PLANTS FOR~ TERRACE GARDENING. 



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Pomegranates (Punica granata fi.pl.). — Of this delightfully decorative 

 plant the double varieties are most ornamental. Of these we grow three 

 distinct forms, viz. the ' double scarlet,' which is, I think, the best and 

 most floriferous ; the 1 mottled form,' pale scarlet with white, a distinctly 

 pretty plant ; and the double white, which, like some of the carnations, 

 splits its calyx. The first two are beautiful with the young foliage, 

 and again in the autumn, when the plants are resplendent in crimson and 

 golden yellow. Being deciduous the pomegranate is easily stored during 

 the winter. All that we find necessary is to well protect the tubs with 

 dry stable litter as a safeguard against frost, and then put them in a 

 sheltered place. (A note here may not be inopportune. Many plants 

 that are considered to be hardy and would oftentimes be so, if planted 

 out, are, when in tubs or pots, more susceptible to injury resulting from 

 frost from the simple fact that their roots are then frozen, and probably 

 throughout the entire ball. This fact should be patent to all plant 

 cultivators.) I find that we flower the Pomegranates much more 

 satisfactorily by not attempting any pruning whatever. It will be noted 

 by a close observer that the flowers are produced upon the terminals, 

 generally upon the terminal of the previous year, and sometimes upon 

 the terminal of the current season. When first treating these plants I 

 pruned in the winter, but soon found out the mistake. Now, if any 

 pruning is required, it is done in the summer and by pinching the 

 grosser shoots only. The Pomegranates are, I think, seen to the best 

 advantage as standards upon a clear stem ; as bushes they are not quite 

 so compact in habit. The soil required is the same as for myrtles. Our 

 largest pair, standards of the double scarlet Pomegranate, measure 9 feet 

 high by 7 feet in diameter. 



Veronicas. — A few of this genus, the shrubby section, are recommended. 

 These are quite uncommon and most attractive for late autumnal display, 

 being oftentimes at their best during October, withstanding the rains and 

 fogs better than many plants. It is as standards that these Veronicas are 

 most effective, but it takes a few years at the least before plants of this 

 form can be obtained. First the stem has to be worked up and then a 

 head formed thereon. When, however, it has been secured such a Veronica 

 will well repay the waiting and the labour expended upon it. I find 

 that, although the shrubby Veronica will break back upon the old wood 

 and send forth shoots, it somewhat resents a moderate pruning. Hence 

 we tie the shoots in once at least in the season — the earlier the better — 

 so that the growth is free by the autumn and not too formal. The best 

 varieties for this purpose are Veronica ' La Seduisante,' 1 Diamant,' ' Heine 

 des Blanches,' ' Blue Gem,' and V. Andersoni ; each of these is quite distinct 

 in colour, and the names are given in order of merit. During the winter 

 we find it is safer to treat them as greenhouse plants, although it is well 

 known that they will stand outside for some few seasons, especially near 

 to the sea- coast. The aphis is somewhat troublesome when under glass, 

 but the usual remedies are effectual. We use a lighter soil for these ; 

 light loam, with either leaf- mould or a small proportion of peat, being 

 a good and durable compost. Our large plant of ■ V. La Seduisante 1 

 is about twelve years old, and is still as healthy as ever. It measures 

 8 feet in height, and the head is feet across and 5 feet in height. 



