April 5, 1894. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
265 
which is afforded by many species is another, while the colours of the 
bloom of other species are such as no lover of the genus can pass by 
without admiration.” 
M. Maurice de Vilmorin stated that these Rhododendrons are usually 
not hardy in France, but he had met with some in the garden of 
M. Liais at Cherbourg, and mentioned a fine specimen of R. Falconeri 
on a lawn near Brest. 
SIMPLE AND EFFECTIYE FLOWER BEDS. 
Preparations are now being made for the bedding out of the flower 
garden. The question uppermost in the minds of many gardeners is, 
perhaps, what must be done in order to have a change from the plans 
of the previous season. If a change is desired—and one is of ten needed 
in flower gardening—let it be made in the right direction. It should 
lean towards simplicity of design, and to the hardiness and suitability 
of the necessary plants with which to carry it out. Complications as 
far as possible in the planting of the borders should be avoided, and 
harmony amongst colours ought to be aimed a*”. The blending of colours 
together so as to be pleasing to the eye is not to be overlooked. To 
avoid mistakes in this matter it will be wise to employ a limited number 
of colours, especially in individual beds. Plain beds simply planted 
generally command the most admiration, because the effect produced by 
such is greatest. Herbaceous borders and the cultivation of hardy 
flowers are becoming more general each year because more pleasure is 
derived from such. If beds of the nature of those just mentioned could 
be placed in the orthodox flower garden without the innovation being 
too apparent I think it would be a step in the right direction, and one 
that would meet with encouragement. 
The following are a few examples of some arrangements of borders 
which may be carried out at a very reasonable cost, and that would give 
satisfaction to those who may think well to adopt them. A round or 
oval bed planted with dwarf Dahlias and edged with Violas. One of 
double Zinnias edged with Cerastium tomentosum, white Pansies as a 
groundwork having small standard Fuchsias planted at 3 feet asunder 
all over the ground with a bordering of Musk is a very suitable bed. A 
long half-circular border with a series of round beds, each one enclosed 
with a band of Ivy planted inside with Henry Jacoby Pelargonium, and 
the outer space filled in with Gnaphalium, is a telling arrangement, and 
a few such beds as these mixed in among the others make variety. 
Heliotropes planted with sweet-scented Pelargoniums in beds and 
mixed borders of Myrtle, sweet-scented Verbena, Jasmine, Carnations, 
and other old-fashioned plants make the flower garden what it should 
be—a great attraction. Masses of colour produced by planting Pelar¬ 
goniums, Begonias, an i Calceolarias are very effective if not carried too 
far, and I am not advocating their disuse, but a place amongst such 
floviers as those which I have named above.— Geo. Garner. 
DAFFODILS AT LONG DITTON. 
Although five or six years only have elapsed since Messrs. Barr 
and Son established their Daffodil Nursery at Long Ditton, in Surrey, 
it has become famous throughout the horticultural world, and enthusiasts 
from all quarters wend their way thither during March and April. 
Already this season many devoted pilgrims have paid their annual visit 
to view the vast expanse of these popular spring flowers and partake of 
a floral feast that in many respects is unequalled. Others will doubtless 
do likewise, though the sooner this is done the better, for the golden 
blossoms are fast expanding under a rising temperature, and it is possible 
that the earlier and midseason kinds will be past their best in the course 
of a week or ten days. Later varieties, too, are developing rapidly, and 
those who are desirous of seeing perhaps the finest collection of 
Daffodils extant in flower should not delay an anticipated visit. The 
nursery is easily reached from Waterloo, being about ten minutes walk 
from Surbiton station on the London and South-Western Railway. 
Mr. Peter Barr, the respected head of the firm, is away in Spain, search¬ 
ing for novelties, making an endeavour to add to the already priceless 
floral store, but in his son, Mr. William Barr, an excellent guide may be 
found. 
Thanks to skilful culture and judicious management the drought of 
last summer seems to have had no perceptible ill effects on the Daffodils 
at Long Ditton, for the majority of them are flowering splendidly. 
About two millions of bulbs are grown, these representing, it is said, 
nearly 500 varieties, of which perhaps a few die out or are discarded to 
make room for new kinds. Hybridising is, of course, carried on, and 
Mr. William Barr pointed with justifiable pride to some choice seedlings 
that he had raised, but which are not yet catalogued. One of these 
was a magnificent flower of apparently Emperor parentage, and one 
may safely predict a future for it. Among the Yellow Ajax Daffodils 
Henry Irving, with its broad perianth and large golden trumpet, stands 
out conspicuously. Maximus is a grand example of this type, the 
flower being large and of a rich golden yellow colour, while in Santa 
Maria we find a variety worthy of more than a passing glance. Many 
visitors will doubtless stop to admire this beautiful kind, for it can 
easily be discerned among the thousands of other blooms. It is an 
early-flowering variety of a distinct and handsome appearance. The 
perianth is twisted, and the flower throughout is a rich orange yellow. 
P. R. Barr is another handsome form of the same type, the trumpet of 
this being rich yellow and the perianth primrose. J. B. M. Camm is a 
chaste variety with white perianth and cream coloured trumpet, and of 
the better known Horsefieldi it need only be said that a large stock is 
grown. Lady Grosvenor is a distinct form, having a white perianth 
and sulphur white trumpet, the same to some extent applying to C. W. 
Cowan, though in the latter variety the trumpet is deeper in colour. 
William Goldring is a charming Daffodil of the Ajax section. It has a 
primrose trumpet and long white perianth, and, although a drooping 
flower, presents a striking appearance. W. P. Milner Mr. Birr considers 
one of the best sulphur coloured forms, the plant being dwarf in growth 
and the flowers distinct, and Tortuosus received a similar recommenda¬ 
tion. The perianth in this flower is white and twisted, while the 
trumpet is sulphur coloured passing to white as the bloom matures. 
A plot of Sir Watkin of the incomparabilis section was pointed out, 
with the remark that for boldness of character this variety can well 
hold its own. As every specialist knows, it is a handsome flower, the 
perianth rich sulphur, and the deep yellow cup tinted orange. Gloria 
Mundi, however, is a choicer member of the same group, and when well 
known will be extensively grown. This is a recent introduction, and 
is a magnificent flower. The perianth is yellow, while the large cup is 
well expanded and tinted orange scarlet. Another variety of excep¬ 
tional merit may be found in Queen Sophia. This belongs to the 
incomparabilis group, and is very distinct with its sulphur-shaded 
perianth and large spreading orange scarlet cup. Queen Bess is a beautiful 
variety of incomparabilis albus, and is one of the earliest of this section ; 
it is characterised by the large white perianth and fine pale yellow cup. 
With regard to the yellow forms of Narcissus Barri, the variety 
Conspicuus is perhaps the most distinct with its spreading perianth 
and broad cup edged orange scarlet. General Murray is an excel¬ 
lent form of Barri albidus, being distinguished by its creamy white 
perianth and canary yellow cup, which is edged with an orange 
shade. Flora Wilson, which is another striking variety with a similar 
cup to the last named, has a pure white perianth, and the flower is 
extra fine. Among the varieties of Narcissus Leedsi two were noticed 
as being in specially good condition. These were Beatrice and Minnie 
Hume. The first-named is one of the purest white Daffodils in culti¬ 
vation, and the latter is a splendid flower with a canary coloured cup 
passing to white. Princess Louise of the Burbidgei type is a splendid 
form, the perianth being white and the expanded cup a deep orange 
scarlet. John Bain, too, is an extra good variety, the flower presenting 
a handsome appearance with its large white perianth and citron 
coloured cup. 
The above-mentioned varieties are but a few of the numerous Daffodils 
that are cultivated at Long Ditton, for there nearly every known type of 
the genus Narcissus is represented. Many of the dwarf-growing, small- 
flowered species, such as Cyclamineus, juncifolius, and corbularia are 
grown in tin boxes without any drainage. Here they flourish amazingly, 
and it has been suggested that other moisture-loving species may be 
cultivated similarly. The bulbs of the kinds referred to as growing in 
the open are planted in beds about 4 feet wide, and the surface of the 
soil is top-dressed with peat moss litter. This is found to keep it open 
and friable. During the winter Furze branches are laid on the ground, 
these breaking the wind and affording sufficient protection for the young 
growths early in the year. 
Although essentially a Daffodil nursery other hardy plants are grown 
by Messrs. Barr & Son at Long Ditton. Of English Tulips there is a 
grand collection, the plants promising so well that it is safe to 
prognosticate a wealth of blossom in due course. The earlier flowering 
Tulips are also splendidly represented, while of other choice bulbs and 
perennials there are suflScient to delight the most fastidious hardy plant 
enthusiast.—C. 
POCKET BOOK NOTES. 
The words of golden wisdom in “ Lessons for Young Gardeners ” in 
the Journal of Horticulture (page 233) ought to be read and well 
digested by every young gardener in the kingdom. Get as much theory 
as you can, but do not despise practical hard work, and of all things use 
your eyes and brains ; that is the lesson young gardeners should learn. 
“ C.” has done well by emphasising these things. 
The common sense views of Mr. Stephen Castle “ About Vines " 
(page 234) comes with refreshment and encouragement to every 
gardener who has been working his Vines on some such principles as 
those advocated by Mr. Castle. Bersonally 1 thank him. 
“ Stove and Greenhouse Climbers,” from the genial pen of “E. K.” 
on the same page, whose weekly papers are such pleasant reading from 
the gay wisdom of them and their high literary merit, is practical and 
very useful. 
We all owe you a debt for bringing out so much useful information 
anent the Onion maggot ; I am sure we shall all be the better for it. 
Practical and useful again are the notes by Mr. H. Dunkin on “ Spring 
Bedding,” and the “Propositions on Fruit” (page 236), by Mr. George 
Cole, are worthy of deep consideration. 
The “National Fruit Culture Society” (page 245), proposed by 
Mr. Rivers, reminds me that his father and our chief were the principal 
promoters of a Pomological Society some thirty to forty years ago, and 
which was the parent of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural 
Society. The good Doctor could give Mr. Rivers some hints on the 
subject, I am sure, and an examination of his father’s books and papers 
of say thirty to forty years ago would give him more. 
I join with ‘‘A. D.” in thinking that the R H.S. is quite capable of 
doing all that can be done in the matter, and it is always dangerous to 
divide a large interest into small, independent sections.—N. H. P. 
