Hardy Plants of the Easiest Culture. 
There are many hardy plants of such easy culture that once planted they are pretty well able to take care of them¬ 
selves ever afterward ; though of course there are none that will not repay in increased vigor and beauty any care that may 
be given them. All have seen how Pteonies flourish in old-fashioned gardens where no attention is given them at all, and 
where they were planted by a past generation. Equally independent of high culture are the rarer Tree Peonies, which are 
easily among the grandest of all hardy plants. All varieties of Hemerocallis (Day Lilies) thrive in any position and under 
any treatment; great patches of them in the grass that have not been disturbed for years is a common sight. The same 
may be said of the Trumpet Major, the Poeticus, and many other varieties of Narcissus which should be planted in the fall 
and are admirable for gardening in the grass and the wild garden. The Tiger Lilies, both double and single, and all 
varieties of Elegans (Thunbergianum) I have found to thrive under any treatment, and the hardier varieties of Rhododen¬ 
drons once established will look out for themselves, and my neighbor has proved that they can withstand the ravages of his 
cows and still treat him to an annual display of bloom much greater than he deserves. All varieties of German Iris will 
stand any sort of treatment and so will the splendid Japan Irises (Iris kampferi), except that of being planted in the shade, 
although they prefer a heavy, moist soil. Single Hollyhocks, which, to me, arc more beautiful and picturesque than the 
double, thrive anywhere and renew themselves annually from both seed and root in a way that makes an ugly, barren bank, 
which I pass on the way to my office, an object as beautiful as any I have seen. Almost all the species of Hardy Phlox are 
showy and beautiful under neglect, but the taller-growing ones so well repay any care that it is a shame to give them any¬ 
thing but the highest culture. Yucca filamentosa, Hyacinthus candicans and the Tritomas are highly-decorative plants 
when isolated in the grass, and will thrive in almost any situation, and the Oriental Poppies seem only to do well when 
planted in the poorest soil and left entirely to themselves. Sweet Williams are old garden flowers that everybody knows 
are of easy culture, and the Hardy Sunflowers once planted need never be thought of again, and are most effective when 
planted in the wild garden. The same may be said of the Hardy Asters, and their bringing such a profusion of bloom 
after most other flowers are done makes them very desirable. 
Helpful Books.—Among the best of these is Reynolds Hole's “ Book About Roses,” and indeed one of the most 
delightful books I have ever read on any subject. Its best use is the inspiration it is to one’s highest efforts, although its 
cultural directions for roses are thoroughly practical ; but allowance must be made for the difference in the English climate, 
and we cannot here, except in the South, grow Marechal Neil and similar varieties in the open air. While visiting the 
Duke of Westminster’s place, Eton Hall, the head gardener, Mr. Sehvood, related a very pleasing incident of this book. 
When Reynolds Hole wrote it he was a poor English clergyman, with a hobby for roses — nothing unusual in England. 
He is now a Canon in the English Church, and one of the most famous and popular of its dignitaries. He sent a copy of 
it to his friend, Mr. Sehvood, who, of course, was delighted with it, and walking in the garden with the Duke a short time 
afterward, he gave him the book and urged him to read it. “ No, Selwood,” said the Duke, “ I have no time to read 
books on gardening; you must do that for me.” But Selwood insisted, and said he would be content if he would but read 
the first page. The next day the Duke called Selwood to him and said : “ Selwood, I wish you would write to that man 
Reynolds Hole and ask him to visit me for a week or two. I want to know the man who wrote this book. I took it up to 
look at it as I was going to bed last night and never laid it down until I had read it through.” “ Hardy Flowers,” 
“Parks and Gardens of Paris,” “Alpine Flowers,” “The English Flower Garden,” and “ The Wild Garden,” all by 
William Robinson, are most helpful, thoroughly practical in their teaching, and written with a vigor and finish that has won 
fame and fortune for their author. The best of these are “ The English Flower Garden," and “ The Wild Garden,” the 
latter being especially rich in its illustrations. 
Another book, dealing with the humorous and philosophical phases of gardening, is Charles Dudley Warner’s “My 
Summer in a Garden.” It contains no real garden information, and is only practical, as it shows the disappointments to 
be expected in all gardening operations. It is a thoroughly-delightful book, and should be read by all who own a garden, 
also by those who don’t ; remembering always, however, that gardens do produce roses as well as “ pusley.” 
Some Neglected Plants.—It is surprising that so noble a flower as the Ptcony, almost rivaling the Rose in brilliancy 
of color and perfection of bloom and the Rhododendron in stately growth, should be so neglected. Amateurs seem to have 
entirely lost sight of the many improved varieties introduced within the last few years, and our finest gardens, perfect in other 
respects, are singularly deficient in specimens of the newer kinds. The first point in their favor is hardiness. It may be truly 
said of them that they are “ hardy as an oak.” In the severest climates the plants require no other protection than that which 
they afford themselves. Then their vigorous habit and healthy growth, freedom from all diseases and insects, are important 
arguments in favor of their cultivation. Growers of Roses know well that their flowers are obtained by great vigilance and 
care. Not so with the Pseony, which, when once planted, all is done. Each succeeding year adds to their size and beauty. 
The foliage is rich and glossy and of a beautiful deep-green color, thus rendering the plants very ornamental even when out 
of flower. The newer varieties produce very large, handsome, regularly-formed cupped blooms resembling large Roses. No 
other flower is so well adapted for large, showy bouquets. The Poeony may be planted either singly on the lawn or in 
borders. Where the lawn is extensive a large bed makes a grand show, almost equal to a bed of Rhododendrons. It is 
really a flower for the millions. We place them in three divisions: first, the Oflicianalis and its hybrids ; second, Paradoxa. 
These are European, and bloom from the middle to the end of May. The third is Chinese, and blooms through June and 
July. A selection from the three divisions will give a fine display of flowers during three months. 
