PLANTS FOR TERRACE GARDENING. 



373 



their size for our use, and now measure 10 feet in height, with 

 a diameter of 3 feet, being of a pyramidal outline. Since the 

 stems became woody we dry them off every winter, keeping them 

 just free from frost. They are, in fact, treated as one would treat old 

 stools of Fuchsias. About once in three years it is a good plan to 

 repot them, reducing the ball to a moderate degree and then replacing 

 them into the same size of tub or pot. For these we use a lighter 

 soil, but always ram it firmly. I have, in order to secure what might 

 be termed an early growth in the spring, started them under glass 

 in a cool house, but I find that it is not so satisfactory as starting them 

 in the open air, where we choose a spot somewhat sheltered and free from 

 any risk of frost. The growth thus made retains its leaves, whereas 

 often that made under glass will cast its leaves during an easterly wind. 

 When the plants begin to show flower we pinch the points out, at least 

 for the first time of their so doing. A more dense habit is thus 

 encouraged. They are somewhat predisposed to attacks of red spider 

 and of black fly, but the well known remedies are found sufficient. 

 There is now in cultivation another variety of Aloysia, called A. Mazon- 

 ettii, which is the same in all respects as regard habit of growth, but 

 instead of being Zeraon-scented it is mm£-scented, and most distinctly 

 so. Of this variety more will soon be heard. 



Laurus nobilis — the Sweet Bay. — This well known plant is grown 

 in greater numbers than any other for this and kindred forms of decora- 

 tion. It is not so much in demand now in England as it was, but upon 

 the Continent, more particularly in Germany, and in the United States, 

 there is still a considerable call for it. It is without doubt one of the 

 best of all tub plants, and when it is well grown is always a conspicuous 

 object. Its cultivation does not always receive the attention it deserves. 

 In many parts it is not quite hardy : this may be the reason. To ensure 

 its safety in the neighbourhood of London it needs a little protection, 

 especially around the tubs during the winter months, and if the plants 

 can be stored, even in an outhouse, they will be all the safer from the 

 end of November until March. The Bay is a gross feeder. This probably 

 explains why it is often seen with pale or sickly foliage instead of with 

 the dark green and lustrous leaves that are characteristic of the plants 

 that are grown in Ghent and Bruges, in Belgium, where it is one of the 

 principal subjects cultivated for export. So far I have not seen any 

 specimens in tubs of Laurus nobilis regalis, a narrow- leaved variety, but 

 one in which the fragrance is intensified. 



The Bay is one of the finest of terrace plants, but ought not to be 

 too freely used, simply because the larger the plant the better is the effect, 

 and there is not room for too many of that character. Of the styles of 

 growth in which the sweet bay is grown I prefer the standard form. 

 Tall, pyramidal plants are most imposing, but they are rather too dense ; 

 hence I prefer the standard, with a clear length of stem supporting its 

 head. 



Agapanthus umbellatus. — This is a very favourite plant with many, 

 and that rightly so. It is of comparatively easy cultivation, and that is 

 much in its favour; To secure large masses in tubs is a question of years. 

 They should not be grown in pots, because of the known tendency for the 



