THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



numbers of crocus "species" which can be had in addition to the well-known Dutch 

 crocuses ; and such as C. Imperati, C. Sieberi, C. Korolkowi, with others which flower 

 in advance of the Dutch varieties, are highly appreciated. Then daffodils must, of 

 course, be largely grown, also early flowering irises, such as I. reticulata (Fig. 122), 

 I. Bakeriana, I. sophenensis, and I. histrioides. which are indispensable from their rare 

 beauty and brightness. Anemones blanda and apennina, the early squills, and the 

 chionodoxas largely supplement the variety of flowers at command, and with the 

 doronicums, the aubrietias and the other plants named in the selections give the 

 garden types of beauty much appreciated so early in the season. Most of the winter 

 and early spring flowers prefer rather light soil and a sheltered position, and should be 

 planted in early autumn at latest ; the aubrietias and some others hardly being at their 

 best until they have been established for a year or more. In order to prolong their 

 beauty some of the crocus species which flower very early in the season should be 

 protected by a sheet of glass firmly fixed a little above them so as to keep off 

 wintry showers. Christmas and Lenten Roses should also be similarly protected for 

 keeping their beautiful flowers pure and clean. 



SELECTIONS. 



Anemone (Windflower). — Various species ; light but 

 rich soil for A. coronaria and A. apennina, but a 

 heavier one for A. blanda. A. apennina (Apen- 

 nine Windflower), blue or white; 6 inches. 

 A. coronaria (Crown), various; 1 foot; generally 

 flowers about May, but will, in mild seasons, 

 continue through the winter. A. blanda (Winter 

 or Greek "Windflower), blue or white; 6 inches; 

 sometimes flowers with the snowdrop and re- 

 sembles A. apennina, which succeeds it. Seeds 

 ur division of the tubers. 



Arabis (Wall or Bock Cress). — Border, beds, or edg- 

 ing. A. alpina or albida, white ; 6 inches ; rather 

 trailing; light soil. A. lucida variegata, pretty 

 foliage; 6 inches; heavy soil. A. belhdifolia, 

 white ; 9 inches. The best are A. alpina and A. 

 lucida variegata. 



Attbrietia (Bock Cress). — Beautiful trailing plants 

 for borders, beds, or edgings ; hght soil ; March. 

 There are now a considerable number of varieties, 

 and seedlings vary. A. purpurea grandiflora, 

 purple. A. Hendersoni, purple. A. Leichtlini, 

 rose. Boyal Purple; Wm. Marshall; and other 

 varieties are good. Seed. Layers or division 

 after flowering ; height 6 inches. 



Corydalis (Fumitory). — Neat but not showy plants, 

 useful for borders and rock gardens ; light soil . 

 C. cava (syn. tuberosa, tuberous), white ; 6 inches. 



C. bulbosa (bidbous), purple, rose, or white ; 

 6 inches. Seeds or division. 



Doronicxjm (Leopard's Bane). — Showy yellow, 

 Marguerite-like flowers for beds or borders. 

 Several species or varieties, one, D. plantagineum 

 excelsum, flowering twice in the year ; good soil. 



D. austriacum (Austrian), \\ feet. D. caucasi- 

 cum (Caucasian), ] foot. 1). Colunmce (Columna's), 

 6 inches. D. plantagineum excelsum (Tall Plan- 

 tain, 2g feet. Seeds or division. 



Erythronittm (Dog's-Tooth Violet). — Exquisite little 

 bidbous flowers, generally with spotted or 

 marbled leaves, and pretty pendent flowers. 

 Varieties numerous ; moist, sandy, or peaty soil ; 

 sun. B. americanum (Yellow Adder's Tongue), 

 yellow, shy flowerer ; 8 inches. E. Dens-canis, 

 purple, white, or rose colour ; 6 inches ; one of 

 the most reliable. E. giganteum, white ; 9 

 inches. E. grandiflorum, white ; 9 inches. E. 

 Hartwegi, yellowish ; 6 inches ; very early. E. 

 Hendersoni, purple ; 6 inches. E. Howelli, 

 yellow ; 6 inches ; and E. sibiricum, pale purple ; 



