February 6, 1904. 
THE GARDENING WORLD. 
in 
in my mind that the systems which tend to quick germination 
are the most desirable, and if the same methods are brought 
into use that are found suitable in the cultivation, of other 
tender plant life. Orchids will lie found equally tractable ; and 
if well cared for after they are removed from the nursery 
cases, the time is considerably shortened to that which is 
generally understood to be necessary before the' plants reach 
then' flowering stage. H. J. 
Hardy Herbaceous Border. 
Notes on New or Little-known Plants. —The formation of 
collections of hardy plants has now become so popular through¬ 
out t'he country that those who' are really interested in such 
are always on the look-out for any new or little-known plants 
which have any particular recommendation, or are likely to 
prove of worth; and though the introduction of novelties may 
not'be at all necessary to retain the enthusiasm manifested, 
yet one looks for them expectantly as each succeeding spring 
comes round. Many, of course; are able to see these and judge 
for themselves which may really be considered improvements, 
but those who have to rely on the catalogue descriptions some¬ 
times suffer disappointment and are dissatisfied with plants 
after expecting that they would prove additions. The under¬ 
mentioned plants will be found worthy of inclusion in the best 
collections, and I Lave no hesitation in saying that they are 
among the very best of our border plants. 
Hesperi 5 matronalis purpurea plena. —There are two forms 
of the double purple Rocket in cultivation, I believe, under this 
name, hut the one to which I refer is a. veiy rare plant, and 
lias almost become lost to our gardens. This variety has large, 
very double purple flowers, which are sweetly scented and 
closely arranged on a. well-branched spike about 2 ft. in height. 
The foliage is also a very deep green in colour, broad, and of 
considerable texture. To see this Rocket at its best some 
little care and attention is necessary; otherwise it loses its 
vigour and proves short-lived. We find the best results are 
obtained by lifting tire plants annually in the autumn, when a. 
number of young growths are appearing from the base. These 
should be taken off carefully with a knife and potted singly 
in 60-sized pots, using a fairly light sandy compost, and placed 
in a cold frame for the winter. Admit plenty of air and keep 
them free from mildew, which is certain to appear with sudden 
changes of the weather. These should be planted out. early 
in April, and if the soil in the border is not very good they 
will well repay the trouble of adding a. little fresh. We find 
turfy loam, leaf-soil, and silver sand to. suit them admirably, 
and a. good open position should be chosen. If any maggots 
are in evidence; which can easily be seen by the curled-up ap¬ 
pearance of the young leaves, pick them out carefully with 
the thumb and finger, and grow each plant with a. single stem, 
leaving on the side' branches. Frequent waterings in dry 
weather will prove very beneficial, and a light support will be 
necessary for each stem. 
Anchusa italica superba. —This will be a favourite plant 
with all when better known, and when in full flower at the end 
of spring or early in summer there is no plant that I know 
to compare with it. The flowers are deep blue in colour, much 
darker than the type, and young plants, if grown with one 
main stem, will make a pyramidal growth about 4 ft. in 'height 
a.nd almost as much through. The great length of time that 
this remains in flower alone recommends it. as a. plant for every 
border, and it will also succeed in ordinary soil. Propagation 
can be effected bv taking off the young offshoots. which appear 
in autumn, and if potted up will make nice plants the follow¬ 
ing year. 
Inula glandulosa fimhriata. —There are not many varieties 
or specie® of Inula to select from, but all the dwarf-growing 
forms are of value; especially for producing bright masses of 
colour on the front of the border. The variety under notice 
differs considerably from its parent, and is thought by those 
who have seen it to be a distinctly superior border plant. This 
variety grows about 1 ft. in height, and produces its flower 
stems with much greater profusion than I. glandulosa.. The 
florets are much more numerous and laciniated deeply, which 
gives to the plant, a. very distinct appearance; the colour, too, 
is a, little deeper, and no supports are necessary. The best 
way to propagate this plant, is by division of the root stock 
in autumn. 
Heuchera Rosamunde. —This is one of the most beautiful 
Heuchera. hybrids that have appeared for some time, and is 
somewhat similar to H. micrantha in habit. The colour, how¬ 
ever, is a rich coral pink, and the' flowers are larger, which 
makes a. fair-sized mass in the border most conspicuous 1 . 
These are; of course; only a. few of many which should be men¬ 
tioned, but in. my next notes oil the above subject I shall have 
to describe others- that have come under my observation. 
Aldenham House Gardens., Elstree. A. E. Thatcher. 
The Flower Garden. 
In those gardens where spring flowering plants are used for 
an early display we are already reminded of the coming spring 
'by the appearance of many bulbs above ground. Other early- 
flowering plants, such as Wallflowers, Arabis albida, Aubrietias, 
Alyssum saxatile, etc., suffer more during a damp winter than 
when cleai' sharp frost predominates. Beds of such plants 
should be examined now, making up all deficiencies as far as 
possible to ensure a, good display in April and May. The 
lovely .strains of Polyanthuses now supplied by various nursery 
firms add greatly to the beauty of our gardens in spring. 
Seedlings are generally more, satisfactory than divided plants, 
and if seeds are sown thinly in boxes, during February the 
young plants will be fit for pricking out in nursery beds in 
April ; in this way a long season’s' growth is obtained. Car¬ 
nation layers which were potted up in autumn should have all 
the light and air possible consistent with protection from 
excessive damp. Those layers which may have been callused 
only when potted up will root in the pots if kept on the dry 
side, and should be left a few weeks later than is usual for 
planting out. 
Bedding Pelargoniums may now be potted singly, and kept, 
rather close fora few weeks, until growth becomes active. The 
Ivy-leaved section are now largely used in the flower garden, 
and well repay a little extra, attention in the. early part of the 
season. They may be grown as specimen plants 2 ft. to. 3 ft. 
high, for which purpose one-year-old plants may be potted on 
now. Few plants are'better adapted for furnishing vases than 
the latter section, their free habit of growth and flowering 
rendering them eminently suitable for this mode of culture. 
The varieties Charles Turner, rose coloured, and Mme. 
Crousse; pink, are among the best for bedding purposes. 
Dahlia rootsi may now be placed in a warm house to furnish 
cuttings a few weeks hence. A position should be chosen 
where a fair amount of light will reach the young growths 
as they appear, as in this way better cuttings are obtained. 
Seeds of East Lothian stocks should now be sown and placed 
in gentle heat, pricking off when large enough, and gradually 
affording more light and air as the young plants advance in 
°rowth. ~ Success with these plants depends on having sturdy, 
short-jointed material at planting-out time. B. W. J. 
Potatos Rf.centlv Lifted.— Mr. Baker, of Frinton-on-Sea, 
has just had about an acre of Potatos taken up. The yield, he 
says, is about three times what he expected in such a bad season. 
The Departmental Committee of the Board of Agricul¬ 
ture and Fisheries, appointed to inquire into and report upon 
the present position of fruit culture in Great Britain, and to 
consider whether any further measures might with advantage be 
taken for its promotion and encouragement, held their pre¬ 
liminary meetings on the 22nd ult. The method of procedure 
at future meetings and the nature of the evidence to be taken was 
discussed. . 
