HERBACEOUS PLANTS IN THE OPEN 39 



serve to throw the rich hues of those purple and yellow 

 that should always accompany them. 



Winter Cyclamen 



(Cyclamen Count). — One of the best known hardy winter- 

 flowering species, but seldom does well in cold districts ; 

 crimson, pink, or white blooms are easily damaged by 

 either frost or wind and rain. Sand and brick rubbish 

 is the best planting medium to use in heavy soil. The 

 tubers should be covered one inch. The leaves are 

 beautifully marbled. C. hyemale is little known ; its 

 flowers, often produced in mid-winter, are a beautiful 

 crimson. See page 49 for others. 



Winter Aconite 



{Eranthis hyemalis) offers honey to the early bee, and 

 attraction in the form of cupped, bright yellow flowers 

 and neatly frilled leaves to everyone. It thrives in 

 light soil, and should be largely planted beneath trees, 

 choosing the barer spots rather than where the grass 

 grows thickly. In several places in England this 

 Continental plant covers entire woods, and is especi- 

 ally beautiful when it appears just above a carpeting 

 of ivy. The root is a tuber, and should be planted 

 as early as possible, and left of course undisturbed. 

 Set 2 inches apart, and at a like depth. The leaves 

 of the less known E, cilicica are cut to a greater extent, 

 and the flowers are even earlier than the better known 

 winter aconite. These plants, only a few inches in 

 height, flower from January onwards. Neither rabbits 

 nor other evils injure them. 



Snowdrop 



{Galanthus nivalis^ hardly requires mention, but the plant- 

 ing of larger quantities may be yet advised. The single 



