164 



A FLOWER-GARDEN IN THE GULF STATES. 



single and double flowers at the same time. When 

 climbers are needed, there is nothing superior to the 

 moon-flower, the new tuberous-rooted variety being pre- 

 ferred. In small flowers the hardy pinks, verbenas, of 

 which there is a fine giant strain, dahlias, chrysanthe- 

 mums and gloxinias, the latter showing superb new va- 

 rieties, Euphorbia heterophyllaa^nd E. variegata,%\\ov\A. be 

 tried, also Clerodendron Balfoiiri, a handsome vine. 



Low mucky soil is here a paradise for a long range of 

 plants, discretion in planting alone being required. In 

 the wet portions all the aquatic plants will grow as 

 freely as in water, and here bananas, violets, narcissus 

 and crotons run up like weeds. Higher, where the 

 groand is only damp, tea roses are queens of the soil ; 

 Sunset, Perledes Jardins, Gloirede Dijon, Cloth of Gold, 

 Niphetos, Marquise de Viviens, Queens Scarlet and all 

 delicate tender sorts, are at home and riot luxuriant! . 

 Torenia Asiatica is an exquisite low-growing plant wiui 

 pansy-like flowers; the yellow jasmine, the honey- 

 suckle family, all the lilies, hollyhocks and marigolds find 

 a congenial soil. 



In clayey soil plant camellias, magnolias, the tulip-tree, 

 carnations (being careful to keep them shaded), helian- 

 thus, larkspur, stocks, chrysanthemums, caladiums, the 

 foliage-beets, heliotropes and jasmines. 



The ground, however, must not be all clay, but only 

 clayey. When it is all clay it can be rendered suitable 

 by digging out a bed and filling in with muck, manure, 

 sand and native earth, all well mixed. The hybrid tea 

 and hybrid perpetual roses thrive splendidly here, and 

 should be largely planted. Of new sorts we have had 

 a fine assortment the last season, and we may plant any 

 that strike our fancy. Give the roses a cool situation. 

 Where there is a long stretch of fencing, the Cherokee 

 roses can be used with magnificent effect, and will soon 

 run a hundred feet. 



In sandy soil there are more possibilities than are 

 dreamed of by amateur gardeners. Mixed with muck 

 and thoroughly rotted manure, partially shaded from 



the western sun, and judiciously watered, a very para- 

 dise of a garden may be had at small expense. All 

 bulbous plants succeed here except the aquatics, zephy- 

 ranthes, Bermuda lilies, gladioluses, the new tuberous 

 moon-flower and tuberoses, wiUgrow and bloom in any 

 situation. I know a garden where they are mingled with 

 the roots of orange trees, and still delight the owner 

 with their lovely bloom andfragrance. Coleus, petunias, 

 primulas, candytuft, pentstemons and summer chrysan- 

 themums are among the more suitable plantsforthis soil. 



The Manettia bicolor and any of the passifloras 

 make charming fast-growing vines, though climbing 

 roses should be utilized as much as possible ; Marechal 

 Niel, James Sprunt and Salfaterre being the best for 

 this purpose. Put James Sprunt away from the hottest 

 sun ; but the other two will do anywhere. Mary Wash- 

 ington is an old white rose coming to the front, and 

 worth a place in any locality. 



Roses should have been trimmed late in fall. If they 

 were not, let them alone until next season. As you cut 

 the blooms take a long stem, always cutting close to the 

 next eye, but not into it. If you are liberal with your 

 flowers you will find them blooming all the better. 

 Geraniums should be bedded out if possible, as they can 

 not obtain their full luxuriance in pots. Select a partly 

 shady spot, and give a good watering every third day. 



Chrysanthemums should be arranged in an out-of-the- 

 way, half-shaded spot, where they can thrive, and prove 

 a delightful surprise when you explore the fall garden. 



Hibiscus can be planted in the sun, and there are 

 several sorts, all beautiful and easily grown. The new 

 Hibiscus chrysantha, a cross between the hibiscus and 

 abutilon, is highly recommended by florists. 



All plants need more water in sandy soil than in any 

 other, as it is more quickly drained, and they grow very 

 dry in a short time. The best time to water is very 

 early in the morning or very late in the evening, the 

 former being preferable. 



Florida. Stillwell. 



