THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



One of the great drawbacks to planting in woods is the destructiveness of rabbits ; 

 and if they are not kept well within bounds it is next to useless planting many beautiful 

 shrubs and plants in other than enclosed quarters. In the event of its proving difficult, 

 or undesirable, to clear out rabbits, rabbit-proof trees, shrubs, and flowers, of which 

 lists are given, ought to be planted. 



Plants suitable for the wild garden, for dells and woodland scenery generally also are 

 by far the most effective when arranged in bold masses, keeping the species and 

 varieties of a genus together ; they can then be accorded congenial positions, as some 

 kinds enjoy richer and more moisture-holding soil than others ; while many delight in 

 shade, and others require sun. 



In every case the intended sites should be broken up thoroughly, and enriched, if 

 needful, with leaf soil or decayed manure. Placed in rough, lumpy ground, the 

 majority of the plants would fail, whereas, if given a good start, they soon root out 

 into the surrounding soil, and require little further attention beyond keeping free from 

 over-encroaching weeds. If the surroundings are kept neat and trim, the peculiar 

 charm of the idea is lost, because the wildness is dispelled. 



The following plants, briefly described, are suitable for the purpose in question. 

 Some are recommended for their foliage only, but the great majority are flowering 

 plants. They are arranged alphabetically, and not in order of merit. 



Plants for Dells and Woodlands. 



Acanthus (Bear's-breech). — The best of these are A. 

 latifolius, A. mollis, and A. spinosissimus ; growth 

 vigorous, with large, handsome leaves, and con- 

 spicuous flower spikes. The plants thrive in most 

 positions, and are recommended for the margins of 

 walks and banks. Increased by division and seeds. 



Achillea (Yarrow). — This family comprises several 

 species, admirably adapted for planting in dells. 

 A. Eupatorium is, perhaps, the best for the pur- 

 pose, and with this may be associated A. ptarmica 

 flore-pleno, and A. millefolium roseum. The first- 

 named is synonymous with A. filipendula, and 

 attains a height of from 3 feet to 4 feet. Some of 

 the less vigorous growers are also suitable for 

 planting near the walks, and will thrive in poor 

 soil. Division, cuttings, and seeds. 



AcoNlTUM (Monkshood). — Well-known, strong grow- 

 ing plants, which flower admirably in almost 

 any position, including the sides of ditches. There 

 are several varieties, all having poisonous roots. 

 Showy and perfectly hardy. Division and seeds. 



Ajuga (Bugle). — Small, hardy, free-flowering, and 

 easily propagated plants. A. genevensis succeeds 

 in boggy soil. The flower spikes attain a height 

 of from 6 inches to 1 foot, and the colour varies 

 from blue to rose and white. Division and seeds. 



Allium. — This branch of the onion family ought to 

 be largely grown in woods and dells. The white- 

 flowered A. neapolitanum is most preferred, and 

 the sky-blue Siberian form — A. azureum — is well 

 worth trying. Division of bulbs and seeds. 



Alstromeria. — In dry, hot positions this bulbous- 

 rooted class of plants thrive and flower strongly 

 every season. A. aurantiaca is the species most 

 generally planted in the wild garden. 



Alth^a (Marsh Mallow). — Nearly all the species, 

 including A. rosea or the hollyhock, are well 

 suited for planting in woods, while A. oflici- 

 nalis (Common Marsh Mallow) is most at home 

 in moist ground. Division, cuttings, and seeds. 



Ampelopsis ("Virginian Creeper). — Gro-mi for the same 

 purpose as the aristolochia, and covers a large 



