HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
The lance-shaped leaves encircle the stalk in fours, as 
the name suggests, but sometimes in threes, fives and 
sixes. The word Loosestrife is a corruption of Lysi- 
machus, a king of Sicily, and it was there that the 
farmer placed it on the yoke of his oxen, to keep the 
beasties gentle. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Marsh Marigold; ‘“Mary-bud” (Caitha Palustris). Once 
known as the golden flower oi the meres or marshes 
of old England, or simply as “Marsh Gold” this bril- 
liant bog flower stands out in low wet places, and 
adapts nicely to the small garden pool, or even near 
the rainspout. Sometimes confused with the cowslip, 
something like the buttercup, the “golden eyes of 
the winking Mary-buds” (Mere-buds) can be wetly 
potted for the house or sick room. The stocky, hol- 
low stems are succulent, sturdy, the leaves edible and 
more palatable than spinach. The flowers burst early, 
April and May, from 6 to 15 inches high, in sun 
or shade. 25c each. 
May Apple; Mandrake; Umbrella Leaf; Wild Lemon 
(Podophyllum peltatum). Lushly spreading by its 
roots, the umbrella leaves form a dense, knee-high 
magic carpet, or- elevated ground cover. Waxy white 
flowers hang under the leaves. The fruit, ripening in 
late summer, is a large, fleshy, lemon-shaped berry, or 
“apple,” yellow when ripe. Flower has wild fruity 
smell, and fragile beauty; the fruit is reputedly edible 
when ripe, but insipid; the leaves are poison if eaten; 
and the root is a violent purgative. The plant is use- 
fully tenacious and spreading, soon forming sort of 
miniature tropical forest. 15c¢ each; $1.00 for 12. 
Meadow Rue, Tall (Thalictrum polygamum). Starry, 
plumy, misty clusters of white flowers, borne on slend- 
er branches, 3 to 5 feet high, above its lesser compan- 
ions of the wet meadows and slow winding streams. 
Grows in any soil and exposure with stately dignity. 
An aristocrat of cool, chaste dignity and simplicity. 
Combines well with Oswego Tea, in casual planting 
along a meadow path. Bees, moths and little butter- 
flies cross-fertilize this Meadow Rue, adding a fluttery 
quality to the feathery flowers. 25c each. 
Monkey Flower; Allegheny Monkey Flower (Mimulus 
ringens). Named for the ape or “little buffoon,” from 
its grinning blossoms, which appear in ones and twos 
from July to September, in clear and purple blue. 
Grows best in wet meadows, on banks and islands of 
creeks, and wants similar conditions in the garden, 
meaning constantly wet places. Avoids standing in 
water: seeks a hummock from which to draw contin- 
uous moisture. Careful planting indicated. Height from 
1 to 3 feet. A good neighbor of its cousin the Turtle 
Head. 25c each. 
Oswego Tea; Bee Balm (Monarda didyma). Vivid red, 
seeks moist, shady places, where it can show off against 
green. The ‘Indians called it “flaming flower” and 
made a potable infusion from the blossoms. Draws but- 
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