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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



some enough to associate with summer bedding plants. The best for the purpose are 

 E. plumosa argentea, E. p. aurea, E. pisifera, and E. ericoides — the last named changing 

 to a purplish colour in the winter, and is most elegant. Thuiopsis dolabrata variegata 

 also deserves recognition as a good winter bedding conifer. 



Of evergreen shrubs those principally bedded out are Aucuba japonica in variety, these 

 answering well in large beds, and Tree Box, notably Buxus japonica aurea, B. semper- 

 virens aurea, and B. argenteo marginata nova. Euony muses are less hardy, but the 

 Japanese species should be tried on account of their bright appearance. E. radicans 

 variegatis is a good edging plant, while E. aurco-variegatis and E. latifolius-aureo- 

 marginatis are suitable for massing or inner lines. 



Osmanthus ilicifolius luteus and 0. argenteus are handsome holly-like evergreens 

 that may be used thinly or in masses with excellent effect, while the Tree Ivies, Hedera 

 arborea argentea, H. a. aurea, and H. a. elegantissima are among the best of winter 

 bedding plants. Vinca elegantissima is effective along the margins of large beds. 



For relieving the flatness frequently prevailing in the flower garden during the 

 winter, or for interspersing thinly among carpeting plants, Yuccas gloriosa and recurva 

 have no superiors, and are worthy of a place among summer bedding plants. 



A few flowering shrubs can also be turned to good account in the decoration of flower 

 beds in winter. Neat bushy plants of laurustinus well set with flower buds when 

 planted become showy during mild weather, and the same may be said of Andromeda 

 floribimda, Kalmia latifolia, and Ehododendrons dahuricum, myrtifolium, ovatum and 

 Wilsoni. Erica herbacea carnea, E. vagans alba and E. vagans carnea are particularly 

 desirable for edging beds and for planting in panels, as they are of neat growth and 

 showy when in flower. Skimmia japonica and pernettyas well furnished with fruit are 

 also attractive. 



The least that can be done towards furnishing beds during the winter is to choose 

 neat bushy tops of aucubas, box, variegated and berried hollies, tree ivy, or other ever- 

 greens ; if the stems are thrust deeply and firmly into the soil, these cuttings will 

 resemble young plants and remain fresh and green till late in March. 



Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, have long made a speciality of this class 

 of plants, and strongly recommend such varieties as those named, not only for the 

 purpose of garden decoration in winter, but also for the formation of permanent beds, 

 and for grouping. Their dwarf and compact habit, together with their capability of 

 being kept so by being pruned to almost any extent, and the many pleasing shades of 



