April 1, 1905 
monious with the surroundings, reasonably 
demanded, and that the expense may he 
justified in the results gained. 
The herbaceous border is here to stay. tt 
should be extended to the full requixc- 
ments, asin addition to its ornamental 
value, it is a very economical supply of cut 
flowers. But use great care in the selection 
of varieties, as in the long lists offered there 
are many kinds that are better adanted to 
naturalising or grouping in, the shrub bor- 
ders or elsewhere, than to being placed in 
the herbaceous border proper. The various 
forms of the European columbine (Aqui- 
legia vulgaris) are all good herbaceous ber- 
der plants, but our native species! Aquilegia 
canadensis shows to far better advantage 
in its natural positions in the crevices of 
rocks, in ledges, and moreover is mere per- 
manent here than in the border. Many 
native asters are very much more effective 
naturalised in the woods, ox encouraged in 
wilder portions of the estate, than they are 
in the border; and it is far better that 
they and such other gross feeders as the 
better types of golden rods and knotweeds 
be so planted that this drawback may not 
affect their neighbors. Other perennials of 
so-called miffy nature can be very success- 
fully cultivated provided you give them the 
AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
natural conditions of perfect drainage, sun 
exposure or otherwise meet their require- 
ments. Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpi- 
num), the gromwell (Lithosperum prostra- 
tum), the gentianella (Gentiana: acaulis) 
are, with a long list of other examples, 
plants requiring this special attention to 
attain the greatest success. 
The herbaceous border itself must be 
carefully thought out as to the subjects 
used and their grouping. Study the avoid- 
ance of spotty planting above all things, 
but do not forget foliage combinations as 
well as flower harmony of color, and do not 
depend absolutely on perennials in such a 
border, otherwise there will be a monotony 
in the repetition of the same effect: from 
year to year. Use annuals and tender 
plants in liberal quantities to vary each 
season from another; moreover, a peren- 
nial border without a proper background 
seldom shows to the best advantage. 
In naturalising, large masses are gener- 
ally essential for best results, but this use 
of perennial bulbs and herbs is a fascinat- 
ing study to yourself and your employer, 
making it possible to give great charm to 
portions of the grounds that may have been 
previously neglected. | Withouti consider- 
ing bulbs now, think how attractive the 
15 
moist situation may be made with the in- 
troduction of colonies of the ever-blooming 
swamp forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris 
semperflorens) ; a large clump of the Glad- 
win. iris with its yellow flowers; spreading 
masses of Lysimachia clethroides. To what 
advantago a dry waste corner could be im- 
proved with the plume poppy (Bocconia. 
cordata) or the giant knotweed (Polygonum 
cuspidatum), both of which you would not 
dare to plant in the rich soils of the gar- 
den; but really T must break away from} 
this ling of thought to take up others. 
Rockeries are dangerous features to fool 
with, but if you know how, can be made 
most interesting features. Aside, however, 
from the danger of error in their structural 
details is that of introducing them. at all if 
they are not in harmony. 
The vegetable garden can, usually be im- 
proved upon, and at times may be made an 
crnamental feature of the place. Where 
else could you raise to better advantage 
gladiol, lines of bachelor’s buttons, and 
numerous other cut flowers, and where more 
casily cultivate them’? And is it not impor- 
tant that the flower gisplay elsewhere 
should be free from the otherwise heavy 
house cutting demands? 
[To be continued. | 
mw, CANNER & 
liave for thirty years ‘targely exported both Plants 
and Seeds to all parts of Australia and New Zealand 
with success never before achieved, and have the. 
Largest and Best Stocks 
of everything for the Garden in Europe, and would 
be glad to send Catalogues and io correspond 
= = SSE NED, 
Yorketown, outh Australia, 5th | ebruary, 1903. 
You will be pleased to learn the Pelargoniums reached 
me in splendid condition. hey are all coming on 
splendidly; and will make a brilliant show during our 
next spring. The Lily bulbs also reached me a few 
days ago, and have been planted. I now send youa 
further order. i. H. Marrugws, 
Trade Mark: “Come and See.” 
ee 
SWANLEY, KENT, 
England. 
SEND FOR OUR 
NURSERY TRADE LIST. 
Quoting prices for all sorts of young stuff, s i 
AUB DLICa S stuff, such as—Fruit Trea Stocks 
ne 3 ee Small Conlere, lto4 years. Ornamental ‘I'rees al stata 
0 rs. Roses, sorts. J'ruit ‘l'rees, 1,2 ‘ y 8 
SiPaMS GaatTeoe ee it '‘l'rees, 1,200 old and new sorts. New 
TRANSON BROTHERS 
AND 
D. DAUVESSE’S 
Nurseries United 
in 1904. 
BARBIER & 
Co., 
SUCCESSORS, 
ORLEANS, FRANCE. 
Plants 2 “ ‘ 
Ph ka eh At caretally, packed, and those we jearly send to the Cape 
-0l00Y, Australia, Tasmania, South Amerisa, &c, have always arrived in 
good order and given satisfaction. 
