THE GARDENING WORLD. 
May 14, 1904. 
40 ) 
during such dull weather as we have had lately, keeping the 
Howers closed, so that the form of the flower when still in 
bud lias been very much under the eye. Bulbs are' not usually 
regarded as border plants, but there are some gardens in which 
Tulips and other bulbs are planted alternately with herbaceous 
plants, so that when the bulbs die down their absence is not 
missed. It is a handsome Tulip, and certainly worthy the 
attention of those who like beautiful flowers either t-o< look at or 
for cutting. 
Paradisia Liliastrum. 
Although this closely resembles a bulb in habit, the roots 
are fleshy and fibrous, like those of an Asphodel. The nar¬ 
row funnel-shaped flowers are pure white, and very different 
in form from the AnthericumS', under which the plant is often 
placed. The stems and foliage vary from 12 in. to 18 in. in 
height, according as the circumstances are favourable to growth 
or otherwise. It is certainly worthy of a place in the her¬ 
baceous border. . 
Euphorbia Esula. 
At present this European plant, is rather conspicuous in the 
border, and though the bracts are paler yellow than those of 
E. palustris, the whole plant is much smaller, and, therefore, 
more easily accommodated in the border. The last-named 
makes second growth during the summer, resulting in a, very 
bulky plant, but the flowering stems of E. Esula terminate the 
height of the plant for the season. The leaves are linear, and 
the plant more graceful, so> that a tuft of it does not, occupy 
much space. The young leaves, but particularly the bracts 
surrounding the flowers, may be described as greenish-yellow. 
Lathyrus undulatus. 
Some years ago a, little interest, was created in an Everlasting 
Pea, that flowered towards the end of May, and was reckoned 
to be an old species that had become neglected, and its name 
forgotten in gardens. In gardens it was known as L. Sib- 
thorpii, and to give It more authority was redescribed in gar¬ 
dening papers under that name. Since then, however, it has 
been discovered to be, L. undulatus, a, native of the regions lying 
found the straits of Dardanelles. The plant fruits very freely, 
so that it may readily be raised in this way when increase is 
desired. The root, stocks of Everlasting Peas,- usually dor not 
divide very much, and are difficult of propagation in that way, 
or of transplanting, on account of the great depth to which 
the roots go down. The rosy-purple or pink flowers are very 
handsome, and quite equal to those of L. latifolius in size. 
Lathyrus cyaneus. 
This blue Vetch is very similar to L. vermis both in habit, 
height, and time of flowering. The flowers are of a, pale but 
decided blue, slightly tinted with purple when fully expanded. 
In the bud state, however, they are more decidedly purple. 
Tire plant is of compact, bushy habit, about 12 in. high, and 
may be planted in the front, rows of-the border in well-drained 
soil. It is a native of Russia,, and at present, isi not much 
known in gardens. J. M‘I. 
Obituary. 
Mr. Hugh Dickson. 
We regret to learn of the death of Mr. Hugh Dickson, of the 
Royal Nurseries, Belmont, Belfast, on the 5th inst., at the age 
of 70. Mr. Dickson had been in delicate health for the past 
twelve months, but continued to attend to his duties to the last. 
He was in the nurseries, giving some directions to one of his 
employees, when he fainted without warning. The doctor was 
summoned, but within five minutes he breathed his last. The 
cause was pronounced to be heart failure. 
Mr. Dickson was an enthusiastic rosarian, and sent his Roses 
to the leading shows, not only in Ireland, but to England and 
Scotland, where he secured many triumphs. He was also well 
known to the fraternity. His daintily got up Rose catalogue for 
1903 contained a coloured plate of a new hybrid perpetual Rose 
named Hugh Dickson, which is claimed to be the most valuable 
addition that has been made to the class for many years. The 
cupped blooms are of a brilliant crimson shaded with scarlet, 
and open well in all weathers. This will now serve to per¬ 
petuate his memory. 
The Balsam : an Old Florists’ Flower. 
Although Balsams arei of no. use to those who grow flower 
for the sake of cutting, they are of much service to anyone 
who desires plants for the decoration of greenhouse or con 
■servatoiy. To me it isi a matter for surprise that so few, com 
paratively, take them in hand, and I can only assume it b 
because they offer little inducement to the one who make- 
cut, flowers a, speciality ; hut, considering that they are of yen 
little trouble, and within a few weeks of sowing seed one maj 
have a beautiful show of blossoms, it is to be regretted thai 
they should have lost their popularity. As, however, the} 
are old florists’ flowers', I have a particular interest in them. 
If I may suggest a method of culture, it is that seed may 
be sown in a. greenhouse any time from February to June, for 
'succession., in, pans'of well-drained soil, consisting of old loam, 
leaf-mould and sand ; seed should be sown thinly, barely 
covering them; the pans should be kept in. a fairly moist 
heat of 60 deg., and as soon, as the young plants are well into 
their second leaf they should! be, potted -off into thumbs, and 
these' placed on trays or a, bed of ashes in the house ; this will 
prevent a too speedy evaporation—a very common state oi 
affairsl with seedlings when in small pots. They should be 
shifted again when, these* pots are filled with roots, and for 
the second removal. somei decayed cow manure should be 
added to the compost. In this the plants will grow rapidly, 
and every inducement should bei given them by encouraging 
a humid atmosphere, at the same time affording ventilation. 
I fin'd that a shelf near the roof of the house, where shade from 
hot sun can, be given, is the best position until their final 
potting, which may be into' 6 in. or 8 in. pots if larger speci¬ 
mens are desired. As the buds commence toi show, applica¬ 
tions of liquid manure in, a weak state may be given the 
plants once or 1 twice a week. At this period they will need 
plenty of moisture, and benefit greatly by change of stimu¬ 
lants. Sheep .droppings, well diluted, and an artificial fer¬ 
tiliser I have used with much success. Care must be taken 
if greenfly makes its appearance toi rid the plants by syringing 
or fumigating; but plants in, a healthy condition are not, as a 
rule, troubled with this pest. Very beautiful are the blossoms 
of Balsams, and a batch of plants in a conservatory are most 
attractive; they are, moreover, when in 6-in. pots, veiy con¬ 
venient, for table decoration. In a word, then, to' be successful 
with these charming old florists’ flowers, there must be steady 
growth maintained from the seed pan to the blooming pot; 
they must not be allowed to get root-cramped, but must be 
shifted on immediately the roots have reached the sides of 
the pots ; neither must they be neglected in watering. A 
light house where air can be admitted, giving each plant its 
proper room space, and bringing them on gradually into 
bloom, rather than* forcing them into flower, should be the 
aim of the cultivator. Forcing is often attended by thin, 
spindly growth, and thrips often follow; but given a liberal 
compost,, in, the Balsams we have flowers differing from the 
ordinary run,, although of no, value for cutting, yet provide a 
good show of blossoms wliicli those who can appreciate the 
beautiful cannot fail to* admire, and it is on. these grounds I 
think they are deserving of a, much wider culture than what 
is accorded them to-day. 
W. F. 
Champion Cottage Gardener. —The picturesque little village 
of Witley, Surrey, has'the honour of numbering among its folk 
one Charles Bridgewater, who has just been presented with the 
Sil-ver Knightian Medal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 
having secured the highest number of points in the count} of 
Surrey for .the excellence of. his cottage gardening. On the 
authority of experts his garden is the finest of its kind m 
England. This is the first time the Knightian Medal has evei 
been presented to any man in any county for successful work 
in cottage gardening, and the society has been in existence just 
one hundred years. Bridgewater only works in liis garden in 
the intervals of his daily employment as a carter. The pre¬ 
sentation was made by Mrs. Brodrick. 
