270 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ September 21, 1891. 
stage slugs are troublesome if the weather is showery at the time when 
they emerge above the soil. 
The Perennial Geraniums. 
As border or rockery plants, where space in the latter position can 
be found for them, the perennial Geraniums, of which there are fully 
•one hundred varieties, are interesting and worthy of attention. Flowers 
are produced early in spring, and continue until the end of summer. 
G. Endressi is one of the best. The colour of the flower is a light rose, 
having darker veins ; height from 1 foot to 2 feet; habit, compact and 
free in flowering. 
Achillea millefolium. 
There are two distinct forms of Achillea millefolium roseum, one of 
«. •rich rose colour, and the other a dull shade of the same tint, but as 
compared with the former might be more correctly called lilac. Those 
who happen to be in possession of the latter should lose no time in 
making a change. The deeper coloured variety provides a charming 
show in the herbaceous border, where it continues to flower during a 
considerable period, commencing early in June. No plant is more easy 
of propagation ; in fact, my difficulty is to keep it within bounds, so 
freely do the creeping rhizome-like growths extend. 
Perennial Asters. 
Perennial Asters are commencing to unfold their blossoms, which is 
=a warning that autumn is at hand. They are charming hardy plants, 
requiring but a minimum of labour to keep them in order, but they 
give a maximum of flower in return. One of the best, if not absolutely 
■so, is A. amellus bessarabicus ; the flower heads are large, of a rich deep 
purple blue, lasting an extremely long time in a cut state in water. 
The habit of growth is compact, erect, and stiff, requiring but little 
assistance in the way of stakes. A. eiicoide3 has minute flower heads, 
but that is balanced by the large numbers borne on stems 2 to 3 feet 
long; the colour is a dull white with a yellow eye. A. ptarmicoides is 
another of the small-flowered varieties which expands its blossoms early 
in September. 
Rudbeckia laciniata. 
Where variety in the shrubbery or herbaceous border is desired) 
Rudbeckia laciniata will supply some during September. The pale 
yellow flower heads are showy and very freely produced upon stout 
stems, which branch their whole length. The foliage is bold, deeply cut 
aiiso, and in conformity with the flower heads in that respect. 
Rudbeckia Newmanni. 
Amongst hardy perennials for making a display during September 
there is hardly one which can be called superior to Rudbeckia Newmani- 
The deep orange yellow of its florets contrasts so well with the maroon 
centre that this “ Cone Flower ” is admired by all. For cutting purposes 
it is a gem ; a mass of it along with some light Grasses and greenery is 
fit for any form of vase decoration. It is somewhat strange how 
quickly thi3 plant suffers from drought during the summer; it is the 
first to lose its leaves under a hot sun. The showery weather expe¬ 
rienced during August encouraged a free growth, resulting in a full 
crop of strong flower stems and ample foliage. One advantage gained 
by growing this plant in the border is that it is self-supporting, and 
therefore does not require staking. 
Lychnis chalcedonica. 
An exceedingly showy plant for the back of the herbaceous border 
where bright coloured flowers are required during June and July. 
Associated with double white annual Poppies the effect is capital, both 
growing about the same height, 4 to 5 feet. Considering the ease with 
which this plant can be grown the wonder is more of it is not seen in 
private gardens, and especially those of large size. The double variety 
is perhaps more valuable still, flowering during August and lasting a 
greater time in good condition than the single form. 
Funkias. 
Funkias are more interesting plants than many persons seem to 
ft'link—not perhaps on account of the beauty of their flowers, but for 
the great variety of colour obtainable from their foliage, which is both 
bold and handsome. Take, for instance, F. Sieboldiana ; what a charm¬ 
ing shade of glaucous tint is shown by the bold leaves when growing 
partly in the shade. All the Funkias are particularly well adapted for 
growing in the shade of trees, where so many plants refuse to grow. We 
have strong roots of the kind named by the water side, at the foot of 
rockery clumps and Rhododendron beds—in fact, anywhere that pro¬ 
vides a suitable contrast in colour to the foliage. The flowers have a 
peculiar shade of colouring, which is rather pleasing—pale lilac or ashy 
grey, rather a strange combination. Fortunei variegata has glossy green 
leaves edged with white, is very striking in appearance ; and so is 
F. undulata variegata. The green-leaved variety, F. subcordata grandi- 
flora, with white flowers, deserves a place in most gardens. Funkias 
make grand marginal lines to subtropical beds provided they are not in 
too hot and dry a situation, they being partial to moisture at the root to 
.give luxuriance of foliage, which is their main claim to flavour. 
Epilobium angustifolium. 
The Willow Herb, Epilobium angustifolium, has been very gay in 
+ he wild garden, also growing among Fir trees. On the margin of 
■a pond it is very effective; but nowhere does it show to such 
advantage as on a piece of moorland by the roadside, where a quarter of 
an acre is densely covered with this perennial. The colour of the flowers 
appears to be exceedingly rich glistening in the sunlight. Owing to the 
rapid rate at which it spreads it ought not to be planted in the herba¬ 
ceous border proper, as there is such a difficulty to banish it from the 
spot if desired. It is so showy that no garden is really perfect without 
a small patch. In good soil it grows 6 feet high, and lasts in flower a 
long time. 
Lythrum Salicaria. 
For planting in a marshy position or by the edge of a pond the 
common purple Loosestrife, Lythrum Salicaria roseum, is one of the best 
hardy perennials. Its height is about 3 feet, each shoot surmounted 
with a flower spike. To obtain the finest effect it should be planted in 
bold masses, the colour of the flower being very effective at a distance. 
Campanula persicifolia alba. 
The white-flowered form of this Campanula is decidedly worthy a 
place in the most select collection of hardy plants. It may not be quite 
so valuable in some respects as the double form, but the duration of its 
flowers and their continuity of production stamps it as one of the best 
summer flowering plants obtainable. Like all members of this genus, 
dividing the roots is the most ready method of increasing it.—E. 
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
September 22nd. 
Dahlias were excellently represented at the meeting in the Drill 
Hall on Tuesday last, by far the greater proportion of table space 
provided being occupied with these flowers, in all the sections and in 
wonderful diversity of form and colours. Besides these the Pitcher 
Plants and Orchids furnished several attractive features, and the display 
of fruit was also good, though not extensive. 
Fruit Committee. —Present: Phillip Crowley, Esq., in the chair ; 
and Messrs. Harrison Weir, R. D. Blackmore, T. F. Rivers, G. Wythes, 
J. Hudson, F. Q. Lane, H. Balderson, G. Reynolds, J. Willard, J. Cheal, 
G. W. Cummins, W. Warren, T. J. Saltmarsh, A. H. Pearson, A. Dean, 
W. Bates, G. Cliffe, Rev. W. Wilks, and Dr. Robert Hogg. 
Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed specimens of the Crab 
Apple John Downie, very attractive orange-red oval fruits of con- 
s'derable decorative value ; also heavily laden branches of Far- 
leigh Prolific Damson (votes of thanks). New varieties of Melons 
came from Mr. G. Wythes, Syon Gardens, Brentford ; Mr. Gilmour, 
Ingestrie Gardens, Stafford ; and Mr. Tubbs, Teddington ; but the Com¬ 
mittee passed them all. Mr. Bloxham, The Gardens, Great Brickhill 
Manor, Bletchley, sent fine even specimens of Yeitch’s Main Crop 
Onions. The Rev. W. Wilks, Shirley, exhibited a large handsome fruit 
of a Pear named Marguerite Marillat, for which a vote of thanks was 
accorded. Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, had four varieties 
of seedling Plums, which had been dried at Chiswick by the evaporating 
process, and proved fairly satisfactory ; but one sample was over-ripe at 
the time they were dried, and several fruits burst. From Mr. J. Roberts, 
Tan-y-Bwlch, North Wales, came excellent fruits of Passiflora edulis, 
well ripened and of good flavour (vote of thanks). 
Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedfoid, sent several seedling fruits, including 
a yellow Plum named Golden Nugget and a dark purple variety named 
The Shah. Seedling Apples named The Duchess of Bedford and the 
Harpur came from the same firm, but the last named was considered to 
be identical with Yorkshire Beauty. Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter, 
showed a dark red medium sized Peach named Lady Walrond, said to be 
the result of a cross between Belle de Vitry and Early Walbuiton. Mr. 
J. Gilbert, gardener to the Rev. L. R. Flood, The Rectory, Merrow 
Guildford, contributed two dishes of Salway Peaches, extremely hand¬ 
some fruits, eleven of which together weighed 7 lbs. 13J ozs. (vote of 
thanks). An admirable collection of Apples and Pears from Messrs. W. 
Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, comprising a fine selection of the best 
varieties, worthily won a silver medal for the exhibitors. 
Floral Committee. —Present : W. Marshall, Esq., in the chair; 
and Messrs. C. T. Druery, R. Dean, B. Wynne, G. Phippen, G. Nichol¬ 
son, C. Jeffries, R. B. Lowe, W. T. Bennett Poe, H. Cannell, C. Noble, G. 
Brycesson, J. Walker, J. Fraser, W. Goldring, and the Rev. H. H. 
D’Ombrain. 
As already stated Dahlias were the most prominent exhibits, amongst 
the flowers and plants, several large groups and collections being staged. 
The most effective and novel was that from Messrs. G. Phippen of 
Reading, in which Palms, Ferns, and Lilies were arranged upon the 
floor of the Hall, and amongst these rose elliptical sloping stands of 
Cactus Dahlias, which showed the flowers to great advantage (silver-gilt 
Flora medal). To Messrs. J. Cheal & Son, Crawley, a silver Flora 
medal was adjudged for a grand collection of Dahlias in all the sections. 
A silver Banksian medal was accorded to Mr. T. G. Ware, Tottenham, 
for a bright and beautiful group of Dahlias and the floriferous white 
tree Carnation La Neige. A similar honour was secured by Mr. Arthur 
Rawlings for a handsome collection of Dahlia blooms, in which Show 
varieties predominated, and a bronze Banksian medal was adjudged to 
Mr. J. T. West, gardener to W. Keith, Esq., Cornwalls, Brentwood, for a 
beautiful exhibit of the Dahlias which he grows so well. Messrs. 
H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, had a choice selection of new Cactus 
Dahlias, and Mr. C. Turner, Slough, also had several stands of novelties 
of the Cactus, Show, Fancy, and Pompon types. Mr. G. Humphries of 
Chippenham sent seven boxes of Show, Fancy, and Pompon Dahlias, 
