52 BEGINNER'S BOOK OF GARDENING 



In waste spots, such as shady places under trees, 

 where few things will grow, the Winter Coltsfoot will 

 yield its fragrant, though insignificant, flowers early in 

 January. It should not, however, be introduced into 

 the garden proper, or there will be trouble in getting 

 rid of it. In sheltered spots the Common Primrose, in 

 its coloured varieties, often flowers in sheltered posi- 

 tions early in January, and other species of Primula, 

 noticeably the Caucasian Primrose and Primula den- 

 ticulata bear their flowers in the very depth of winter. 



On dry sheltered south borders the Spring Star- 

 flower, Tritelia uniflora, produces its lilac flowers early 

 in January. During dull weather the flowers remain 

 closed, but every time the sun appears they open 

 wide. 



Several of the Periwinkles flower during December 

 and January, the earliest being the lilac-flowered Vinca 

 acutiloba. 



In sunny spots several of the Saxifrages may be had 

 in flower before the middle of February. The earliest 

 is the little Saxifraga burseriana, which bears large white 

 flowers on very short stalks. Next to flower is the 

 yellow Saxifraga apiculata. 



Two other flowering winter herbs, not so often seen 

 as one would wish, are the Winter Adonis, which bears 

 yellow anemone-like flowers on stems about a foot 

 high, early in February, and the Gold Coin or Hacquetia, 

 a dwarf plant, whose flowers are surrounded by pale 

 green leaves, during February and March. 



Among shrubs, several of the most beautiful bear 

 their flowers in the earliest months of the year. The 

 Winter Sweet, or Sweet Shrub, often opens its fragrant 

 yellow flowers within a fortnight after Christmas. As 

 this plant is readily affected by frost, it is better to grow 

 it against the wall. The Winter Sweet is useful for 

 cutting, as a single spray will scent any room. As soon 



