 

 interest has been manifested in this subject, and in response to many 

 inquiries I have prepared a brief list of choice fall flowering shrubs and 

 plants, which, if judiciously used, will render the surroundings of our 

 liouses exceedingly attractive during the autumn months. 



I would direct attention first to the 



ALTH^A OR HIBISCUS SYRIACUS, 



fcommonly called the Rcse of Sharon, a most remarkable and valuable 

 ■shrub, which, as it were, holds its blooms in reserve until there is a 

 notable scarcity of flowers. Whether in the mixed border among other 

 ■shrubs or isolated upon the lawn, the Althsea when in flower produces a 

 ■charming eflfect, relieving the monotonous aspect wliich prevails in most 

 gardens at this season, and enliving the landscape with its bright flowers. 

 It must be admitted that the blooms of this shrub lack delicacy of texture, 

 \)rilliancy and purity of color, but when there is a dearth of flowers we 

 inust not be too ct'itical. Seen from the bush, its coarseness cannot bo 

 "detected, and that which to some eyes appears to be a defect or blemish, 

 serves on the contrary only to enhance its value for out of door decoration. 

 We must recollect that coarse flowers have their offices to fulfill as well as 

 the delicate ones. Besides considerable pi-ogress has been made in improv- 

 ing the Althaea, and amateurs will be pleased to learn that the new varie- 

 ties are quite in advance of the older sorts. Among recent introductions 

 Boule de Feu, which produces large double flowers of a violet red color, 

 ■can justly command admiration. Due de Brabant with very full flowei's 

 of reddish lilac color may also be regarded as an acquisition, while Leopoldii 

 ,Jlore pleno with large, double flesh-colored blooms, together with Totus albu^s, 

 having single snowy white flowers, are, I think, all destined to become 

 -favorites as soon as known. A few of the older varieties, like the Double 



