76 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 
from such free flowering subjects as the various Quinces, 
Brooms, Weigela, Syringa, and others. Whole branches 
of bud and blossom look exquisite when lightly arranged 
in jars and vases, the Japanese methods being worthy of 
imitation, so that in both garden and house endless possi- 
bilities are presented to the modern gardener. In order 
to recall a few of the best varieties, nearly all of which 
are hardy, I give a list of those which have proved 
deserving of a place. 
Azalea,—These beautiful flowers should be grown 
much more extensively. Not only during their flowering 
period, but in the full glory of their autumn foliage, 
they are supremely lovely. An endless number of 
varieties are available, the hardy Ghent Azaleas with a 
fine range of colour being perhaps best for general pur- 
poses. 4. mollis, a dwarf Japanese variety, is useful for 
grouping in front of the larger kinds. Those living in 
the south, or having gardens with sunny, sheltered dells, 
may also plant 4. Indica, which is a sub-evergreen. 
Let no one be deterred from growing these beautiful 
shrubs under the impression that they require peat; in 
ordinary garden soil they thrive wonderfully, if protected 
from cold winds. 
Magnolia.—Beautiful flowering shrubs from China and 
Japan. J. conspicua bears a profusion of snowy blossoms 
early in May. A dwarf growing variety with starry 
white flowers, M. stellata, should be grown in sheltered 
corners. At Kew the effect of bold groups of Azaleas 
and Magnolias in the open may be seen during the spring 
and early summer months. 
Rhododendrons form gardens in themselves, such is the 
variety of habit and colouring which they display. Never- 
theless they are often overplanted, and when out of flower 
the banks of evergreen foliage become monotonous. A 
better plan is to choose a few really good hybrid varieties 
and group them carefully according to colour and period 
