SPRING FLOWER GARDENING. 



288 



dissitiflora ; a central clump of Doronicum cxcelsum is also used 

 in the case of large beds. These plants should be well grown, 

 and should have a growth of two or three years. 



One of our large beds has a central mass of dwarf yellow 

 Wallflower dotted with blue Hyacinths, and its limits denned 

 with Myosotis ; lines of pink Aubrietia and Saxifraga muscoides 

 following. 



A similar large bed is occupied chiefly with Saxifraga 

 ligulata, which affords both flower and foliage ; and this plant 

 makes a good base for Hyacinths, which spring apparently 

 from its protecting leaves. Arabis albida separates this from the 

 other lines ; these consist of Primrose, rosy-flush Aubrietia, and 

 Alpine Daisy, a pretty bright semi-double member of the race, 

 very hardy and floriferous. 



A bed backed with Ehododendrons contains a line of massive 

 plants of Hcllcboriis orientalis, and is fronted with Cardamine 

 rotundifolia. 



Two Violet beds, even in April, are fragrant and effective ; 

 one is formed by Marie Louise, the other Victoria Eegina. 



The bedding arrangements just named are found in a garden 

 near the Castle. Passing to another, known as the Duchess's gar- 

 den, situated in a sheltered bay on the side of the range of hills, 

 on an outlier of which the castle stands, and entering this 

 ground, it will be seen how much its conformation favours the 

 formation of rockwork ; indeed rock crops out in the upper 

 slopes, and the ground invites a system of terracing the abrupt 

 banks, and still permits flower-beds on its grassy slopes. Trees 

 and choice shrubs also form a notable feature. 



On the hillside above the walk that traverses the garden there 

 are Cedars, Hemlock, Spruce, and other trees. I am particular in 

 mentioning this circumstance as I wish to invite attention to a 

 practice I have successfully pursued of planting Violets and other 

 spring plants, when properly grown and prepared, in October 

 beneath the shelter of these evergreen trees on the side open to 

 the south, and so likely to receive the benefit of the few glints 

 of sunshine we may receive in the early season. The shelter 

 afforded by large trees is considerable, and is enjoyed by many 

 plants, but it is mostly necessary that they should be annually 

 removed and replanted in the late autumn. During the winter 

 and spring seasons we are never without Russian Violets 



B 2 



