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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Mounds are associated with dells as one is the complementary of the other. Very 

 small dells are scarcely desirable unless for the purpose of grouping British ferns, many 

 of which thrive admirably in hollows formed by overhanging crags as well as in masses 

 more in the open. It is in these cosy, sheltered nooks that a few palms, dracsenas, and 

 other fine-foliaged plants can be arranged to the best advantage in the summer, forming 

 with the ferns a charming feature. 



Dells are far from being so attractive as desirable when there are no overhanging 

 trees to afford the requisite amount of shade, and positions must be chosen accordingly ; 

 at the same time healthy young trees grow rapidly when well planted in good soil. The 

 most enjoyable dells, however, are those which nature has been largely instrumental 

 in forming, and which are not very limited in extent, with trees growing down the 

 slopes to give the requisite shade, yet not so much as to prevent the growth of a variety 

 of wild flowers. It is here if anywhere that good opportunities are afforded for forming 

 what is termed a " Wild Garden" — a free and easy arrangement of a variety of hardy 

 flowering and fine-foliaged plants which, after they are once established, may safely be 

 left to take care of themselves — that is to say, grow wild. 



In order to make room for a good collection of plants suitable for the purpose it 

 may be necessary to root up more or less of the native undergrowth, and, before 

 planting, paths should also be formed, but not of a trim, conventional character, near 

 which dwarf or trailing j)lants may be established. If there happen to be a pond in 

 the dell, or one can be made from a running brook, the path should curve round it, at 

 a distance from the margin of from 2 feet to 6 feet, plants being grouped in some of 

 the spaces between the walk and the water. "Where the walk comes in contact with 

 a brook or the neck of a pond, it may be crossed by a rustic bridge, which is often 

 a pleasing feature. 



For naturalisation in woods and dells generally, no plants succeed better, or afford 

 more pleasure, than the bulbous-rooted kinds. iN'arcissi or daffodils are particularly 

 effective when given a fair chance at the outset. All the trumpet daffodils are worthy 

 of a place in woodland collection ; and the same may be said of the charming " poeticus" 

 section, commencing with the early flowering ornatus and the Burbidgei type, following 

 with the common " Pheasant Eye," and finishing with the " gardenia-flowered " (nar- 

 cissus poeticus flora plenus). 



Mr. W. Eobinson, a gentleman who has done much towards naturalising garden 

 flowers in woodlands, remarks that for this purpose " the most important of all early 



