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CASSELL'S POPULAR GARDENING. 



pariing quite a distinct appearance by the hue of its 

 leaves. 



Among the deciduous Magnolias there are some 

 most showy flowers for the early spring. M. conspicua 

 and M. Soulangeana are two free-flowering kinds, hut 

 require a sheltered spot. The Mock Grange or 

 Syringa, otherwise Fhiladelplms, is well known for 

 its fragrance when in hloom ; P. coronarius and 

 P. gra/ndiflorus are two of the best to plant. The 

 Siberian and Chinese varieties of the Crab, Fyrm 

 jmmifolia and P. sinensis, are most beautiful when in 

 flower, and oftentimes well loaded with their fruits 

 in the autumn. Eibes sangmneum, E. aureum, and 

 S. alium, three forms of the flowering Currant, are 

 very distinct and handsome. The Locust Tree, 

 Sobinia pseudo-aeacia, is most distinct and handsome 

 in its foliage, with graceful spikes of flower during 

 the summer months ; the standards of this tree are 

 preferable, and commonly called " Mop-headed " 

 Acacias. 



If either of the Willows are chosen, one of the 

 small-leaved kinds of drooping or weeping habit 

 would be the best, selecting a standard with a clean 

 stout stem. Of the shrubby Spiraas there are a few 

 kinds that are a valuable addition to a garden even 

 of moderate dimensions ; Spiraa Zindleyana and 

 S. ariafolia are two of the best. The Snowberry 

 Tree, or Symphoricarpm raeemosm, is useful in shaded 

 or other indifferent positions. The common Lilac, or 

 Syringa vulgaris, should not he overlooked in either 

 of its colours. Vibttrnwn Opulus, or Guelder Rose, is 

 another most floriferous subject, lasting a long time 

 in flower. Another good plant of bush habit is the 

 "Weigelia, of which there are several kinds, but W. 

 rosea is one of the best. 



Climbers. — Amoagst the climbing plants, which 

 we have previously laid considerable stress upon, 

 there is an abundant choice. Of evergreen kinds, 

 we can select them with bold and massive foliage, as 

 in the case of the Magnolia, or with the minute 

 leaves and graceful habit of the Cotoneaster. Some 

 of the best are Vitis striata, frequently grown under 

 the name of Ampelopsia sempervirens, the evergreen 

 Virginian creeper; Serberis Darwinii; Jasminum 

 revolutmh, a yellow kind; Azara microphylla ; 

 Ceanothus in variety : 0, azureus and C. Veitchianus 

 are both good kinds ; their pleasing spikes of flower 

 and the freedom with which they grow when 

 sheltered from the cold quarter, would soon cause 

 them to be favourites ; Cotoneaster microphylla ; 

 Oratiegus pyracantha, which makes a splendid show 

 in. the autumn with its brilliant-coloured berries; 

 Escallonia maerantha and E. marrantha sanguinea are 

 splendid plants for covering a wall ; their beautiful 

 glossy foliage and compact trusses of bloom at once 



stamp them as first-class subjects ; Euonymus j'apo- 

 iiieus in variety make an excellent covering medium 

 for the wall of a house ; Garrya elliptica, with its 

 catkin-like appendages, in the early spring is most 

 welcome and very distinct ; strongly recommended. 

 Magnolia grandijlora, "Exmouth" variety, is one 

 of the most noble plants that we possess for planting 

 against a high wall or building. 



Myrtas communis and M. augustifolia, the common 

 and the box-leaved Myrtles, will succeed in the south 

 of England against a warm wall, and flower abun- 

 dantly. Punica Oranatum flore-pUno, or the Pome- 

 granate, should have a warm comer, but neither 

 this nor the Myrtles had better be tried near towns 

 where the air is much contaminated. 



Besides these that we have named, we have a 

 whole host of Ivies, than which it is hardly possible 

 to name anything better for planting in unfavour- 

 able positions and localities. The Irish Ivy {Kedera 

 canariensis) and the English Ivy {Sedera Selix) are 

 well-known kinds. Others with distinct foliage 

 could with advantage be chosen, such as Sedera 

 dentata and S. Boegneriana, two kinds with fine 

 massive foliage of a shining green colour. On the 

 other extreme, in variety of their leaves, we have 

 S. B. digitata and other kinds, with very small 

 leaves. There are also the variegated-leaved varie- 

 ties, with silvery and golden markings, several of 

 which are most interesting and distinct. 



Amongst the deciduous section of climbing plants 

 there are several kinds that amply make amends for 

 the loss of their leaves during a portion of the year, 

 by the abundant display of bloom which they pro- 

 duce in their season. The foliage is hardly ofi 

 Jasminmn nudiflormn before its adventitious blossoms 

 begin to make a gay display, unless a more than 

 usually severe frost intervenes to destroy their beauty. 

 As a contrast to this species, we have Jasminum 

 officinale, that flowers a great portion of the summer. 

 The Blue Passion Flower, Passiflora ccerulea, already 

 named in this article, should be included in the list 

 of those for the open wall or verandah. There are 

 also the large family of the Clematis, in various 

 shades, from deep blue and purple down to almost 

 pure white. Clematis Jackmanii is a weU-known 

 kind, of good constitution, and very free-flowering, 

 with deep purple flowers. There are also many 

 others that vary in their colours somewhat from 

 C. Jackmanii, and of the same type and habit. Cle- 

 matis Flammula, the Vii-gin's Bower ; C. vitalba, the 

 Traveller's Joy ; and C. Montana, are all worthy of a 

 place, being well-tried kinds. 



The well-known Virginian Creeper hardly need be 

 mentioned, but another species, Ampelopsis tricuspi- 

 data, with smaller foliage and beautiful markings, is 

 strongly recommended : it is the Ampelopsis Teitehii 



