90 



THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



for its effectiveness in garden scenery. " The Holly- 

 hock," he says, "is a capital plant for the borders of 

 plantations or shrubbery walks. It forms a finer distant 

 object in such situations than the Dahlia, is less lump- 

 ish, and continues blooming to a later period of the year. 

 Again, it may be planted to advantage in the back- 

 ground of an herbaceous border, so that the lower part 

 of the stem is hid from view by the plants in front. In 

 both these situations it may be planted singly, in irregu- 

 lar lines, or in groups of three or five. And here, per- 

 haps, the less choice kinds are more in character than 

 the finest, as a high state of culture is neither con- 

 venient nor expected. To be effective en masse is all 

 that is looked for, and the showiest should be chosen, 

 the hardy kinds of brilliant colours, and left to assume 

 their natural form of growth. It is sometimes said that 

 it is not a suitable plant for small gardens. I think, 

 however, it may be agreeably disposed there in avenues, 

 or in groups of three or five near the boundary, filling 

 up in front with dwarf shrubs, herbaceous, or summer- 

 flowering plants. It appears to me anything but diffi- 

 cult to effect such an arrangement with this plant as 

 shall relieve the flatness often so tiresome in small gar- 

 dens. The amateur who cultivates with the view of 

 producing the flowers or spikes in the highest state of 

 perfection, will probably prefer planting in square beds 

 or rows. If in beds, set them three feet apart ; if in 

 rows, three feet from plant to plant, and four feet from 

 row to row, that one may walk conveniently between 

 them. I need, perhaps, scarcely say, that a situation airy, 

 and freely exposed to the sun, is indispensable, if we 

 wish to carry culture to the highest pitch of 'success." 



First-class English Hollyhocks : Beauty of Cheshunt, 

 light rosy red, — one of the finest ; Blushing Bride, deli- 

 cate blush, spike handsome and compact ; Charles Barron 

 Improved, salmon pink; Darius, orange-buff, large and 

 showy ; Diana, rosy peach, edged with carmine, shape 

 perfect; Glory of Cheshunt, clear yellow, spike large 

 and handsome ; Honourable Mrs. Ashley, peach, shaded 



