EAE VALCO WAS a POROUS zg vO ete Eis see = — q : 3] q JE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN x ’ i - vet } uae rah ‘ ‘ ye tart : f os ’ a vii ’ \ \ “ih ei , f * io ‘ ba : iY pie , , ‘ \ id i ee Ls \ U | ¢ ’ eK \ t+ a 7 = ak mbsichee \ ' ~ ’ + pr a awa ; a - oon os ‘ Fs 7 y > i \ . — i ; ’ A S¢ ee re | 7 rr : s : Fon et i ; — - ‘ iM 4 i \ a ® A a 7 q (missiiitiaiitoa aie atlanta A CORNER OF THE LILY POND SB 4s Fé fag ae 84 |THE BOOK OF THE) “4-7. WILD GARDEN BY Ss. W. FITZHERBERT @ JOHN LANE: THE BODLEY HEAD LONDON AND NEW YORK. MCMII EMITHSON AA, MAR 26 1986 LIBRARIES, Printed by Turnbull & Spears, Edinburgh. = "les? Se i CONTENTS PAGE LnTRoDUCTION ‘ : : . i Buxss , : . ‘ . ‘ 7 Tati, anp Mepium-sizep PLANTs , ‘ : ; , 14 Dwarr-Growinc PLANTs. ; ; : ; 29 FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES. : . . 43 PEAT-LOVING SHRUBS : : : ‘ 56 CLIMBERS. ; me : ‘ 60 Water PLANts . . : . ° 70 PLANTs FOR THE WATERSIDE : ‘ 78 Piants ror Moist anp Boccy Grounp . y : : $3 Watt PLants ° ; ; ; ; 37 INDEX : : : . . . ° 91 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS A CorneER op THE Lity Ponp Snowprors NaTuRALISED Bamsoos PAGE Frontispiece facing page Lo We 16 Pampas Grass , er 20 Sweet ALyssuM oN STEEP Bank ey 30 AUBRIETIA ON OLD WALL Be a2 WATERSIDE VEGETATION . a 70 Water Linies . . , me : ms 74. ’ CAMPANULA PyramipALis (from self-sown seed in dry wall) me 38 ; (These illustrations are reproducea from photographs by S. W. Fitzherbert.) Vii INTRODUCTION Tue meaning of the term ‘ wild garden” has been wil- fully misinterpreted for their own ends by the advocates of the artificial as opposed to the natural in garden design. They have taken the dictionary synonym of _ disorderly ”—the most misleading adjective that could be selected—as descriptive of the condition of the wild garden, whereas there is no sign of disorder in a thought- fully planned and planted example, which has for its pattern Nature in her most attractive guise. In the flower-enamelled Alpine meadows there is no disorder, and in the forests of the tropics—though superabundant vigour is expressed in every growing thing—each giant liana and huge frond fills its appointed place in the picture without any suggestion of confusion. It is when Nature reasserts her sway in spots which man has ceased to cultivate that the tangle of brambles and nettles merits the term ‘“‘ disorder.” In the wild garden, for which perhaps “‘ untilled garden ” would be a descriptive title less liable to misconstruction, Nature’s scheme is not remodelled, but only supplemented by the addition of such absent native plants or hardy exotic subjects as may add attractiveness to the view. Some have an idea that wild gardening commences and ends with the planting of daffodil bulbs in the grass, whereas this is merely one of the many possibilities that exist of beautifying the surroundings of the home by the informal grouping of hardy plants where natural condi- A LP I Be nN 4 a 7 ay Vn af ¥ we ale. 4 i P iy » ‘ « Mi, } ' “, 7 ) ! Cee 2 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN tions permit. Endless opportunities are offered in fields, woods, spinnies, glades between shrubberies and steep rocky slopes, that often form a more fitting home for Alpine and such-like plants than the most skilfully fashioned ‘rock garden, ledges of chalk-cliff, breezy down-land, dells and gorges, lane-sides and hedge-banks and moist peaty spots. The list of plants suitable for naturalising in the wild garden is a lengthy one, for not only are the denizens of the temperate countries of the world available, but the mountain altitudes of the tropics afford many a treasure that proves unaffected by change of latitude. This wide field of selection is, however, not without its dangers for the amateur, since he may be tempted to indulge in so varied a collection that all like- ness to Nature’s handiwork is irretrievably lost—and above all things Nature must be his teacher. Bad as is the dotting system in the herbaceous border, in the wild garden it is infinitely worse. Far better too few genera, species and varieties than too many. On Alpine slopes and South African veldt Nature scatters her flowers in wide drifts of one species and this should be our guide in the wild garden. A flower that singly is insignificant, when growing in grouped thousands forms a feature in the landscape. With regard to some of the more vigorous exotics, many of which are totally unsuited to border culture, grouping is often unnecessary, thus a large clump of Polygonum cuspidatum has a fine effect in an isolated position. Such details of grouping will occur to anyone who: has reverently studied Nature’s scheme of arrangement and if her suggestions are faith- fully carried out the wild garden will possess a charm for the artistic eye that borders and beds however well planted are powerless to rival. Many plants are indeed far happier in wood, meadow or moist dell than they are in even the best cultivated border. Some are of opinion that subjects once planted in the wild garden should be INTRODUCTION 3 left severely alone to win the mastery over the estab- lished occupants of the soil or to succumb as fate may will. In many cases, such as that of the stronger Narcissi, this let alone policy may be followed with suc- cessful results but in others a certain amount of solicitude is advisable in order to aid the successful establishment of the plants. It is often desirable to provide a deep and rich root-run and to root out all strong-growing herbage for three feet around the proposed site of the plant. Even in good borders herbaceous plants often fail to become established the first season, and in untilled ground, perhaps poor and certainly filled with the roots of the natives of the soil, it is courting disaster not to give the new introduction the best start possible. If it is worth planting it is worth the endeavour to give it such assist- ance that it may become permanently naturalised. Her- baceous pzonies may be cited as providing a case in point, since a rich and deep root-run and deliverance from competing herbage of a rank nature will compass their establishment in a far shorter space of time than if they were planted in unprepared ground, and sub- sequently left alone, when they might very possibly succumb instead of forming masses of bright colour in the early summer year after year. Even such a rampant grower as Clematis montana, an invaluable climber for _ garlanding trees and rough places in the wild garden, shows its appreciation of liberal treatment at the start— and it must be remembered that with all plants a good start is half the battle—by clambering to a height of thirty feet, while another, planted at the same time, but in poor unmanured soil, will have ascended scarcely ten feet. Having put in a plea for the good planting and after care of the newly introduced occupants of the wild garden until they have become established and are able to hold their own with the native vegetation, the ques- tion of the procural of the plants arises. To purchase 3, gin ‘i ! 4 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN these from a nurseryman and at once plant them out where they are intended to spend the remainder of their natural lives, is merely courting disaster. When they are bought they should be planted in a well-tilled and enriched border in the kitchen garden, or elsewhere, and carefully attended to for a season or two, when, having attained good size and robust health they may be transferred to their permanent quarters. The best plan is, however, to grow plants on from seed, cuttings, or divisions in a reserve garden, and then to plant them out when large enough. The situations having been prepared for their reception, a dull day can be waited for in the autumn, when the ground is moist, and with good balls of soil round their roots they may be trans- ferred to their appointed places without experiencing the slightest check. Ponies are best moved in Sep- tember, and other herbaceous subjects while their leaves are yet green, as then their roots are enabled to take hold of the new soil before the winter. The planter of the wild garden should guard against being over- sanguine, and thus laying himself open to disappointment. It is too much to expect that every introduction will thrive. Climates, soils and other conditions vary so much in the British Isles that the subject which flourishes in one locality may very possibly languish or die in another, for even in the tilled garden a plant that suc- ceeds admirably in one spot may refuse, even with the most careful culture, to become established in another not many miles distant. One merit of the wild garden is that it needs no con- tinual endeavour to keep it neat, a necessity in the case of the beds and paths around the house. The larger herbaceous perennials are allowed to wither and die in the same manner as the native herbage. In woods, and where there are deciduous trees, the falling leaves lodge between the stems, and are there held to rot and enrich INTRODUCTION 5 the earth. Here the wind that swirls the dead leaves to and fro about the trim garden plots has but little effect, the countless tree trunks and myriad interlacing branch- lets forming an effectual barrier, as may be verified by anyone who seeks the recesses of a wood during a gale, even in the winter when the trees are bare of leaves. In the spring may be seen the tall dead stems of lilies that have never known a stake still standing upright, proof positive that they have escaped the rude buffetings endured by their relatives in the open border. ‘These considerations lead to the recognition of how much plant-life generally owes to the encompassing shield of the wood. Many subjects, such as bamboos, suffer far more damage from biting winds than from severe frost, provided the air be still. Moreover, the wood does not limit its protection to the winter season alone, for in the summer heat when wavering exhalations arise from the baked earth beyond its confines, it provides a cool retreat gratefully appreciated by many a lowly plant. Such things as the Cyclamen and Hepatica are never as happy in the open border as they are in the shade of a wood. With regard to dwarf-growing plants, for many of which cliff-ledges or steep, rocky slopes offer desirable sites, an early autumnal visit is desirable, especially the first season after planting, in order that their condition may be noted, for it is not wise policy on the part of the planter of a wild garden to allow any of his small protegées to slip through his hands for the want of a little timely assistance. Sometimes a light mulch of leaf-mould and sand into which the surface roots may run, will save the life of a plant that would otherwise have succumbed to the winter. Sometimes a change of exposure may appear desirable, sometimes a too exuberant neighbour needs reduction or removal, and if, happily, none of these labours of love are required, the proprietor’s tour of inspection will have proved all the more satisfactory. i ad hi. SNM 3 | " 4 6 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN The following lists, though not professing to be exhaustive, give a fair selection of plants suitable for wild gardens of various descriptions. The majority of those named possess a sufficiently robust constitution _ to thrive, if afforded the different conditions of soil and site recommended, while in the case of the less accom- modating subjects successes should far out-number failures, provided that due care is taken to study their individual preferences. BULBS NaARcISSUS.—This as the most effective of all bulbous plants for naturalising in the wild garden merits earliest notice. Beautiful pictures may be obtained by planting distinct varieties by the thousands in meadows, orchards, parks and open woodland glades. The advantage of these and other spring-blooming bulbs is that they flower before the grass commences to grow, and their leaves are withered before hay-making time, so that they may be planted in fields laid down to grass without interfering with the annual mowing. Planting is easily accomplished by raising the turf with the spade, placing the bulb in the cut made and treading back the sod. Care should be taken that the groups are informal in outline. Too often Narcissi may be observed planted in lines, circles, oblongs, ovals, or in little clumps at equal distances apart. Such arrangement entirely banishes all semblance of the natural effect which it should be the aim of the planter to produce. When blossoming, the flowers should appear like cloud-drifts on the grass, closely massed towards the central line of the group and more sparsely scattered at its verge, with here and there an outlying colony distant a pace or two from the main body. On no account should mixed collections be naturalised, since these exhibit such diversity of height, colour, habit and time of flowering that they create no sense of repose but rather one of irritating patchiness. Groups should be composed of a single variety and should be arranged at a sufficient distance apart for one to form a picture by itself. This does not apply to 7 4 ~ y ee (oe s 8 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN early and late flowering species which may be massed close to each other without prejudicing the effect, since the flowers of the former will have withered before the latter has commenced to expand its blossoms. In some soils certain species appear to be more at home in grass than in tilled ground, this being the case with N. pallidus pracox, N. obvallaris, N. tortuosus and its allies and Queen of Spain in diverse localities. Good varieties for naturalising are the Tenby Daffodil (N. obvallaris), a golden yellow trumpet, and one of the earliest to flower; Golden Spur, maximus and Emperor, yellow trumpets; Horsfieldu, Empress, Grandee and the newer Victoria, bicolor trumpets, with the white trumpet, Madame de Graaff, where money is little object; Queen of Spain, a small, clear, yellow trumpet; the great incomparablis Sir Watkin, and others of the same section such as Stella, Cynosure and Frank Miles, the _ Star Daffodils (N. Leedsiz), N. Burbidget, Barri con- spicuus and the Pheasant’s eye group, of which the most easily procurable are the early poeticus ornatus, the later flowering poeticus poetarum and _ poeticus recurvus and the double Gardenia-flowered daffodil (poeticus plenus) Small growing species such as N. minimus, N. cyclamineus and WN. triandrus are better suited by pockets of porous soil on some rocky slope, where they will often reproduce themselves freely from seed. Allium.—A race better fitted for the wild garden than the border, on account of the garlic-like smell emitted from the bruised leaves. Many species may be naturalised, the most effective being the white 2. neapolitanum and the yellow 4. Moly. Chionodsxa.—Glory of the Snow. Charming blue- flowered spring bulbs. CC. sardensis is the deepest coloured, but C. Lucile has larger flowers with a greater proportion of white in them. They are 4 « : BULBS 9 best planted on sunny banks where the grass does not grow strongly. C. Alleni and C. grandiflora have larger flowers, but for effect in masses are no improvement on the before-mentioned species. Colchicum.—Meadow Saffron. These are pretty naturalised in short grass at the edge of glades, the green adding to the attractiveness of their leafless flowers. ‘The commonest forms are C. autumnale and its white variety, but there are numerous other autumn- blooming species that may be utilised. Crocusx—The Dutch Crocus in its varied tints, yellow, purple and white are excellent for planting beneath deciduous trees, coming into flower almost ere the snow- drops have departed, and spreading sheets of colour over the ground. Even beneath beech-trees they will suc- ceed. Rabbits and pheasants are their worst enemies, and where these are plentiful it is impossible to establish them. The early flowering C. Imperati is pretty, with its soft colouring, on a bank where the grass does not grow rankly, as is the autumn-blooming C. speciosus with its violet-coloured flowers and orange anthers. Cyclamen.—The best of these for naturalising are C. coum, which bears its deep cherry-coloured flowers while winter is yet with us and of which there is a white variety, and C. neapolitanum or hederafolum, an autumn bloomer with large marbled leaves produced before the flowers fade. “These leaves are particularly handsome through the winter months. The corms attain an immense size sometimes being a foot in diameter. ‘This cyclamen, of which there are red and white forms, does well beneath evergreens, and will carpet the ground under large specimens of Pénus insignis with its lovely foliage. C. coum is best planted on a partially shaded bank where it will increase rapidly by self-sown seed.. Cyclamens succeed best in porous soil. In the south-west C. persicum may be naturalised. Hey . Mee A aa ij atin! he 10 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN Eranthis hyematis.—Winter Aconite. This delightful ! little flower, which expands its bright gold blossoms above their Elizabethan ruffs of foliage in the early days of the year, makes a charming picture when naturalised by the thousand beneath deciduous trees where its sheet of bright yellow gleams afar. Although thriving in some soils it does not do soinall. 4. cilicicus is a newer introduction. | Erythronium.—Dog’s-tooth Violet. The common European #. dens canis, with rosy and white blossoms and spotted leaves is well known, and there are several American species of late introduction, such as &. gigan- teum, E. revolutum, E. grandiflorum and others that may also be employed. A gritty, porous soil that does not dry up in the summer, and where the grass is not too vigorous suits them. Fritillaria.—The member of this family most generally seen in gardens is /. imperialis, the Crown Imperial. This fine species grows to a height of four feet, and with its drooping yellow or orange-red bells looks well in open spaces in the woods or in front of shrubberies. | The Snake’s-head Fritillary, /. meleagris, especially its white variety, is charming when naturalised in damp meadows. Galanthus.—Snowdrop. There are few more beautiful sights than that afforded by countless thousands of these chaste flowers blossoming beneath the trees in sheltered woods and grassy glades. ‘They are said to succeed better in the north than in the south of England, but in the latter locality they flourish and multiply in the cool soil of shady woods. Besides the common Snowdrop, G. nivalis, other species, such as G. E/wesii, G. latifolius and G. plicatus may be planted. Leucojum.—Snowflake. L. vernus, the early-blooming species is of rather dwarf habit and is seen to advantage on a grassy slope. The summer-flowering L. aestivum ‘ GysITVYNLVN SdOYAMONS BULBS sp is a stronger grower, attaining a height of over two feet and flourishes in the grass by the waterside. Lilium.—Many species of this stately family may be planted with charming effect and every prospect of success in the more open places in the woods. Partial shade is desirable, but the plants should receive a certain amount of sunshine during the day. J. auratum delights in a natural peaty soil, and in damper spots, such as the low banks of a stream or ground through which water from a higher level oozes, the Swamp Lilies, L. par- dalinum, L. superbum and L. canadense will prove at home. The white Madonna Lily, L. candidum, does well in a variety of soils and conditions when not attacked by the disease, and may well be planted largely in varying sites. [he Orange Lily, almost as old a garden favourite as the Madonna Lily, possesses a most vigorous con- stitution and should be massed at the edge of open glades, at the meetings of woodland paths and similar positions. L. pyrenaicum, the earliest Lily to bloom, is better suited to the wild garden than the border, on account of its strong and rather unpleasant scent, its _ chrome-yellow flowers and bright orange anthers having a striking effect when seen against green foliage from a little distance. Large masses of the noble L. giganteum, from the Himalayas, bearing their lofty ivory-white bloom-spires, ten feet and more in height, present a grand appearance in a sheltered woodland dell, and several other species may be grown with success, such as the buff L. excelsum or testaceum, L. Martagon and its white form, the scarlet Turk’s-cap, L. chalcedonicum, unequalled in its colouring, the newly-introduced, yellow LL. Henryi, the sulphur L. Szovitzianum, and in the sun- light at the edge of the wood dwarfer species, such as varieties of the elegans and umbellatum groups, of which there are many fine forms ranging in colour from deep crimson to palest yellow. The latest flowering of Ly aa ~-- —_— < 12 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN © all the Lilies, L. ¢igrinum, must on no account be omitted, its two strongest varieties L. tigrinum splendens and L. t. Fortunei being selected. Experiments may be made with many others that will possibly prove more at home in the wood than in the border. Of these L. Humboltiz, L. longiflorum, L. Brownit, L. speciosum, L. sulphureum, may be mentioned, with L. rubellum for dry half-shaded banks. : Montbretia.—These autumn-flowering plants, with their brilliant orange-scarlet flower-scapes, are most effective when growing in drifts in the open spaces of steeply-sloping woods. In such a site the corms do not get so crowded as in the border, while the grass and other vegetation shields them from harm in the winter. Muscarii—Grape Hyacinth. Pretty little plants with spikes of beaded blue flowers, seen at their best when growing in the short grass on banks under leafless trees. M. botryoides, M. conicum Heavenly Blue, M. latifolum and MM. (Hyacinthus) azureus amphibolis are effective kinds. : Ornithogalum.—Star of Bethlehem. The dwarfer species such as O. nutans and O. umbellatum \ook well, associated with Scillas or Chionodoxas, on knolls and banks, while the tall-growing O. pyramidale is effective massed against a background of foliage. Scilla.—Everyone knows our native Wood Hyacinth or ‘‘ Bluebell,” that at the close of spring veils the ground with the azure of the sky and that, though common, remains the most beautiful of a lovely family. _ Other species adapted for naturalisation are the early- flowering S. difola and S. sibirica with their white forms, both of which being of dwarf habit thrive best on banks of light soil sparsely covered with grass. 8. Aispanica or campanulata and §. italica succeed in warm soil, and S. peruviana with its Yucca-like leaves and pyramidal flower- head, though not strictly hardy, will generally weather BULBS . the winter on a steep rocky slope with southern exposure. | Triteleia uniflora, also known as Milla and Brodica, may be established on sunny grass banks in the south- west where, in April, it produces dense masses of white star-flowers. Tulipa.—The British TZ. sy/vestris is naturally easily established, and others of the hardier and more brilliant species and varieties should be tried, since they have a bright effect in the grass and many are cheap. 33 TALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED PLANTS THE species here enumerated will for the most part be- come established in the wild garden and hold their own against moderately strong-growing herbage provided their roots are enabled to obtain a firm hold of the ground without being overcrowded by native vegetation. Many of them are indeed of such rampant growth that even the most robust interlopers are obliged to relinquish the contest defeated and in the case of less vigorous subjects, which it is wished to naturalise, periodical attention to their needs will generally render them capable of attaining a healthful maturity. Acanthus.—Noble foliage plants. 4. /atifolius is the finest species, clumps, under favourable circumstances, attaining a diameter of over six feet and bearing lofty flower-spikes seven feet or more in height. Its great arching leaves, deeply cut and glossy are most handsome and characteristic. Other less ornamental species are 4. spinosissimus, A. bispanicus and A. mollis. Achillea.—Some of the stronger-growing of this family, ranging in height from two feet to four feet, are well adapted to the wild garden. Amongst these may be named 4. Eupatorium, A. millefolium roseum and A. ptarmica with its double form known as The Pearl. Aconitum.—Many of these may be grown, one of the best being the old Monkshood, 4. Napellus, which holds its own amongst the coarsest vegetation and produces its tall blue flower-heads freely. Other species that can be employed are the yellow-flowered 4. J/ycoctonum. A. autumnale, A. chinense and A. japonicum. 14 tl A Sea | Bc LR ne, SRE Wa) aN aay. TALL AND MEDIUM- SIZED PLANTS [5 Agapanthus.—Only in the south-west can this splendid plant be permanently established in the open ground, _ but in that district striking effects are afforded by large clumps of 4. umbellatus in full flower on sheltered grass slopes. Agave americana.—Another subject only suited for naturalising in the south-west, where it succeeds admir- ably on sunny southern slopes or on rocky banks. There the variegated variety also thrives and _ towering candelabrum-like flower-spikes twenty feet and more in height are occasionally tobe seen. ‘The leaves are grand in form and gigantic in size being sometimes over eight feet in length. Alstremeria.—A. aurantiaca (which is a plant difficult to eradicate from the cultivated border) if planted at sufficient depth, is perfectly hardy and spreads rapidly. It is best suited by a sunny position in light warm soil, preferably on a slope. Height, three to four feet. Anchusa,—A. italica is a tall branching plant, six feet in height, bearing numbers of small flowers of an intense blue, through many weeks of the summer. There is a fine, large-flowered variety with blossoms an inch in diameter that is far superior to the type. ‘Anemone japonica is an excellent plant for naturalising in the open spaces of woods or at the verge of sunny dells. “The white variety, Honorine Jobert, is one of the best, and in good soil attains a height of five feet, grow- ing so strongly as to overpower al] but the rankest herbage. Angelica.—A native plant, valuable for its handsome foliage. Antirrbinum.—Chiefly useful for rocky slopes where a bright show may be provided by scattering some seeds broadcast. Snapdragons need little soil and will grow to a height of two feet on the ledge of a brick wall in a pinch of earth. Dwarf varieties should not be employed. el ee alas’ + *. 16 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN Anthericum.—These are mostly plants of somewhat limited growth, the major form of 4. /ilastrum reaching a height of two feet and bearing comparatively large drooping white flowers. Aquilegia.—Columbines are very beautiful, but the only species likely to thrive in the grass is 4. vulgaris, of which there are many forms, a single blue that grows to a height of three feet being very attractive. It is particularly pretty in orchards following earlier flower- ing Snowdrops, Primroses, Bluebells and Anemones. American species and those from the European mountain ranges are best suited by open positions and porous, gritty soil that does not readily become dried up. Arundo.—A. conspicua, the New Zealand Reed, mis- taken by many for Pampas Grass, is an even more ornamental subject, its plumed heads arching gracefully on their slender shafts. A sheltered site is requisite if the shafts are to be protected from breakage by the wind. A. Donax, the Giant Reed, is a noble foliage plant, in good soil sending up shoots fifteen feet and more in height, pennoned with blue-green leaves. Isolated clumps in a conspicuous position have a fine effect. There is a variegated form less hardy than the type. Asclepias—Many of these silk-weeds, such as 4. acuminata, and A. incarnata are vigorous perennials, while the handsome /. tuberosa, with its bright orange flowers, is of dwarfer growth and requires protection from en- croaching herbage, and warm, dry soil. Asparagus.—A. officinalis, invaluable as a vegetable, is also most decorative in the wild garden. A small clump with a dozen or so tall, feathery shoots having a graceful effect. Asphodel.—The great branching 4. ramosus will grow — on stony slopes, lane-sides or in open woods, and has a far better effect in such places than in the border. The yellow-flowered 4. cretica is also easily naturalised.. F ie he ‘ =! oe | > ae ” 4 fa : "4 ’ | | | : BAMBOOS A By (ite mae TALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED PLANTS 17 "4 Aster.—Michaelmas Daisy. Many of the more vigorous species and varieties are quite at home in the wild garden, and when once established need no care. They look well, planted in open spaces in woods or massed on the outside of coverts, but should not be placed immediately beneath trees. Those of the oui Belgiit and Nove Angle sections are perhaps best fitted for naturalising. Astragalus.—Some of the taller-growing of this family, such as the Siberian 4. galegiformis, which grows to a height of four feet, are fairly effective plants. Astrantia.—Plants of no great beauty but possessing distinct characteristics which render them quaintly interesting. 4. maxima grows to a height of two feet. Bambo.—TVhese are invaluable for their graceful growth and add much to the charm and interest of the scene when in vigorous health. They require a sheltered situation, suffering far more from cold gales than from frost, of which many of the species will endure twenty degrees. The bamboos are now divided into two sections Arundinaria and Phyllostachys. The best known is 4. japonica formerly called Bambusa Metake. Bamboos should be planted preferably in deep valleys. Where they are grouped the clumps of the taller-growing species should be at least twenty-five feet apart or the arching wands will interlace. Though where space permits twenty species or more may well be planted, limited room makes a selection imperative. The following six are elegant species :— ‘ ; DF Hy of i PRs, ] Y : yi Mi ‘ Be ul Pe d *" yay - DWARF-GROWING PLANTS 31 down the face of a rock. 4. sarmentosa is another pretty species with bright rose flowers suitable for a like posi- tion. They often do well in a compost of gritty loam in a sunny exposure, especially if protected by a rock from the winter rains. Anemone.—A race that provides some of our loveliest spring flowers. The charming Wood Anemone of our copse-banks is well known to all, and there are other species equally fitted to naturalisation. Of these the best is undoubtedly the bright blue 4. apennina, which rapidly increases when planted in the woods, and requires no attention. ‘The blue Greek Anemone, 4. blanda, is an earlier bloomer, but should be planted on banks where the grass does not grow strongly. One of the most delightful of all the family is 4. Robinsoniana, a variety of the Wood Anemone, but having larger flowers of a silvery blue tint. Growing on a mossy bank at the foot of an old elm, it makes one of the prettiest pictures imaginable. 4. sy/vestris, the Snow- drop Anemone, grows to a height of a foot or more and bears drooping white flowers. It thrives best ina moist porous soil in a shady site. 4. pulsatilla, the Pasque Flower, a native of England, grows naturally on chalky downs, and the bright yellow 4. ranunculoides is also partial to chalk. 4. fulgens, the brilliant scarlet Mediterranean Anemone, often proves difficult to estab- lish in the border in some localities, while flowering freely year after year in others. It sometimes becomes naturalised in the grass in England, and has flowered for eight years in a southern orchard. The Hepaticas, also Anemones, are better suited by the shade of a wood of deciduous trees than by the open border, of these there are blue, red and white as well as doubles. The great Hepatica, 4. angulosa, with larger pale blue flowers is also very beautiful. Arabis.—A. albida is one of the commonest rock plants, t lagr 32 THE Book GE THE. WILD GARDEN and the earliest to bloom, commencing to flower in February in mild winters in the south-west. It will grow in any soil and exposure and spreads rapidly. The double form lately reintroduced is far more lasting than the single, the flowers resembling a miniature Stock. Arenaria.—A. balearica is one of the most refined of spring flowering plants, covering rocks with a delicate tracery of bright-green tiny-leaved foliage starred with minute white flowers. 4. montana bears flowers six times the size of the last-named and is of vigorous’ growth. Armeria.—Our native Sea Pink paints the ledges of © the cliffs and the higher stretches of the pebbled beach with soft colour, and several species and varieties may be used with good effect in sunny, sandy spots in the wild garden. Artemisia.—A. alpina is a pretty little tufted plant with yellow flowers. Asperula odorata—Woodruff. A native plant that should be naturalised in every wood. In many localities it spangles the lane-banks with its small white flowers with their scent of new-mown hay, and when dried has a pleasant perfume. If taken up with a good ball of soil and watered well on replanting in a shady spot, it may be removed even when in flower without flagging. Aster.—A. alpinus bears bright-mauve yellow-centred flowers on stems six inches or so in height. It succeeds well in gritty soil in a sunny position. 4. Stracheyi is another good dwarf species. Aubrietia.—One of the most popular and decorative wall and rock plants, spreading as rapidly as the Arabis. The earliest introduced form was 4. detoidea with pale — violet flowers, but of late years numerous improved varieties have been raised of which the best-coloured | are Dr Mules, deep purple, and Fire King, dark crimson. TIVM (TO NO VI.LAMdnv waft Cc id ub 7 le ek J ts wey My ae al j mh 4 } y ie] is we “tote DWARF-GROWING PLANTS 33 _ The Aubrietia, like the Arabis, is almost indifferent to — soil and exposure, but flowers most freely in a sunny site in gritty soil. ~ Campanula.—Dwarf species are admirably suited for growing among rocks and in fissures, crannies, and on ledges of a cliff. Some of the hardier, such as C. cespitosa, make good carpeting plants. All are not of equally easy culture, but leaf-mould and loam in equal proportions, mixed with a liberal allowance of sand and _ grit, is a compost that will suit the majority. Attractive species are C. cespitosa, C. carpatica and its varieties, C. c. turbinata and C.c. pelviformis, C. pusilla, C. murals, C. garganica, C. fragilis, C. isophylla and its white variety, and C. pulla. Of less easy culture are C. cenisia, C. Rainieri, C. Zoysii, C. mirabilis and others. Cardamine.—C. trifolia is a pretty spring-blooming plant with dense spreading leafage and bearing chalk- white flowers. | Cerastium.—Of these white-flowered dwarf perennials the most popular is the grey-leaved C. tomentosum. All are of the easiest culture. Convallaria.—Lily of the Valley. Growing wild as it does in some districts in England, this lovely flower should be naturalised in every wood. Under deciduous trees it should be planted by the thousand, for there are few more beautiful sights than Lilies of the Valley flowering in wide drifts by the woodland ways. When once established it spreads rapidly and does not suffer from the drought. In almost every garden the beds are too crowded and can well spare a portion of their contents for the woods. Autumn is the best time for planting. Cornus canadensis.—A pretty dwarf plant bearing white flowers, or rather bracts, It thrives best in damp soil. Corydalis.—Fumitory. C. /utea, though common, and growing in some places from every cranny of the wall, Cc 34 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN is a pretty sight, with its yellow flowers and elegant foliage, and its white variety is even more attractive. C. bracteata, C. nobilis and C. solida are worth growing in rocky ground. Dianthus.—TVhe Alpine Pinks are more likely to prosper on stony banks than in the border, and the Cheddar Pink, D. cesius, grows and flowers freely on old wall-tops. Pink seed sown along cliff ledges where gritty soil has been scattered will be the means of creating a charming picture later on. D. Atkinsoni is a striking Pink of glowing crimson, and Napoleon III. is a double form almost as bright in colour. D. fragrans is a perfumed flower with feathered petals, and in D. superbus the petals are still more divided. Dodecatheon.— American Cowslip. D. Meadia is a graceful plant bearing several rosy-purple drooping flowers with reflexed petals on stems a foot or so in height. ‘There are several varieties of this plant. A rich and porous loam is best suited to its requirements, and it should be planted in a sheltered and partially shaded position. Dondia epipactis. Syn. Hacquetia—A_ pretty little dwarf-growing plant, bearing in the spring quaint pale-green flowers with yellow centres. Succeeds best in a partially shaded position. Draba.—Dwarf Alpine plants bearing white or yellow flowers which, in the case of D. gigas, are almost an inch in diameter. “They form compact cushions of foliage spreading in tufts over the ground, and are most satis- factory when planted in crevices between rocks, where they will get the full summer sun and be free from stagnant moisture at the roots during winter. Dryas.—D. Drummondi is a dwarf trailer bearing yellow flowers on stems six inches in height. It prefers a compost of moist, peaty loam. D. octopetala does well in the full sunshine, covering the ground with close- 7 , a Pi tae ? ite Me AMP t 0 4 J Cay cue te ke ie WAALS eas aR: 4 DWARF-GROWING PLANTS 35 growing, dark-green leafage starred with numbers of white, yellow stamened flowers about an inch in diameter. When established it forms a spreading mass sometimes three feet across. It is found in some parts of Britain. : Echeveria.—Succulents best suited by gritty soil and elevated sunny positions, though many are used as edgings for flower beds. Fipigaa repens.—Canadian Mayflower. A charming little creeping shrub, threading its shoots through and under the fallen leaves, and bearing in the spring small, fragrant, flesh-coloured flowers. It does best in a soil of peat or leaf-mould made porous with grit and sand, and thrives in the shade of pine-woods. It should be naturalised under evergreens in English woods where it will readily become established if carefully planted. Epimedium.—Plants possessing foliage of pleasing form and colour and bearing racemes of flowers yellow, red and white in tint. The best-known and most popular £. pinnatum cannot be classed as a dwarf-grow- ing plant, as it sometimes attains a height of three feet. Its leaves assume an attractive bronzed hue in the autumn. Lpimediums grow most freely in a moist, peaty soil. Erica.—Heath. Dwarf Heaths are fully as indis- pensable in the wild garden as are the tall-growing species. Paths leading over a hill from one portion of the grounds to another may be bordered by dwarf Heaths, they may be planted on craggy ledges of rock and in the short turf on the verge of a cliff, where they will stretch a purple line against the blue of the sky. Shade and shelter are fatal to the well-being of these Heaths, which require every glint of sunlight that brightens the earth and every breath of air out of the heavens to perfect to the utmost their display, and they should be naturalised where they can enjoy these to the . a %! Wal Mal Ls isi! Sie a4 ne ‘7 i 36 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN full. Though they do well in a peaty soil this is not a necessity for them, since they may be seen spreading a bright mantle over heights where peat is entirely absent. The best of all the dwarf Heaths is the winter flowering &. carnea with its deep rose-coloured blossoms of which there is alsoa white variety. Other pretty species are the Irish Heath, &. cinerea, the Dorset Heath, &. ciliaris, and the Bell Heather, A. Tetrahx. St Dabeoc’s Heath, Dabecia or Menziesia polifolia, which grows to a height of eighteen inches, and bears rose or white flowers, is a native of the west of Ireland. A breadth of the white form in full flower is one of the prettiest pictures the wild garden can afford. Erigeron.—E. mucronatus, the Mexican Daisy, is a delightful little plant, being in bloom in the south of England for nine months out of the twelve. It will grow in the poorest and stoniest soil, and reproduces itself freely from seed. Other pleasing dwarf species are FE. glabellus, E. glaucus, E. grandiflorus, and E. Roylei. Gentiana.—The Gentianella, G. acaulis, is the most commonly met with of these beautiful owers, and when © in full bloom there are few sights to equal the sheet of deep blue that it presents. It grows best in a well- drained site, planted in soil containing a large proportion of limestone chips. G. verna requires porous soil, moist in summer, but which allows the winter rains to percolate freely through. G. asclepiadea and G. septemfida are of taller growth, reaching a height of eighteen inches. The former may be naturalised in the grass, and does well in damp spots. Geum.—G. montanum, of which there is a fine variety named grandiflorum, bears yellow flowers in the spring, which are followed by feathery seed-vessels. G. reptans is a creeping species, doing well in full sun in sandy soils. It bears yellow flowers. pt Rf aa 4}. Sng ig | py yy " oy > YR MT al saan hf a4 ae te i ” i) DWARF-GROWING PLANTS 37 Gypsophila—G. cerastoides and G. repens are two low growing species of easy culture with white flowers, doing well in gritty soil in full sunshine. Helianthemum.—Sun Rose. Plants that make a brilliant display in the late spring and early summer, and are seen at their best when allowed to hang over a rock-face. They may also be naturalised on banks or associated with dwarf Heaths on sandy or peaty slopes. They are to be obtained in many colours, namely pale, yellow, golden, salmon, buff, Bronze Queen yellow with orange-red centre, pink, crimson, and double crimson. Hutchinsia.—H. alpina is a small-leaved Alpine plant bearing quantities of little white flowers. It grows about an inch in height and spreads rapidly in gritty soil, Excellent for growing in horizontal crevices between rocks. ypericum.—Dwarf species such as H. coris and H. repens are pretty on a dry rocky bank, where they show off their small golden flowers to advantage. Gritty soil and a southern exposure in front of a rock induce a free- flowering habit. Iberis.—Candytuft. These are useful plants for rough stony banks, chinks in rock walls or any dry and sunny position where their flowers will form sheets of white in the spring. J. correefolia and I. sempervirens are the most usually grown, flourishing in any unshaded position. J. gibraltarica, with large light - lavender flowers nearly three inches across, which forms huge bloom-covered clumps on the perpendicular cliffs at Gibraltar, does best if planted in very gritty compost in a vertical crevice in the rock, the soil being rammed in - as tightly as possible. Linaria.—Voadflax. One of the loveliest dwarf species is L. a/pina with narrow, grey-green foliage and flowers of a deep violet with a bright orange lip. It is 38 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN © easily raised from seed scattered over sandy soil, and generally reproduces itself freely. Sometimes it sud- denly dies out, when it should be sown anew. L. antirrhinifolia and L. saxatilis are pretty trailing perennials. Lithospermum.—L. prostratum is a lovely plant when at its best, and may sometimes be seen covering fully six feet of rock face with a veil of deep blue. It likes a sunny position for its above-ground growth, but its roots, which travel many feet, should be able to find moisture during the dryest weather, and for this reason it is well to plant where they may travel inwards to a distance beneath and behind rocks. The British ZL. purpureo- ceruleum is also pretty. Lychnis.—L. alpina, L. Lagasce and L. pyrenaica are three interesting dwarf species best fitted for planting on ledges of the rock, whence they may scatter their seed at will. They bear pink, bright rose, and flesh-coloured flowers respectively. Lysimachia.—L. nummularia, Creeping Jenny. This well-known trailer, commonly used in window-boxes, a native of Britain, spreads rapidly in sunny spots, its yellow flowers being very showy. Maianthemum bifolium.—Syns. Convallaria, Smilacina. A little plant allied to the Lily of the Valley, but smaller, being about six inches in height. It bears white flowers in May, and should be grown in shady spots under trees. Morisia.—M. hypogaea is a pretty little rock-plant, pro- ducing clear yellow flowers in the early spring. It is of easy culture, succeeding in porous soil, well drained, in a sunny site. Its dark, tufted foliage shows off the golden flowers to advantage. Myosotis.—Forget-me-not. MM. dissitiflora is one of the gems of the spring garden. Plants allowed to remain undisturbed after blooming will be surrounded in the autumn with self-sown seedlings which may be removed to places where they are wanted to flower. a ol.) an ee DWARF-GROWING PLANTS 39 Omphalodes.—O. verna, which bears flowers of an even deeper blue than the Forget-me-not, will grow and bloom even under the shade of evergreens. It should be planted in woods where weeds are few or absent, and will soon make itself at home, its creeping stems spread- ing rapidly over the ground. There is a white variety less worthy of culture than the type. O. Lucilie, though very beautiful, often proves difficult to establish. Opuntia.—Some of the hardier of these do well in dry stony banks, and grow with more vigour if their roots can come across buried hot-bed manure in their descent. Their flowers, which are large and cup-shaped, vary in colour, being yellow, orange, salmon and carmine. Slugs are very fond of the succulent leaves, and must be guarded against. Orobus vernus.—A dwarf-growing plant, producing masses of rosy-purple, pea-like flowers in the spring and continuing its display for some weeks. It will grow in any open spot. Oxalis floribunda,—This may be naturalised in a warm sandy spot. It is low-growing, and bears its rosy flowers for months. Phlox.—Dwarf perennial species of this family are valuable for rocky banks and sunny exposed sites, where they soon form masses of foliage and flower. P. divari- cata, P. reptans and P. subulata are species, but there are many named varieties that are even more attractive. Primula.—Some English woods are so thickly spread with Primroses that at a distance of a quarter of a mile the open glades appear carpeted with pale yellow. Not a wood or coppice in Britain but should gleam with the native Primrose in the spring of the year. Seed should be scattered broadcast wherever the Primrose does not grow. Many other exotic species may be grown in different sites in the wild garden, some thriving best in sandy peat or loam in pockets at the foot of rocks, such 40 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN as P. cortusoides, P. denticulata, P. latifolia, P. marginata, P. sikkimensis and P. villosa. P. rosea and P. japonica are lovers of moisture and partial shade. Sanguinaria.—A charming spring-flowering Canadian plant, bearing numbers of white flowers an inch in diameter. It succeeds in loamy soil beneath deciduous trees, and has a very pretty effect if naturalised on a sloping bank at the side of a running stream. Saponaria.—Of these the best is S. ocymoides, a pretty trailing plant covered with rosy flowers in the early summer. It thrives in gritty soil among half-buried stones, and covers the face of the rock with its flower- laden growths. There is a white variety of this plant. Saxifraga.—The incrusted Saxifrages, such as the noble S. pyramidalis and S. longifolia, with their spires of blossom, and other allied species are never more at home than when growing in a narrow rock-crevice, through which their roots may descend into moist and congenial compost. Little gems, such as 8. Boydiz, 8. Boydi alba, S. Burseriana and others do best if grown in a similar site. The Mossy Saxifrages, of which 8. muscoides is the type, form carpets of bright green studded in the spring with white flowers, and spread soft mats over the inequalities of the rocks. As they enlarge their dimen- sions rapidly they are invaluable for stony spots. All of the species should be provided with good drainage and a gritty root-run. Sedum.— These vary in size from the lowly 8S. glaucum to §. spectabile two feet in height. “The dwarf varieties are equally useful with the lesser Saxifrages for covering stony ground or rock ledges, and are of the easiest culture. Sempervinum.—House leek. Some of these can be easily induced to grow on the perpendicular surfaces of rocks by fixing some clay on the inequalities to give their roots a start, and when large clusters are formed aye fia rami eas 1 oe ® your ij ie : DW ARF-GROWING PLANTS 41 they have an interesting effect. One of the quaintest is the Cobweb Houseleek, S. arachnoideum, in which the points of the leaves are covered with crossing strands of down like a spider’s web, while a particularly striking species is §. holochrysum, with yellow flower-heads fifteen inches in length. This, however, can only be grown in the open in the most favoured spots. Silene. —S. alpestris is a pretty little plant with delicate white flowers, borne on stems about four inches high, | and is an attractive sight when its low green leafage is plentifully starred with bloom-sprays. 8S. Eiizabethe and S. virginica are two handsome species, but of more difficult culture than is S. a/pestris, which is easily estab- lished in porous soil. Thymus.—Thymes are always acceptable from their pleasing aroma when brushed by the hand, and form meat rounded cushions among rocks and on dry sandy banks. “The Lemon-scented Thyme and the Golden Thyme are the general favourites, but the Peppermint- scented, 7. corsicus, should not be forgotten. Tiarella.—Foam Flower. T. cordifolia is a delightful little plant throwing up spikes of ivory-white, feathery flowers about a foot in height in the spring. It will grow in the full sunshine, but succeeds also in partial shade, and should be naturalised in leaf-mould and loam in open spaces of woods or by the side of paths where weeds will not overpower it. Veronica.— There are several dwarf species of Speed- well that may be employed for surfacing bare spaces, hanging over low ledges or filling gaps between rocks. Their culture presents no difficulties. Some of the best are V. Chamedrys, V. incana, V. pectinata, V. prostrata, V. repens, V. rupestris, V. saxatilis, V. taurica and V. Teucrium. All have blue flowers, some darker, some lighter. ! Vinca.—Periwinkle. ‘These will grow in any soil and 42 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN any position. ‘They are useful as trailers and should be grown freely in woods. Some woods in the south are full of the Lesser Periwinkle, V. minor. There is a double variety of this flower that is charming, and also a white form. V. acutiloba is a pretty species with grey- blue flowers blooming in the autumn. The white variety of VY. minor, planted on high banks, and drooping naturally has a graceful effect. Violaa— The Sweet Violet, V. odorata, should be grown in every wood. In some localities the white form alone is to be found wild, but in others the blue is present. In deserted gardens the banks are often covered with Violets sprung from wind-blown seed, and spreading year by year among the weeds. It is a pleasant surprise while walking in a woodland lane for the spring air to be suddenly filled with the scent of violets, and there is no reason why every wood within reach of the house should not provide such precious fragrance, but every reason why it should. Violets should be introduced wherever possible into the wild garden, and, once estab- lished, they will take care of themselves. W aldsteinia.—W. trifolia is a trailing spring-flowering plant bearing bright yellow flowers as large as those of the garden Strawberry, and having glossy green leaves. It will succeed in any soil and in any position. FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES Tue beauty of the wild garden may be much enhanced by the judicious planting of flowering shrubs and trees. A selection of these will dower the landscape with love- liness for eight months out of the twelve. Among natives of these Isles we have the Hawthorns of our hedgerows and lanes, snowy drifts towards the end of _ May, the Wayfaring Tree, Viburnum Lantana, and the wild Guelder Rose, V. opu/us, with its red, translucent fruits; but there are many beautiful exotics perfectly hardy in our climate that should be largely planted. In the case of smaller subjects grouping should be resorted to, but large-growing species form handsome specimens when isolated. The following are all to be recommended. Amygdalus.—Aimond. One of the earliest of flower- ing trees, commencing to blossom in February in mild winters in the south-west. There are several varieties, single and double, and 4. nana is a dwarf shrub growing about three feet high. Amelanchier.—Snowy Mespilus. 4. canadensis is a charming sight in April, its countless white flowers set off by the brownish tint of the young foliage. Its autumnal colouring is also very beautiful. Araha spinosa—Handsome both in its flowers and foliage. “The leaves are sometimes almost three feet in length and deeply cut, and the feathery, ivory-white inflorescence spreads like ostrich-plumes above the foliage. The tree is*most ornamental when kept to a single stem ten to twelve feet in height, at which 43 * . My me at a 44 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN distance from the ground the great leaves spread like palm-fronds crowned-with the white flower-clusters. Berberis—The common Barberry is an attractive sight when an isolated specimen is loaded with fruit, the branches arching gracefully under their load of ver- milion-tinted berries, and its bronze-tinted form is also ornamental. Other species of Berberis have, however, prettier flowers than those of B. vulgaris, B. stenophylla being the handsomest of its race. In the spring it is a mass of golden-orange, each spray blossom-laden to its very tip. 8B. Darwinii is also a striking species with flowers of a slightly deeper orange than the last-named. It attains a height of over twenty feet. Cesalpina japonica.—Syn. C. sepiaria. A thorny bush with Robinia-like leaves bearing yellow flowers in the summer. Camellia. — Generally met with asa greenhouse plant, but really hardier than the Laurel, instances having occurred where a Laurel growing close to a Camellia in the open — has been injured by the frost while the latter was unhurt. However great the hardiness of the Camellia, it is of but little use as a decorative feature in cold and frosty dis- tricts, since its flowers are produced in the winter and early spring when frosts are prevalent, and are hope- © lessly damaged. In the south of Cornwall climatic conditions are different, and here great Camellia bushes flower profusely in the open through the winter and spring months. Catalpa.—C. bignonoides is a handsome, large-leaved tree bearing spreading panicles of white flowers. Examples thirty feet in height are to be found in England. It is hardy, being a native of North America. Cerasus.—The wild Cherry tree, often growing to a large size, forms one of the features of the river banks and woods at the time of the year when the Larch-shoots are emerald green, and the Bird Cherry, also a British Ler tae ye vf “ » , ’ FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES 45. tree, a little later gives us the beauty of its upright or drooping flower-sprays. “I'wo of the prettiest foreign species are the double Chinese Cherry, C. serrulata and C. Mahaleb pendula, a variety with drooping branches which, when in flower, form a snowy cascade. C. Watereri with large, flesh-coloured, double flowers is also very beautiful. It may here be remarked that now all the Almonds, Apricots, Peaches, Cherries and Bird Cherries are classed under Prunus, instead of being recognised as belonging to the families of Amygdalus Armenaica, Cerasus and Padus as of yore. It is well to remember this as some nurserymen have adopted the new classification while others adhere to the old, so that it is quite possible to buy the same thing under different names from separate firms. In this list the old classi- fication has been followed. Cercis Siliquastrum.—Judas Tree. Little grown in this country, but nevertheless a very handsome tree when laden with its purple-pink flowers. Chimonanthus fragrans.— Winter Sweet. A most valu- able flowering shrub bearing its fragrant blossoms in the depth of winter. It is generally trained to a wall, but in the south-west grows well as a bush, as indeed it should in all parts of England, since it is a native of Japan. As a bush it sometimes reaches a height of fifteen feet, and has a pretty effect if planted in front of a great yew or some other dark-foliaged evergreen, as the yellowish-green flowers are then thrown into strong relief, whereas, when the plant is trained to a wall, they are inconspicuous. Their scent is delicious, and a few sprays brought within doors will perfume the house. Choisya ternatan—Mexican Orange Flower. When this was introduced some seventy-five years ago, it was grown in the hot-house, then the green-house was con- sidered warm enough for it, and later a daring cultivator 46 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN planted it in the open where it proves practically hardy, having withstood twenty-five degrees of frost un- damaged. Its fragrant white flowers are produced in the early summer, and in the southern counties it often perfects a second crop in October, or later if the weather be mild, ; Cistus:—Rock Rose. Some of the larger-growing of these form handsome shrubs, for, though their flowers are fugitive, they are produced in such quantity that the fallen ones are immediately replaced by others. Among the best are C. cyprius, C. ladaniferus maculatus and C. laurifolius, which grow to a height of five feet or more. C. ladaniferus maculatus is difficult to obtain, C. cyprius being usually supplied for it. The blossoms, white with a deep claret-red spot at the base of each petal, are very similar, but in C. cyprius the flowers are pro- duced in clusters at the end of the sprays, whereas in C. ladaniferus they are solitary. The pure white type of C. ladaniferus is not in commerce. C. Florentinus is — a dwarf white-flowered species rarely exceeding two feet in height. The Cistus revels in a dry sunny site. Cornus Mas.—Cornelian Cherry. An interesting little tree bearing in February or March small, quaint flowers, like tiny, yellow wheel-spokes on its leafless branches. These are followed by the bright red fruits from which it takes its name. Crategus.—The scarlet Thorn and its double variety as well as the double white are well-known to all, and are handsome in the landscape. “These and others of the shrubs and trees here alluded to should not only be planted immediately around the house, as is so often the case, but amid natural surroundings at a distance. Cytisus.—Broom. These are valuable for their bright- ness during the spring months. ‘The first to bloom is the pale sulphur C. pracox, followed later by the golden C. scoparius and its chestnut and yellow variety, C. Andre- FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES 47 anus, and by the white C. albus. Open sunny spots are the best for the Brooms. Deutzia.—D. crenata is a white-flowering bush grow- ing from eight to ten feet in height. There are two double varieties, of which that named candidissima is the best, the blossoms of the other form being tinged with red. A large and well-flowered Deutzia is a handsome sight at the edge of a wood or shrubbery. Escallonia.—E. Phillipiana is a pleasing shrub densely covered with small, white, myrtle-like flowers in July. It is hardy, which none of the other species can be said to be. Inthe south-west 4. macrantha, EK. montevidensis or floribunda and F. illinata may be planted with con- fidence, but not so further north. Eucryphia pinnatifola. — An exceedingly handsome shrub bearing large white flowers about three inches in diameter, with central tufts of stamens, in the month of August. It is hardy, and should be largely grown. It attains a height of eight feet. Exochorda grandiflora.—Pearl Bush. An attractive spring-flowering subject bearing white, cupped flowers about an inch in diameter. Sometimes called Spircea grandiflora. Under favourable conditions it attains a height and diameter of fifteen feet. A native of China and perfectly hardy. Erica.—Heath. Some of the taller species make fine shrubs in warm spots, /. mediterranea forming a bush eight feet in height and fifteen feet in diameter, while the white-flowered £. codonodes reaches an even greater stature, but is not of such spreading habit. It repro- duces itself freely from self-sown seedlings in favoured sites. . arborea is another good, large-growing Heath, sometimes attaining a height of twenty feet. A porous, gritty soil, and a position on a sunny bank suits these species. | Forsythia. — Well-known, yellow-flowered shrubs 48 THE BOOK OF THE WILD GARDEN blossoming at the end of March and beginning of April, when they form masses of gold visible from a __ long distance. J. suspensa, the shoots of which are pendulous, is generally trained to a wall, but its effect is far prettier if it is planted in an elevated position and allowed to droop gracefully over a high, perpendicular bank or cliff-edge. . viridissima forms a shrub of erect growth, and /. intermedia, said to be a cross between the two named, has arching shoots. Garrya ellipticaa—Although a native of California this decorative shrub is hardy as far north as Scotland. Its season of beauty is the winter, when it is covered with pale green catkins, which are shown up well against the dark foliage. Some of these catkins are a foot in length, © and a large shrub will bear many hundreds. The Garrya grows to a height of fifteen feet, and toa like diameter, = »s, Genista hispanica.—A compact, little, spreading shrub | rarely exceeding two feet in height. It has spiny shoots, and is a mass of yellow flowers in May. Halesia tetrapteraa—Snowdrop Tree.