PLANTS IN CONGENIAL POSITIONS. 



541 



Myddelton House, Waltham Cross, where only a narrow grass walk 

 intervenes between the Irises and the river. In the near future we shall 

 see many of the newer introductions from China thriving well at 

 Aldenham House, under the fostering care of the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, 

 and his gardener, Mr. E. Beckett. 



Given the one most essential factor in all successful gardening — viz. 

 shelter — much may be accomplished. 



The following notes deal with the special treatment of some plants 

 which have come directly under my own notice : — 



Senecio clivorum. — This strong-growing herbaceous perennial, 

 introduced from China by Messrs. Jas. Veitch, has become a great 

 favourite. When I first planted it I arranged it as a margin 

 to taller plants next to a lake, but I thought I could succeed better with 

 it if it were planted quite independently of everything else. Feeling 

 sure that it was a great lover of moisture, I decided to make an island 

 for it. In doing this I brought the level up to the waterline with old 

 bricks, and finished off with some coarse ashes. On this I placed the 

 soil up to about 1 foot in height, and then planted my stock. The 

 improvement has been manifest in more robust growth and stronger 

 flower-stems. This growth clothes the soil down to the water's-edge, 

 and all the moisture needed is drawn upwards by the roots. Thus 

 grown, ' Senecio clivorum has a fine effect. It should not be planted 

 where the roots of trees or of other strong-growing plants can rob it of 

 its due proportion of moisture. If a situation can be chosen where a 

 little shade from the midday sun can be secured during hot weather 

 it will be all the better. 



Artemisia lactiflora. — This Artemisia is one of the finest hardy 

 border flowers we have. Its Spiraea-like, much-branched panicles 

 of fragrant white flowers produce a charming effect in the late 

 autumn. I find that this, too, delights in abundance of water at all 

 periods of growth. Even when in flower it ought not to suffer, other- 

 wise its beauty will pass away all too quickly. It should be given 

 a damp, somewhat shaded position if possible. On no account plant it 

 on a dry border or where it would be overcrowded. A large mass of 

 it is better for effect than a few plants. The stools should be divided 

 at least every other year, in order to maintain a vigorous and floriferous 

 growth. This, like the preceding, is an introduction from China by 

 Messrs. J. Veitch. 



Androsace lanuginosa. — This Androsace is one of the prettiest of 

 all rockwork plants, where it thrives and flowers freely. The mass 

 I have in view is planted about 1 foot above the level, and is in the full 

 blaze of the sun almost all day. The soil is a good fibrous loam, and 

 a fair amount of water is afforded, but not an excess. It flowers freely 

 nearly all the summer through. During the winter the stools are pro- 

 tected by glass to keep off any excess of moisture. The extremities of 

 the shoots die back, but the plants always winter well. It ought never 

 to be overcrowded by any other growth. Cuttings strike during the 

 summer if inserted near to a piece of stone and in the open. 



