268 



CASSELL'S POPULAE GAEDENING. 



that have not started on the way. If these are care- 

 fully lifted, and replaced in the back i-ow when the 

 bed has been renovated, they will start as freely as 

 cut-over pot plants that miss fruiting. At places 

 like Frogmore, where leaves are the principal, if not 

 the entire, source of bottom heat, annual renovation 

 is a necessity, which comes round as regularly as the 

 crops of fine Pines are cut from the plants ; and if 

 those who have not embarked in the planting-out 

 svstem are to judge from results, the question will 

 undoubtedly be decided in favour of the extensive 

 use of Oak-leaves, both for giving bottom heat and 

 swelling off the fruit. 



From the preceding pages it must not be supposed 

 that the Smooth-leaved Cayenne is the only Pine 

 which does well when planted out. Its free, hardy 

 constitution undoubtedly places it at the head of the 

 list ; but other varieties, including the Queen, can be 

 equally well grown, as was pi-oved by the late Mr. 

 Fleming, of Trentham, who produced Queens quite 

 as remarkable for size and quality as the finest 

 Cayennes that have yet been grown. And others 

 have frequently grown them in quantities averaging 

 over six pounds each, in pure loam, of a calcareous 

 nature, which many would consider too heavy for 

 Pines. This particular soil was obtained from a 

 paddock in which ewes and lambs are kept in the 

 spring, and was placed over leaves and hot-water 

 pipes in a succession pit, where the top heat is barely 

 sufiicient to keep Cucumbers alive throughout the 

 winter months. 



There are other systems, including the Meudon, 

 which at one time brought the French growers into 

 prominence, and stimulated our own countrymen 

 into action. But it is not too much to say that the 

 supreme excellence of the produce of our Pine-stoves 

 of the present day will enable British growers to 

 challenge any country in the world to which the king 

 of fruits is not indigenous. 



ROCK, ALPINE, TEEN, AND WILD 

 GAEDENING. 



ALPINE PLANTS. 

 By Edward W. Badger, F.E.H.S. 

 List of Plants. — In the foUo^'ing list the 

 plants which require least skill to grow them suc- 

 cessfully are distinguished by an asterisk (*) ; the 

 others will be found to require some special treat- 

 ment as to soil, situation, &c., and are consequently 

 a little more difficult to grow successfully. There 

 are, however, very few of the plants named which 

 will not thrive admirably if the directions given are 

 carefully followed. 



*Accena microphylla (Rosy-spined Acsena). — A 

 minute-leaved, very dwarf, trailing plant. It pro- 

 duces a number of insignifi.cant flowers in round 

 heads. As the flowers fade the sepals elongate into 

 bright rosy spines, which are persistent and pretty, 

 and render the plant very conspicuous for several 

 months. Should be planted in an exposed position 

 away from larger plants. It blooms from June to 

 August and sometimes later; is easily propagated 

 by division ; thrives in any good soil, but should 

 be well supplied with moisture during the summer 

 months. This plant is sometimes known as A. 

 Novce ZealandicB. A native of New Zealand. 



*Alyssum saxatile (Yellow Alyssum). — A most 

 valuable early- flowering plant, producing an abun- 

 dance of bright yellow flowers. Will grow in almost 

 any soil and position, but a dry exposed part of the 

 rockery suits it best. Readily propagated by cut- 

 tings or from seed, A very dwarf variety is known 

 as A. s. compaction. Native of Southern Russia. 



Andromeda tetragona (Square-stemmed Andromeda). 

 — A very distinct and choice little plant, the coriect 

 name of which is Cassiope tetragona, growing from 

 six to eight inches high, bearing pure white bell- 

 shaped flowers in April and Maj^. Should be grown 

 in sandy peat kept very moist during the summer. 

 Propagated by careful division of the roots in spring. 

 Native of Northern Europe. 



Androsace carnea (Rosy Androsace). — A lovely 

 alpine with rosy flowers, which may be gi-own with 

 only moderate care provided it be supplied with 

 plenty of water during the summer, and is planted 

 in a peaty soil mixed with sandy loam. Propagated 

 fi^om offsets and seeds. Eiiropean Alps. 



Androsace Ohamcejasme (Rock Jasmine). — A most 

 desirable plant for the choice rockery. Should be 

 grown in a fully-exposed position where there is 

 plenty of root-room and the soil is a good sandy 

 loam. The surface of the soil should be covered 

 with nodules of sandstone to prevent too rapid 

 evaporation of moisture. Plenty of water must be 

 given during the growing months. Propagated by 

 division. A native of the European Alps. 



Androsace lanuginosa (Himalayan Androsace). — 

 This plant is so good that a sheltered position on the 

 rockery should be provided for it, and duplicate 

 plants in pots preserved in the cold frame during the 

 winter months. It should be planted at the edge of 

 a rock over the face of which it may trail. Soil, 

 light and well drained. During growth plenty of 

 water should be supplied. A little extra care and 

 trouble bestowed upon it will secure an ample 

 reward. Propagated by cuttings of the current 

 growth. A native of the Himalayas. 



Androsace sarmentosa (Bushy Androsace) . — A beau- 

 tiful plant, forming dense silvery-grey rosettes, with 



