508 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ June 2>, IStl. 
of bloom of a shady blue. A bicolor, a blue and white species, should not 
be overlooked; neither, by the way, should I suppress the fact that, 
taking all things into consideration, the Monkshood being deadly poison, 
it is not advisable to be grown where children are about. Scabiosa 
caucasica has been very highly spoken of through the horticultural press 
during the past few years, and deservedly so, being as large as a five- 
shilling piece, of good substance, and a charming s'atey blue in colour. 
Delphiniums I might dilate upon at length, but I will merely give them 
this passing note, that they are indispensable for the herbaceous border. 
Agapanthus umbellatus is very valuable, and its foliage is also very 
ornamental; flowers a bright blue colour. Gentiana acaulis, verna, and 
others are amongst the very best in blues, and cannot be ignored. 
Statice latifolia, the Sea Lavender, shall end my list of blues, though 
for merit it may well have taken first place, producing masses of dark 
blue flowers, invaluable for cutting, and when dried will last for 
months. 
The red and rose varie’ies, embracing pink and light shades, next 
demand attention. I cannot better commence than with the charming 
Senecio pulcher, to my mind a fit companion for Scabiosa caucasica 
above mentioned, differing of course in colour, which is a superb rose. 
Achillea millefolium roseum, a pretty rose variety of the common 
Yarrow of the fields, comparatively dwarf, but a little too apt, perhaps, 
to fade as the blooms develop, particularly when exposed to the sun. 
Lychnis chalcedonica, or the scarlet Lychnis as it is commonly called, is 
a desirable variety of an intense scarlet, but fading very quickly when 
ou*^. L. Haageana is an exceedingly pretty flower, attaining a height of 
about 1 foot, good-sized, rose-coloured flowers 1 to 2 inches in diameter. 
L. viscaria splendens plena, too, should not be excluded, very dwarf, free 
of flowering, and richly coloured. Papaver nudicaule, the Iceland Poppy, 
than which a more lovely flower is not grown, colour a bright yellow, 
lasts well when cut, extremely pretty foliage, and, except in very 
exceptional winters, perfectly hardy. P. nudicaule miniatum, brilliant 
scarlet, deserves more than a passing comment. Agrostemma Fios Jovis 
and coronaria fl.-pl. (the latter a double variety of the “ R^se Campion”) 
are two very pretty little flowers, attaining a height of about 2 feet, of a 
beautiful rose colour, and a somewhat velvety texture. 
Two varieties of Epilobium, or Wil'ow Herbs, angnstifolium and 
variegatum, I would particularly warn all herbaceous plant collectors to 
studiously avoid importing into their gardens, as they are both of a 
rank and creeping nature, and are not easily got rid of when planted. 
Geum coccineum plenum requires only to be mentioned, its large 
brilliant crimson flowers being very desirable for cutting. Some other 
Geums might be enumerated, but they pale into insignificance beside 
the afore-mentioned. Heuchera sanguinea is certainly unique in its 
handsome appearance. Its dwarf and branching habits, coupled with 
the charming orange scarlet flowers, and the abundance with which the 
loose spikes are produced, render this the most valuable acquisition to 
our hardy collections, but be sure you secure a good variety, as there are 
many weedy ones. Lythrum roseum superbum with its massive spikes 
of red flowers will enliven the shrubbery border, attaining a height of 
about 4 feet. Anemone japonica must perforce be mentioned as indis¬ 
pensable for autumn blooming, and is very free. Chelone obliqua, a 
quaint but not undesirable plant, producing spikes of bloom of a pretty 
rose tint, of very sturdjq albeit ra her stiff habir, is a des'rable plant to 
have, it is aborrt 2 feet high. Dictamnus fraxinella, or Burning Bush, 
about 2^ feet in height, producing spikes of curious red flowers, should 
be cultivated, if only for its peculiaritie.='. Megasea cordifolia should be 
planted where space is no object, as its foliage is very large, and produces 
large spikes of bright rose flowers. Munarda didyma or Oswego Tea is 
sweetly scented, spreads rapidly, flowers a bright scarlet, altogether 
desirable to secure. Potentillas are not to be despised, and are capital 
things for cutting. Zauschneria ca’ifornica shall finish my table of red 
varieties. This is a beautiful bright vermilion, borne in pendent 
spikes, about 18 inches in height, ancl is vei’y attractive. 
Commencing the white-flowered plants, we have the beautiful 
Thalictrum aquilegifolium, the large pinkish white heads of bloom and 
foliage alike being most usefub It attains a height of some 3 or 4 feet. 
Sidalcea Candida is another pure white variety, borne in spikes, and 
although freely propagated by division. I do not think is very common. 
It grows about 2^ feet in height. Silene maritima fl.-pl. somewhat 
resembles a Mi's. Sinkins Pink, though inodorous, very dwarf and com¬ 
pact, and invaluable for cutting. Achillea Ptarmica fl-pl. with its 
profusion of miniature white flowers borne in masses can have but a 
passing comment; it is, however, one of the most useful. 
The St. Bernard’s Lily (Anthericum liliago), bearing spikes of Lily¬ 
like flowers in profusion, is not to be despised, as likewise A. liliastrum, 
of somewhat more substance than the preceding. Campanula grandis 
alba, a fine old-fashioned perennial, flowers as large as half-crown 
pieces, produced in spikes and obtaining a height of 3 feet, must not be 
discarded. C. isophylla alba can be seen in plenty all through the 
summer in Covent Garden, and is an exceedingly pretty^ trailing plant. 
C. persicifolia alba pi na (the double white Bellflower) in growth 
similar to the single C. grandis alba, very free flowering and useful for 
cutting. Centaurea montaiia alba (the white Perennial Cornflower), 
by no means exclude when ordering, as its usefulness in every respect 
defies description, and lasts a lorg time when cut. Chrysanthemum 
maximum, C. latifolium, C. uliginosum, and C. semi-duplex eclipse 
almost all others in their freeness of bloom and aptitude to last for 
weeks almost when cut. 
Now I come to a perfect gem, but be very choice with it if you can 
secure a plant, as it is very scarce. I ivfer to the charming Cimicifuga 
racemosa, a very bold showy plant seldom met with. For the edifica.^ 
tion of those who have not come into contact with it, I may say it 
produces its feathery white flowers in drooping clusters, most distinct 
from anything I know, but does not increase its stock very rapidly. 
Dictamnus fraxinella alba, a white form of the Burning Bush previously 
mentioned. Anemone japonica alba is a grand hardy plant, and pro¬ 
vides us with an enormous quantity of pure white flowers which are of 
long duration, and will thrive almost anywhere. Ranunculus amplexi- 
caulis, pure white and very dwarf, with yellow stamens, is one of our 
earliest spring bloomers. R. aconitifolius plenus (Fair Maids of France) 
is also a desirable pure white to have, and which throws plenty of bloom, 
grows 2 feet high, and does best in a moist situation. Gypsophila 
piniculati, wherever seen, arrests the attention of everyone, bearing, as 
it doe?, immense trusses of very small white flowers in great plenty, one 
of the most effective plants known, and is as useful for bunching with 
larger flowers as the well-known Adiantum gracillimum. Iberis corrae- 
folia and gibraltarica, two perennial Candytufts, should command a 
place in every garden, blooming with great effect, and very early. 
Saxifraga pyramidalis, with its massive spikes of white flowers, is in- 
dispensible, and well-known to frequenters of Covent Garden in the 
spring. Had I no fear of trying your patience, I might refer to many 
hardy plants that are deserving of being cultivated for their foliage 
alone, but I hope to be able to do so at some other time. I am assured' 
that the prevalent fancy for the revival of the old fashioned hardy 
flowers in our gardens finds sympathy, and that my few remarks will 
perhaps tend to the extended cultivation of some of them I have en¬ 
deavoured faintly to pourtray. I will conclude by reminding you of 
the fact that most of those I have mentioned are easily increased by 
division, that the best time to do so is in the month of March or early 
in April, not forgetting that disturbing the roots in the autumn often 
leads to disaster and loss. Some, also, do not increase very rapidly, 
while others require lifting and potting during the winter. The seeing: 
eye, however, will soon discern the requirements of each, and to no class 
is the familiar Latin phrase more applicable than to hardy plants, 
“ Experientia docet.” 
HIGHFIELD, WOOLTON. 
At any time of the year a visitor is sure to find something of 
interest at Highfield, the residence of W. H. Tate, Esq. Orchids ar& 
the leading feature, and several houses are entirely devoted to their 
wants ; but if the Orchids form such a great attraction, it must not 
be supposed that other plants suffer in the slightest degree ; on tha 
contrary, whatever is taken in hand by Mr. Haigh, the genial gardener 
at Highfield, is grown to advantage. A short time ago I saw the 
splendid collection of Lrelia purpurata in bud. The plants are as fine as- 
can be seen, and continue to make magnificent growths and flower 
free'y year after year. Last week they were in full flower, and a noble 
bank they were. There are about twenty plants and fifty spikes,, 
averaging five flowers on a spike, and scarcely two plants alike. A fine 
plant of Lrelia purpurata alba, carrying twenty-five flowers, was perhaps, 
the most noticeable ; Lmlia purpurata Russelliana, with nine spikes and 
e'even leads ; Lmlia purpurata splendens, fifty growths and seven leads. 
Bes'des these were Lrelia purpurata Wyattiana and two or three varieties, 
of Biys ana. Some others, with golden throats and very dark lips, 
were charming. The plants are all grown in pots, and the treatment 
they get is of the best, and Mr. Tate is to be complimented on being 
the possessor of such a choice collection. In the same house was a 
capital plant of Cymbidium Lowianum, carrying eight strong spikes, 
twenty flowers on a spike. The markings are strongly defined, and the- 
variety one of the best. Oncidium crispum was in bloom, fine well- 
flowerel Cypripedium Lawrencianum and Odontoglossums vexillarium 
Alexandras and nebulosum were very conspicuous ; Dendrobiums 
War.lianum, Ainsworthi, Devonianum, Phalaenopsis, thyrsiflorum,. 
and FindVyanum were all growing vigorously, so was the rich strain of 
nohile. The plants are chiefly imported pieces, and many varieties of 
exceptional merit are amongst them—Cattleyas by the hundred of such 
sorts as Trianm, Mendeli, Sanderiana, Dowiana, aurea ; the two latter, 
pushing fine strong sheaths, will be a treat later on. In the Odonto- 
glcssum houses the plants are pictures of health ; 0. Harryana, 
0. rubellum (the autumn-flowering variety) Mr. Haigh considers ought 
to be grown by everyone having room for it. 0. grande and many 
others are to be seen in large numbers. Oncidium tigrinum and 
Cavendishianum were making extra strong growths, and I noticed some^ 
grand pans of Cypripediums and Coelogynes growing freely. Vanda, 
coerulea, V. Sanderiana, and Angrrecum sesquipedale are here in good 
condition. 
Leaving the Orchids we come to a stage filled with Carnations, in 
pots, and just opening their delightful flowers. Many of the plants 
were layered in the open last August and potted on, the plants being all 
in the best of condition. The chief varieties grown are Germania, 
Pride of Penshurst, Mrs. Reynolds Hole, the pink, crimson, and the old 
blush Souvenir de la Malmaison, whilst for a white Mr. Haigh conside's 
Mdlle. Carle superb. It is a pity these lovely flowers are not seen in 
more profusion around Liverpool, where room may be found for their 
well being, and I hope the day is not far distant when we shall see 
them cultivated as freely in pots as other greenhouse plants. What can 
be more handsome than the group figured in your issue of last week ; 
and we Liverpool people can look back with pleasure to the provinciaT 
show of the R.H.S., held in Liverpool, where a similar group was 
exhibited, and which found so many admirers. Another feature pleas¬ 
ing to note were seventy-two pots of a free flowering Verbena, named 
