PLANTS IN CONGENIAL POSITIONS. 



543 



Nicotiana affmis (Sander's hybrids). — I have introduced this 

 example to emphasize the advantages gained by not overcrowding 

 this and kindred plants. If we were to allow more room for after- 

 development of all free-growing and spreading plants a far better effect 

 would ultimately be attained, a smaller number of plants required, and 

 labour would be saved. 



Polygonum compaatum. — W© are indebted to many of the Knot- 

 weeds for garden effect. The species named is more compact in 

 growth than many. It flowers in great profusion at Gunnersbury, 

 where its contiguity to the water adds to the effect from the opposite 

 side of the lake. It is at its best during October, and lasts some time 

 in good condition. It is valuable for grouping, being quite rigid in 

 growth, and therefore needs no staking. The flowers are well dis- 

 played above the foliage. Its habit of growth indicates, I think, that 

 it will thrive with a lesser degree of moisture than most of the species. 

 While I am alluding to this genus I should like to draw attention to 

 the much-neglected — and, may I say, somewhat despised? — Poly- 

 gonum orientale, the ' Persicaire * of the French catalogues. It is 

 valuable during the autumn months on the hardy-plant border. Of it 

 there are two distinct forms — one with deep ruby-red flowers and 

 racemes ; and another, not so good in my opinion, with white flowers. 

 It is easily raised from seed every spring, my plan being to let the seed 

 drop in the autumn and to seek for the seedlings on the same spot in 

 the spring. This Polygonum prefers a sunny and open position. 



Crocus speciosus. — Of all the autumnal species of Crocus, this is, 

 I consider, one of the very best (fig. 161). Its deep bright blue flowers 

 are freely produced. Being one of those species whose foliage is pro- 

 duced only in the spring, it is needful to provide for the support of the 

 rather slender flower- stems. I find it a good plan to sow grass -seed 

 as soon as the bulbs are planted early in August; then by the time 

 the flowers appear in late September or early October this grass will 

 help to support them and add to the effect. If the bulbs are dibbled 

 into grass, which can easily be done, no mowing should be allowed 

 until the Crocus foliage dies down in the spring. Two other good 

 autumn-flowering species are C. cancellatus and C. zonatus. I find 

 these autumn Crocuses thrive well in dry positions for several years. 



Calceolaria x * Golden Glory. '—This hybrid Calceolaria is more 

 effective, I think, when treated as a rockwork plant than when grown 

 with other plants, or upon the level. It has survived one winter out 

 of three upon the rockwork in question. It will flower most profusely 

 through the summer with a fair amount of moisture and its roots cool 

 amongst the stones. Its foliage, though somewhat large, lies close 

 upon the soil. We are indebted to Messrs. Eobert Veitch, of Exeter, 

 for its production. It can easily be kept through the winter in a cold 

 frame, where it is not found to be perfectly hardy, and it is easy to 

 increase from root division. 



Funkias. — This group of plants should receive more attention from 



