ALPINE FLOWERS. 



317 



There are many small species of Iris, well adapted for the alpinery, 

 such as Iris attica, from Greece, and Iris rhcetica : both of these sorts 

 are very dwarf, and are well adapted to mix with our alpine plants ; as 

 also is the Iris nudicaulis (fig. 686), which has beautiful blue flowers. 



We intersperse over the alpineries our common English orchids, such 

 as the Spotted, the Bee, the Butterfly, the Fly, and the Man orchids, and 

 in the damp parts the Marsh orchid, which have been before described ; 

 we also plant a few feathered and grape hyacinths, to give variety 

 to our collection of flbwers. On the Continent, the Tritcleia uniflora 



Fig. 686. — Iris nudicaulis. llUr I Lj Fig. 6S8. — Erica lierbacea. 



Fig. 687. — Triteleia uniiiora. 



(fig. 687) is often used for decorative purposes, but not so frequently 

 in this country. It grows freely with me, and is a very valuable spring 

 flower ; it has, however, a disagreeable odour. 



After the bulbous plants, we have arranged a few hard-wooded 

 ones, among Tvhich none can exceed in beauty the 

 common Heather. It is hard to transplant, but will 

 grow perfectly well from seed. It likes peat soil and 

 a damp situation. Some of the Heaths, especially 

 the winter-flowering heaths, are invaluable for their 

 remaining in bloom a long time, and from their' 

 being highly ornamental. The Erica herbacea (fig. 

 688) is especially desirable. 



The Menziesia polifolia (fig. 689), with its bell 

 flowers, is a worthy occupant of the alpinery. It requires peat earth, 

 and plenty of light and air. 



Fig. C8g. — iMenziesia 

 polifolia. 



