56 



F. & F. Nurseries, 



RHODODENDRON. 



No class of hardy plants produce so rich an effect of foliage at all seasons or such 

 magnificent flower results, as the Rhododendrons. The class has been constantly 

 improved by nurserymen, and particular attention has been given to infusing the 

 blood of perfectly hardy species into the newer named sorts, so that at the present 

 time the list of sorts perfectly adapted to this climate is ample. The colors in the 

 hard}- sorts now range from purest white to deepest crimson and rich plum- 

 purples including all possible shades and combinations of these colors. With 

 proper conditions no class of plants are more easily grown than the Rhododen- 

 drons, and once established less care is necessary than that usually given ordinary 

 shrubs. No garden is complete without one or more specimens of these exquisite 

 plants. The Soil conditions are ver}- simple ; lime in any form must be excluded , 

 as it is fatal. In any soil of ordinary fertility the class will thrive, while a liberal 

 addition of leaf -mould will produce richer flowering effects. A common failure 

 with Rhododendrons is due to a too free mixture of leaf-mould or peat, render- 

 ing the soil too porous and consequently dry. Protection is best accomplished by 

 standing evergreen boughs among the plants ; and this method is far superior to 

 smothering the plants in boxes, barrels, or with overdressings of leaves. Manure 

 should only be applied when of a thoroughly rotted nature. To ensure free 

 flowering results for future seasons, carefully remove the partially ripened seed- 

 vessels in July or early August. 



* Catawbiense (6 ft.) — This is one of the types from which the hardy named 



varieties originated. It forms a broad, dense bush, with handsome deep-green 

 evergreen foliage, and bears at the extremity of each branchlet immense heads of 

 clear lilac, spotted purple flowers. 

 Maximum (Great Bay, 6 ft.) — This species is found native as far north as Portland, 

 Me., consequently absolutely hardy. The foliage is very large, each leaf often ten 

 inches long and of the deepest glossy green . The flowers are in dense heads 4 to 

 6 inches across, white tinged with pink and yellow. 



* Named Hybrids. — Of these we have a very superior collection of hardy varieties 



which have been carefully tested. We wish to especially enforce the fact that 

 our plants can be relied upon for hardihood, as we regret to state that many 

 plants we meet with upon private estates that have been purchased from other 

 sources are either of varieties known as tender or such as show at a glance the 

 predominating tender blood of Rhododendron ponticum. Our aim is to send out 

 only such sorts as have been proved by ourselves to be hardy. 



SCIADOPITYS VERTICII/E/ATA (Japan Umbrella Pine 6 ft.) 



A very rare Japanese tree of slow growth, but eventually attaining large size. 

 Each branch and shoot is terminated by a whorl of glossy, olivegreen, needle-like 

 leaves, radiating like the rays of an umbrella, which the name implies. Often 

 spoken of as the "most beautiful of pines." It is a rare tree even in Japan. 



TAXUS (Yew). 



Adpressa Stricta (Japan Yew, 6 ft.) — Foliage dark green; leaves short; habit 

 upright. Desirable. 



Baccata (English, 10 ft.) — Large bush-form with numerous branches, slightly 

 spreading, covered with fine, dark green foliage. Makes a handsome tree for 

 landscape planting, and owing to the depth of color is very useful for contrasting 

 with other sorts. 



Cuspidata (Abrupt leaved Japan Yew, 3 ft.) — A broad upright growing bush ; dark 

 green foliage. 



Hibernica (Fastigiata, Irish Yew, 5 ft. )— Remarkably upright in form; very dis- 

 tinct ; foliage is of the deepest green ; very compact habit. 



— Aurea (.Golden Irish, 4 ft.) — Leaves green in the center, and margined with 

 yellow. 



THUJA (Arbor Vitae). (See Biota for Oriental Varieties.) 



* Occidentalis (American Arbor Vitse, soft, 30 ft. ) — This plant is, all things considered, 



the finest evergreen for hedges. It is very hardy, and easily transplanted, few or 

 no plants ever failing if nursery specimens are obtained. It grows rapidly, and 

 with little care, or rather by easy management, it soon forms a most beautiful 

 hedge, very dense, and perfectly impervious to the sight. It forms a most desir- 

 able and ornamental screen to divide the lawn from other parts of the ground, or 

 for any other purpose. 



