176 GARDENS OF ENGLAND 



even the older varieties have a charm which the 

 cottager appreciates, but not to the same extent 

 as those who have extensive gardens under their 

 charge. How beautiful the old cottage pink is in 

 many an English village, the flowers of that soft 

 quiet pink, which has a certain brightness without 

 any tendency to garishness,and stands the drenching 

 rains of autumn and early winter with equanimity. 

 The reason is the reflected character of the petals, 

 which are able to throw ofi" moisture. Jules Lagra- 

 vere is an old garden flower, and there seems a 

 glow of crimson in the little blossoms unusual in 

 autumn in the open garden. 



I am writing now of the older forms of hardy, 

 or, as they are more commonly called, outdoor 

 chrysanthemums, but thanks to those who have 

 taken an unusual interest in this race, a new series 

 has arisen comprising flowers that are of the utmost 

 value in the decoration of the mixed borders. It 

 was surprising last autumn to see the brightness of 

 the newer varieties in groups. A bed of the well- 

 known Mme. Desgranges was not only pleasant to 

 the eye, but effective in the garden ; and among 

 others were Mme. Marie Masse, mauve-lilac ; the 

 crimson and gold of Harvest Home; the warm 

 orange of Comtesse Foucher de Careil, and the pure 



