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In Southern Gardens

LIA LESTER DILLON

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To My Sister

EMMA SERVICE LESTER

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beautiful Chinese Garden

Far oAcross the ^lue Pacific

The
blossom Circle of the Year

In Southern (gardens

By
Julia Lester Dillon

''And the Spring arose on the garden fair.
Like the spirit of Love felt every where\
And each flower and herb on earth's dark breast
Rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

— SlIRLLEY.

New York, N.Y.

A. T. De La Mare Company, Inc.

1922

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

Preface 1 1

I. The Hopes and Joys of Garden Making 13

II. Broad-Leaved Evergreens — For Every Garden 19

III. Ornamental Hedge Plants — For Every Gardener 35

IV. Azaleas and Camellias — For All Who Love Them 47

V. Coniferous Evergreens — For Beauty and Accent 57

VI. Old-Fashioned Roses — How to Grow Them 67

VII. Making a Rose Garden — To Live In and Love 75

VIII. March Activities — The Beginning of the Summer

Garden 85

IX. April Leaves From My Garden Book 93

X. May Work— For Fall Glory 101

XI. Taking Stock of the Garden — Under June's Sunny

Skies 109

XII. July Planning — For Permanent Effects 115

XIII. Fighting the Midsummer Pests 123

XIV. Dependable Perennials — When to Plant Them 133

XV. October Glories— And October Work 141

XVI. Sweet Peas — For Spring Blossoming 147

XVII. Satisfactory Deciduous Shrubs — For All the Year 151

XVIII. Vines — For Cottage and for Mansion 159

XIX. The Making and Care of Southern Lawns 171

XX. Flowering Trees For All Seasons 179

XXL Conclusion — Devoutly Hoped For 191

Index 197

11707

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

{See page 196 for index of garden owners or sites)

A garden of the New South where every prospect pleases Frontispiece

Page

An old-fashioned garden 15

Something different that only the South can enjoy 16

The orange berries of the evergreen Hawthorn 19

Hardy, beautiful and useful are the Holly-leaved Barberry and the English

Laurel • 21

Japanese Holly, known to botanists as Ilex crenata 22

Abelia grandiflora is one of the best foundation plantings 25

Evergreen Hawthorn and Heavenly Bamboo, always distinctive, are

especially pleasing in their Winter dress of berries 26

Kalmia latifolia, the Mountain Laurel. 28

English Laurel in all its beauty and usefulness 29

The starry Oleander blossom 30

Euphorbia, curious but attractive, too 31

A splendid Live Oak 32

Clipped standards of Wild Olive give distinction to this Ligustrum amu-

rense hedge 35

A double hedge for both privacy and appearance 37

A hedge beneath a row of trees • 38

Tree Boxwood as it grows in Maryland 39

For a dense hedge keep the bottom wider than the top 41

Old subjects and new in an old-time garden 42

Juniperus virginiana behind Ligustrum amurense makes a soft but very

effective screen 43

A useful hedge planting. 44

Boxwood edging just six years old 44

A "close up" side-view of a well-formed hedge 45

Twin Cypresses accent this garden entrance 46

True harmony of both color and form 49

Azalea Kaempferi, a valuable Japanese accession 50

The deciduous, flame-colored Azalea, A. calendulacea 52

Camellias — rare jewels of southern gardening 54

Effective use of conifers on a formal terrace 56

A happy grouping of Cypresses and Pines 56

The exquisite softness of Japanese Cypresses 59

A California setting in a Georgia suburb 60

Chamaecyparis pisifera plumosa 63

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 9

. , . Page
Junipers and Retinisporas are good standbys in all coniferous groups 64

Climbing Roses and clinging vines 66

Frau Karl Druschki, the handsomest of all white Roses 67

Caroline Testout Roses in the author's garden 68

Radiance, a silvery-pink hybrid tea 69

Grass walks and narrow beds help any Rose garden 71

Roses are not uncommon in the South, but there should be more of them . 72

Lady Banksia Roses are at home only in the warmer sections 76

The popular Polyantha or Baby Rambler type 77

A real Rose garden, as beautiful as it is rare 78

A rough stone wall and deeply recessed stairway draped with Silver Moon

Roses '. 82

White Cherokees on brick walls 83

When Spring comes to "Winterholme" 84

White blossoms of flowering Peach trees 87

The golden-yellow blooms of Jasminum nudiflorum 88

The wild Rosa setigera, unlike the Cherokee, has deciduous foliage 90

African Daisies of French gray with deep blue centers 91

A velvety green carpet and formal beds edged with box 92

Iris in the garden border 97

When the Shirley Poppies bloom 98

Pansies and Spanish Iris 100

Yucca filamentosa is wonderful in May 103

A beautified kitchen entrance and service path 104

Petunias and Larkspur made this garden gay for weeks and weeks 107

Daisies are beautiful whether wild or tame 108

June opens the tresses of the perennial Phlox 110

A most effective Summer flowering hedge is Hydrangea paniculata grandi-

flora Ill

Hydrangea effectively used in another way 112

Good foundation plantings — while they last 115

Boxwood for accent, turf for edging and perennials for color 116

The wild Cactus (Opuntia) of meadows and woodlots .^ 119

Too much planting for so little space 120

Neriums (Oleanders) should be in bloom in July 121

Bamboo fittingly used in a Georgia garden 124

Midsummer in the author's garden 127

Railroad stations are essential, why not make them attractive ? 129

One of the showiest perennials for massing 132

The beautifying effect of growing plants 135

Cannas used to good effect in California 136

Peony growing for eastern flower markets 139

Chrysanthemums — reigning flowers of the Fall 142

The charm of horticultural simplicity 143

10 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Page

A bird's-eye view of Sweet Peas as grown at Bryan, Texas 146

Prolonging the garden season 148

The charm of Sweet Peas in the home 149

Jasminum nudiflorum, earliest of Spring flowers 153

Deutzia gracilis makes its debut later than the Spiraeas 154

All the Viburnums are showy, hardy, and satisfactory shrubs 157

A living mirror to multiply the garden's charms 158

Rosa de Montana or Coral Vine 159

Rose vines are never more charming than on a pergola terrace 160

Young vines on an old house — but you'd never know it '. 161

Graceful garlands of Virginia Creeper 162

Ivy is a most appropriate drapery for a sundial 164

Star Jasmine and Cherokee Roses 165

Ampelopsis Veitchii, the familiar Boston Ivy 166

Charming screens of white Wistaria and Clematis paniculata 169

Euonymus radicans effective in an unusual role 170

A perfect sod of Italian Rye Grass 173

Bermuda Grass makes the only satisfactory southern Summer lawns 174

Yet many claim that a lawn cannot be made under trees! 175

Shady lawns in a southern park 176

A pleasant expanse of lawn well placed 178

Syringa japonica in all its Spring loveliness 181

What Dogwood can do to a hillside 182

Good effects close by and far away 185

Magnolia blossoms produce an effect that is almost unbelievable 186

Eriobotrya japonica, the Japanese Medlar, at Brooksville, Fla. 188

The historic Cornwallis Oak 190

A real southern homestead in a worthy setting 193

Have you a view like this ? 194

PREFACE

npHE women of all the South are now thoroughly awakened
to their responsibility and opportunity, not only in the
matter of conservation, but also in that of education and of the
development of the garden and landscape work of both the cities
and the rural districts. These women are planting their school
grounds and courthouse squares, municipal parks, and railroad
stations; they are organizing garden clubs; they are working for
a development, along artistic lines, of the new highways that con-
nect the states, and they are endeavoring to develop the farms
until they become estates worthy of this or any other section.

The wonderful and varied flora of the Southern States oflfers
but. one problem for garden makers — that of choice. There is
absolutely no limit to the list of offerings that will grow and thrive
all over this prolific land.

In this little volume, which I am offering the women who have
undertaken this noble and necessary work, I have grouped the
plant subjects so that they may not only follow the circle of the
blossoms around the year, but may also follow the circle of garden
activities. From the time of the first planting in November,
through the long list of permanent trees, shrubs, conifers, Roses,
perennials, evergreens and seeds; through the making of the Sum-
mer garden; the fighting of the pests; the enjoyment of the Octo-
ber glories, until we reach the conclusion devoutly to be hoped
for — when every southern home will be set in a garden and every
southern farm will be framed in green lawns and well-chosen
shrubbery — the book stands for the practical and helpful side of
garden work.

12 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

It also stands for something higher, which is the esthetic side
of landscape work. The color harmonies have been carefully
studied. The landscape problems have been tested and tried,
and the illustrations offered are to show the best and most beauti-
ful planting effects.

Acknowledgment is made herewith to House and Garden and
to The Florists' Exchange for permission to use copyright matter;
and to Mr. Paul C. Lindley, Mr. Francis A. Hardy, Mr. Peter
Bisset and many others for help in securing the illustrations.
Also for the assistance rendered the author in the editorial
supervision by Mr. E. L. D. Seymour.

That all my fellow workers will find here the help they need
is the earnest wish of

Julia Lester Dillon.
Augusta, Georgia.

^Amid my garden s broiderd paths I trod.

And there my mind soon caught her favorite clue,
I seem'd to stand amid the church of God ^

And flowers were preachers^ and {still stranger) drew
From their own life and course
The love they would enforce^
And sound their doctrine waSy and every precept true.''

— EVANS.

THE HOPES AND JOYS OF GARDEN MAKING 13

CHAPTER I

THE HOPES AND JOYS OF GARDEN MAKING

MY memory cannot reach to the time when I was not inter-
ested in gardens and garden making, and for this reason
these stray leaves from many gardens have been gathered from
year to year, and from many sections, and are presented here in
the hope that they may be an incentive to those who love growing
things either to gather in some new garden children and make
them so much at home that they will become not like adopted
little ones, but like one's very own, or to find out something new
about the habits of those they have grown up with and always
known.

There are leaves in the garden book of memory that were
gathered in the sunshine of old Concord; there are others that
are woven into a Laurel wreath from the roads that wind among
those Fern-crowned hills that rise above the Hudson and are lost
in the misty distance of the Catskills; there are Palm branches
from New Orleans, and clusters of Azaleas from Charleston;
there are scarlet Trumpet Vine blossoms that cling to tall trees
along the bayous of Louisiana, and white Roses from the door-
yards of the Tennessee mountaineers, and everywhere there has
been beauty and sweetness and light, the gathering of them has
been a joy, the remembrance of them is an inspiration.

In all my journeyings and observations it has seemed to me
that the different parallels of latitude simply meant different dates
for plantings. Short seasons of bloom, long seasons of rest in the
cooler belts; long seasons of bloom, short seasons of rest in the
warmer zones.

14 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Inquiries have come to me concerning gardens from all sections
of the South, from Virginia to Florida, and from Georgia to Texas.
These bear out my own experience that all the books, planting
lists, garden calendars and helps, are planned for those who make
gardens north of Mason and Dixon's Line. For this reason, the
following chapters are sent out in book form, in order that they
may make a convenient and handy guide for those who wish to
develop their home grounds in the South and have not had suffi-
cient experience to know how to go about it.

This work is not intended to be, nor could I make it, a com-
prehensive guide to the flora of the South, but the information it
contains has been gained by constant study and practical expe-
rience covering a period of years, not only in my own garden, but
in those of my neighbors, and in it will be found material that has
helped to solve garden problems for all parts of the Southern
States.

Any garden guide will give proper directions as to how to plant
the seeds of most of the annuals and perennials that we use; any
good gardener knows how to prepare the soil and set out shrubs,
and Roses, and trees, but, with us, it is not so much the how as
the when that counts, and the lists of annuals, perennials, shrubs,
and vines that are given are those that have stood the test not only
of time, but also of sunlight and shade in this land of long, hot
Summer and short, cold Winters.

What has been written, while intended to meet southern con-
ditions not usually touched upon, will also apply to a much wider
field. Early plantings in the South, later ones in the cooler sec-
tions, is the invariable rule. But, because it is also the usual rule
to give the other sections precedence I have reversed the procedure
and given the dates of the earlier plantings first. The color
schemes, the perennial groupings, the shrubbery borders, and,
in fact, all the plantings except those of most of the broad-leaved
evergreens and a few of the more tender and exotic plants, may
be used equally well in sections of the East and West and North.
The limits of hardiness are carefully noted throughout.

It seems hard that all gardeners of the South must learn by
sad experience that if a writer tells of the glories of the Delphinium

THE HOPES AND JOYS OF GARDEN MAKING

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THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

THE HOPES AND JOYS OF GARDEN MAKING 17

cashmerianum and kindred plants in her gardens on the banks of
the Hudson, it does not necessarily mean that the same plantings
will give beauty on the banks of the Savannah or the Chatta-
hoochee or the Cumberland. With her, they are glorious in June
after Fall planting; with us, they lift their faces skyward in March
after having been planted the previous Spring. Climatic condi-
tions, therefore, are so different that radical procedures are neces-
sary for successful growth of the blossoms of the cooler belts, and
the only way to find this out has been by trial and failure, and
trial followed by success. A wonderful part of this gardening
business is that when one planting is crowned with glory the
dozen unsuccessful ones are immediately forgotten — truly, defeat
is swallowed up in victory.

While it is possible for me to forget the failures in the joy of
achievement, my garden records have noted them unerringly,
with the reasons therefor, and because of this the story of my
successful efforts can be depended upon. These chapters contain
the records of success. The failures are omitted. There are
many plantings that I could write about that I have left out
because they were outside my personal experience. These that
are given may be relied upon.

The richness of the vegetation of this territory makes it not
only a privilege but a duty to have beautiful gardens all the year.
Whereas the northern sections are limited for their Winter shrub-
beries to the coniferous evergreens, which oftentimes must be
carefully protected from sleet and snowstorms, in our portion of
the land there are wonderful broad-leaved evergreens that furnish
blossom and fragrance from month to month and that frame
green lawns in January and February quite as beautifully as in
July and August. From the lists of these shrubs, evergreens and
vines here given, every gardener, whether his area be limited to
a ten-foot lot or is of wide extent, should be able to find material
that will help him to make a garden that will be a permanent joy
and become more and more beautiful from year to year.

The information that is here offered to garden lovers, and to
those who are ambitious to make their homes attractive by the
use of growing plants and shrubs, is intended primarily as a guide

18 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

that will enable them to know what to plant and when to plant.
It is sent out with the hope that it may prove as much of an
inspiration to read it as it has been a joy to gather it and formulate
it here; the hope that in some small measure it may help the
home makers of this section to become garden makers; the hope
that the Garden Beautiful may be quite as truly an ideal to be
striven for now as it was in those early days when the storied
gardens of Virginia and South Carolina as well as those of Massa-
chusetts were known to all the world.

To help our country come into her own and be recognized for
what she is — the Garden Spot of the World — would not require
many years if all those who love her would strive for this ideal.
To aid in this most worthy achievement is the mission of this
little book.

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS

The orange berries of the evergreen Hawthorn

CHAPTER II

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS— FOR EVERY GARDEN

CLIMATIC conditions in the Southern States are particularly
propitious in the matter of evergreens. It is not only pos-
sible for us to grow almost all of the coniferous varieties which
are popular in the higher latitudes, but there are many broad-
leaved kinds which are perfectly hardy with us which cannot be
grown out of doors elsewhere.

Winter planting is recommended for all the broad-leaved
evergreens except the Camellias and Azalea indica^ which must
wait until the season of bloom is over and are best put out in
Spring, the latter part of April or the first of May. The trans-
planting of these plants from the open ground is a difficult matter
and if it is to succeed, defoHation is necessary. This is especially
true of the Magnolias, Photinias, Ligustrums, Elaeagnus, Laurus,
evergreen Oaks and Viburnums. Usually the nurserymen send

20 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

them out with a ball of earth around the roots. When one pur-
chases them in this condition, balled and burlapped, it is only
necessary to remove the wrappings, place the specimens in the
ground in the especially prepared holes^and the evergreen effect
is at once achieved.

For the background of the shrubbery border nothing can be
planted which gives better results and more beautiful effects
than these broad-leaved evergreens. Where a screen is needed
nothing can be chosen which will serve the double purpose of
beauty and utility like masses of the English Laurel, Laurocerasus
laurocerasus^ Ligustrum japonica and Ligustrum lucidum. Ilex
glabra^ Ilex opaca. Ilex Cassine, the Neriums, the evergreen Haw-
thorn, Pyracantha coccinea Lalandii, and Eriobotrya japonica^ the
Japanese Medlar or Loquat.

For a quick-growing background either Cerasus caroliniana^
the Carolina Cherry, or the native wild Olive, Olea americana, is
distinctive and beautiful, and both subsequently assume tree-like
growth. The wild Olive is extremely difficult to transplant from
the wildwoods, but if cut back slightly and entirely defoliated it
may be successfully lifted even though it has reached several feet
in height. This is also true of the Hollies. December is the
best time to move them.

For the extensive grounds and bold landscape effects. Mag-
nolia grandiflora, M. grandijlora gloriosa^ M. juscata^ the sweet-
scented Banana Shrub, the evergreen Oaks and the fragrant
Osmanthus are used. The magnificent specimens of the beautiful
old Magnolias that grace the spacious lawns of the old southern
homes and line the avenues of some of our cities and most of the
old cemeteries are wonderfully beautiful all the year. Some of
these trees in Bonaventure cemetery at Savannah are more than
a hundred feet high and are gloriously beautiful when in flower
and most attractive when the scarlet seeds show on the brown
pods in the Autumn. Here they are festooned with clinging veils
of the grey Spanish Moss, as they are also in New Orleans.

Individual specimens of these trees are often planted in the
sidewalk grass plots and are most attractive in this situation as
well as wherever large evergreen plantings are desirable. The

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS

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THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS 23

only objections to the Magnolia plantings on the lawn are the
constant falling of the leaves which makes it impossible to keep
the lawn neat under them, and the deep shade which renders it
very hard to secure a close and firm growth of grass.

Of the smaller shrubs for mass and individual growth none is
sweeter than Oka fragrans^ the Tea Olive, which is considered by
many the most fragrant shrub we have. The dainty clusters of
creamy white blossoms, while in themselves insignificant, begin
to show in November and for six months the garden is the sweeter
for their presence. They are as delightful indoors as they are
outside and the shrub is particularly desirable on account of its
comparatively rapid growth.

Among the broad-leaved evergreens that bloom in the Autumn
are the heavenly sweet Oleasters, Elaeagnus macrophylla and the
bronze-leaved Elaeagnus reflexa. If only for their fragrance they
should be found in every garden. The fruit which comes in March
is decorative and highly prized for its acidity by the Chinese,
who use it for jellies and jams. These, with Eriobotrya japonica^
the Japanese Loquat, bloom in October, and perfume the air for
a wide circumference with their delicious odors. The Assam
Tea Plant, Thea Bohea, blossoms a little later and is truly a trop-
ical shrub. This plant is not as well known as it should be, for
it is really a beautiful plant at all times and in the blooming season
most attractive. The petals are pearly white, either four or five
in number, and much like the Orange blossoms in texture but
larger in size and with masses of yellow anthers in the center.
The buds resemble those of the Oranges. The flowers, closely
studded along the stems among the deep green leaves, make a
very striking Midwinter garden picture. They bloom from
November until February. About twenty miles from Charleston
these Teas are grown for commercial use and are a successful
experiment in foreign plant introduction. From this point and
south along the Gulf Coast they are perfectly hardy. This is
almost a Christmas flower.

Other Christmas greens that should be planted are the Hollies,
which should always be closely associated in groups that include
both the pistillate and staminate kinds. The familiar American

24 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Holly, Ilex opaca^ is not more attractive than Ilex aquifolium^ the
European Holly; and the Chinese and Japanese varieties, Ilex
cornuta and Ilex crenata^ with Ilex glabra^ the native Winter-
berry or Inkberry, are all good and hardy garden plants. Ilex
cassine^ the native Holly, called Cassine Berry, is a beautiful and
attractive shrub. The tree Hollies should, of course, be used
for background and border planting or as a screen. They are of
beautiful light green color that contrasts most delightfully with
the foliage of the darker-leaved plantings. A southern lawn in
its Winter dress of bright velvety green framed in a border of
American Holly, with vivid green leaves and bright-hued berries,
is a Winter picture that is as beautiful as it is striking and well
worth striving for.

Particularly would I stress the desirability of planting these
Holly trees on the farms, in the dooryards, and by the roadsides.
Not only because they are beautiful and desirable from the artistic
standpoint, but because the vandals who go forth at each recurring
Christmastide are robbing our woodlands of their most beautiful
trees, some replanting must be done soon or the Holly will be a
forgotten story. Therefore, plant Holly, Ilex opaca. December
to February is the accepted planting season. Defoliate the tree
to be moved, cut off the roots that have been bruised in digging,
set the tree in good soil and a favorable situation, and while the
growth is very slow at first, once established it is fascinating to
watch. Soon you will be proudly speaking of your own Christ-
mas tree in your garden. Then, see how you feel if some would-be
decorator slips in by night and cuts off half of ten years' growth
at one fell swoop!

A noteworthy group of shrubs consists of the evergreen Vibur-
nums. The most popular, hardy and satisfactory is Viburnum tinus,
commonly known as Laurustinus. The creamy panicles of bloom
are preceded by buds of bright red which come in November and
make the plant showy in Winter. The white flowers appear in
February and all Summer the black clusters of berries persist.
Laurustinus is frequently used as a hedge plant and in one formal
garden I know has grown to a height of twenty feet on each side
of a long walk. When in blossom it is heavenly sweet and won-

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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derfully beautiful. Shearing has the tendency to reduce the
flower heads.

Fow low-growing masses and for Summer bloom the delicate-
leaved Abelia grandiflora is most reliable and hardy. It is con-
tinuously in bloom from June until October and when planted
in large groups is very charming. Masses of the deciduous Spirxa
Thunbergii with the Abelia make a very fine foundation planting
and give good results where more delicate shrubbery is needed
than is furnished by the larger-leaved varieties of these ever-
greens. Abelia and Spiraea Thunbergii also make charming
flowering hedges where beauty is wanted in the dividing line
rather than strength.

Even more dainty of foliage than the Abelia is Nandina domes-
tical which is almost a Fern in its delicate greenness. In Winter
the leaves assume tones of coppery orange, the new leaves always
have a reddish tinge, and the contrasting tones of the leaf buds
with the delicate green of the finely cut foliage is a charming and
necessary addition to the darker greens of the usually somber-
leaved evergreens. In the Spring there are creamy panicles of
white flowers which are followed by heavy clusters of brilliantly
scarlet berries; these, persisting all Winter, make this a most effec-
tive garden shrub. The Chinese use it extensively in their landscape
work and call it ^'Heavenly Bamboo." The best Nandinas I
have seen were grown in the mountains of North Carolina and
there are plants growing in nearby gardens that were put out
over a hundred years ago. Still there are many who never heard
of it.

Ligustrum amurense, Amoor Privet, while usually planted for
a hedge, also furnishes the lighter green tones and delicate leafage
desired in the shrubbery border of evergreen plantings.

The most exquisite of the evergreen flowers, Kalmia latijolia^
commonly known by the unpoetic name of Calico Bush, but
really Mountain Laurel, grows so freely in our mountains and
wildwoods that few gardens include it. Blossoming in the Spring
and freshly green all the year, if it can be successfully naturalized,
it is a wonderful addition to the garden. Although hard to
transplant from the woodlands, it is not difficult to establish if

28 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

KALMIA LATIFOLIA, THE MOUNTAIN LAUREL
It is equally at home North or East or South — in the Catskills, the Cumberlands or on the
old red hills of Georgia, and beautiful everywhere. Give it a shady nook, plenty of leaf-
mold and good drainage

secured from a reliable nurseryman, balled and burlapped, pro-
vided the gardener is careful to prepare for it the deep, rich
leafmold, clean loam, and good drainage that it demands when
away from its native heath. It must also have the requisite
amount of sun and shade — not too much of either. Planted in
heavy masses, as the Rhododendrons should always be planted,
on the edges of the woodlands, where the background of hills and
trees is a part of the garden picture, its beauty increases from
year to year.

Very seldom is this done, but why not bring the glory of the
Catskills in June and the wonder of the Cumberlands and the
Alleghanies in April to gladden our gardens and make beautiful
pictures on our southern estates ?

The English Laurel, Laurocerasus lanrocerasus, the Apollo's
Laurel, Laurus nobilis, and the old favorite, Buxus sempervirens.

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS

are foliage plantings that are eminently desirable and reliable
for evergreen effects of both formal and informal nature. The
Boxwood is, of course, most used for formal pruning.

Pittosporum Tobira, the Japanese Pittosporum, is a globular
form of evergreen that can be sheared into any desired form.
Sheared, it is excellent for accenting curves in walks or drives.
It grows very rapidly and is one of the most attractive of the
broad-leaved shrubs. Its creamy-white flowers that show in
February are insignificant, but the plant is always beautiful.
As a foreground planting, or used together with the deciduous
Pearl Bushes, Exochorda grandiflora, it is wonderfully beautiful.

The Gardenias, G. jasminoides florida and G. Fortunei^ should
be planted in December and for those who care for the heavy
odor, they are desirable and attractive shrubs.

As severe Winters have disastrous effects on the Neriums
(Oleanders), it would not be advisable to use them for open ground
effects above the latitude of Savannah. Where they will grow,
nothing is lovelier than either hedges or specimen plantings of

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ENGLISH LAUREL IN ALL ITS BEAUTY AND USEFULNESS
An effective screen planting of this popular subject is shown at the left

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

The starry Oleander blossom, from a plant
1 50 years old in the author's garden

Oleanders. They blossom for
many months, are almost
immune from insect pests,
through all sorts of treatment
and through no sort of treat-
ment, they go from glory to
glory and are well worthy of
the name of the very best of
our garden friends. Of com-
paratively rapid growth, I
know of many plants that are
from eight to twelve feet in
height and many feet in di-
ameter five or six years after
planting.

For tropical effects, either
in the background or the fore-
ground, few plantings equal
the Yuccas. The plan of plant-
ing hedges of the variety known as the Spanish Bayonet, Yucca
aloifolia, is not to be recommended. This is the least desirable
of the three kinds that are available, because it has a tendency
to grow tall and, becoming top-heavy, fall in unsightly positions.

If a Yucca hedge is desired, plant the lower-growing kind.
Yucca filamentosa^ commonly known as Bear Grass. The finer-
leaved Mexican Yucca Treculeana, is the most attractive of all,
though the characteristic flower stalks are not quite so heavy as
are those of Y.filamentosa and Y. aloifolia.

They are all handsome when in flower. The stalks rise at
least three feet above the needle-tipped leaves and the creamy,
bell-shaped blossoms cover them from stem to tip. They are
very fragrant also, which is an additional attraction that, added
to their rather unusual form, makes them especially desirable.
One could not wish to see a prettier picture than that made against
a brick wall or a dark evergreen background by the gray-green
Yucca spikes crowned by the handsome clusters of sweet-scented
blossoms, almost like a giant Hyacinth stalk, as they ring out

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS

CURIOUS. BUT ATTRACTIVE. TOO
Tropical Florida shows many interesting forms of the genus Euphorbia. This fine specimen

is at Miami

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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A SPLENDID LIVE OAK
Quercus virginlana In Savannah, Ga., gracefully draped with Spanish Moss

BROAD-LEAVED EVERGREENS 33

the Summer chimes which call the humming bird and butterflies
and bees to their noonday convocations.

The evergreen Barberries are justly popular, the most fre-
quently planted being Berberis japonica and Mahonia aquijolia^
which require a partially shaded situation and a rather moist soil
and do well when planted in a thick group of shrubbery. Here
the heads of yellow flowers show brilliantly in the very earliest
days of Spring, and the clusters of turquoise-blue berries that
persist all Summer are most interesting and unusual.

Of all the evergreen plantings none can be given that are
more reliable and 'satisfactory than the evergreen Privets. They
are sufficient in themselves to make an interesting garden.
IJgustrum japonicum^ L. lucidum and L. nepalense are most used
for thick background and screen plantings and by judicious
mingling of these three varieties one can make a screen twenty-
five feet tall that comes close down to the turf. The blossoms
of all these varieties are typical and they have large leaves of
shiny green which when small are of delicate light green color and
when matured are rich deep chrome. The clusters of green ber-
ries on Ligustrum japonicum and L. nepalense are very attractive
in Summer. In the Fall and Winter they are purple and black
with a soft bloom.

For Hghter plantings where a more delicate growth is needed
Ligustrum ^uihoui and L. sinense are good. Their foliage is very
small and dainty and much Hghter than the ones just mentioned.
All of the Privets give fine results in landscape work.

It were a waste of time to enumerate all the evergreen plant-
ings that can be used in the Southern States. With those that
are given borders of broad-leaved evergreens can be made that
will serve every purpose needed and that will be in blossom from
January to January and that will be always beautiful.

Rhododendrons are wonderfully beautiful in the sections
between Asheville and Atlanta, but farther south are hard to
establish and usually unsatisfactory. This is written in spite
of a few successful plantings. The average garden rule for Rho-
dodendrons is failure. Why try them ? 'Our world is so full

34 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

of an infinite number of broad-leaved evergreens that grow easily
and thrive well we have not time to wish for the Rhododendrons
of other climes.

Not the least charm of the gardens of Tea Olives, Oleasters,
Pittosporums, Eriobotryas, Laurustinus and Abelias is the char-
acteristic fragrance of all the varieties. Another striking merit
is the beauty of the fruit of almost all of them. The scarlet
berries of the Hollies, the orange clusters of the Hawthorn berries,
the purple and black of the Privets, the clear blue of the Mahonia,
the rosy-tipped buds of the Laurustinus, that show even while
the black berries are on the plants, add brightness to the garden
picture and make even Winter gay. From the creamy white
of the Tea Olive and the dainty blush-tinted Abelia and the
golden-hearted Tea blossoms, through the galaxy of Spring flow-
ers to the starry Oleanders that come in Midsummer, down to
the scarlet berries of the Hollies and the tawny clusters of the
Thorns of the Autumn days, and on again through the years,
always and all the time our broad-leaved evergreen flora fur-
nishes wonderful interest, fragrance and beauty.

ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

CHAPTER III

ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS— FOR EVERY
GARDENER

NO fence that was ever built or planned can equal in attrac-
tiveness, for division lines or for street protection, a hedge
of ornamental growth. Not only does the living boundary need
no repair, but it grows in beauty from year to year. It is best
to plant a hedge in December, but if unavoidable delay has occurred
it is not too late to take advantage of the rifts in the February
clouds and to plant out those shrubs, both deciduous and ever-
green, those Roses and those hedge plants that are required in
the garden plan, feeling sure of good results from even the late start.

Clipped standards of Cerasus caroliniana, or Wild Olive, give distinction to this Ligustrum

amurense hedge

36 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Preparation for planting a hedge should be even more care-
fully made than in making a lawn or planting trees and shrubs.
The soil should be more thoroughly enriched and the digging
should be deeper because greater demands are to be made on it
by the close and permanent planting.

The distance at which hedge plants should be set depends
entirely upon the varieties used. As close growth from the
ground is the object to be attained it is necessary to put the plants
closer than they will be required at full growth and, if necessary,
later to cut out the surplus and intermediate growth which crowds
too much. The best form for a hedge is the conical or triangular,
because the tendency in this form of cutting is to encourage growth
from all points along the sides, while the perpendicular pruning
produces growth only at the top and is likely to develop a thin-
ness at the ground where it should be thickest.

For formal planting the Amoor and California Privets are
unexcelled. The Amoor, Ligustrum amurense^ is unquestionably
the most desirable hedge plant grown in this section for the home
grounds. It is of comparatively rapid growth and retains its
bright colored foliage the entire year. It should be closely cut
back when put out, should be planted not more than one foot
apart, and if kept closely trimmed, in two years makes not
only an effective but highly ornamental division line or screen.
Uncut, the Amoor Privet reaches a height of twenty feet and
forms a background of indescribable loveliness when it flowers
in April and May.

Ligustrum ovalifolium, the California Privet, retains some of
its foliage in Winter, is a darker color and is more satisfactory
for the higher latitudes. It is used much more in the North and
West than in the South.

For a low-growing hedge, where strength as well as beauty is
desirable, Thunberg's Barberry, Berberis Thunbergii, is most
effective. Its leaves of bright green throughout Summer, change
to a rich red in Autumn and the bright red berries which are
borne in profusion are wonderfully attractive all Winter and
contrast with the delicate green of the foliage in Spring. This
most beautiful shrub is one of our importations from Japan. It

ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

is hardy everywhere. If undipped it forms a low, dense hedge
of great beauty and used formally it makes one of density and
durability, as well as beauty.

Almost as delicate as Fern fronds are the leaves of Thun-
berg's Spiraea, Spirxa Thunbergii^ which usually blooms in March
and whose dainty and beautiful little blossoms remind one forcibly
of Baby's Breath, Gypsophila paniculata. It is commonly called
Snow Garland and the finely-cut brown stems are flower-starred
before the leaves show at all. Its branches are slender and droop-
ing, its leaves very narrow and of light green which changes to
an orange and red in the Fall. This is a planting that makes
for beauty and not for protection. For lightening masses of shrub-
bery, for softening the lines of buildings, for outlining terraces,

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Tree Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) as it grows in Maryland

40 THE feLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

for masses of beauty in any part of the grounds this Spiraea is
invaluable to the landscape artist.

For strength and durability there is no hedge plant that
can equal Citrus trifoliata^ the Japan Hardy Orange, and while
it is not an evergreen, the hardy wood of a rich olive-green color
makes it not unsightly in Winter. If cut closely three times a
year it may be kept within bounds and nothing can penetrate it
"from a rabbit to an elephant." The blossoms that show in
early Spring are very fragrant and add much to the attractive-
ness of the hedge at this season. This is said to be hardy as far
north as New Jersey.

Prunus caroliniana, the Mock Orange of the South, is almost
too well-known to need mention. It grows very rapidly, and
must be kept closely sheared and watched carefully in order to
keep it within bounds. It is, however, a beautiful evergreen
hedge plant and for large boundaries where quick growth and
strong protection are needed nothing will give better results.

Rhamnus catharticus, the common Buckthorn, thrives in
moist, loamy soils and in partial shade and is recommended for
a defensive hedge where it is advisable to use a large-growing
species. It has not only handsome foliage but showy berries.
It is also extremely hardy and such a vigorous grower that it can be
depended on for protection at an early date after planting.

For the old-fashioned formal garden, such as our grand-
mothers used to make. Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens, is in great
demand. All along the Atlantic Coast from Boston to New
Orleans, these old gardens are to be seen. Most of them were
planted with formal beds outlined in the Boxwood, inclosing
shrubs and perennials and annuals at random. Some of them
are unkempt and uncared for, others are trim and neat and in
perfect condition, and in their quaint and stilted way they stand
as monuments to that ante-bellum period of the geometric design
and the formal garden. They belong to the day of brick paths
and tangled shrubs with an Arborvitse boundary hedge, with the
lower Boxwood borders outlining the designs. These old Box-
wood borders are certainly attractive, the old evergreens are
many of them stately and beautiful at this time, and both seem

ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

A young hedge of Ligustrum amurense started in the "way it should go"— that is, a pyra-
midal shape

An older hedge showing the effect of pyramidal training. The Amoor Privet is the best
all-round Southern hedge

FOR A DENSE HEDGE KEEP THE BOTTOM WIDER THAN THE TOP

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

3 11

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ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

everlasting in their slow growth, but who would make such a
garden now? Let us preserve these that we have, in honor of
a day long dead, but for the new ones the new order to which we
have changed is certainly best.

Of the new ones the most beautiful and most carefully tended
formal garden that I know of has a gray stone bird bath in the
center of a sweep of velvet turf. Radiating from this axis are
grass walks which bound formal beds that are outlined in that
beautiful dark green, dwarf Boxwood, Buxus sempervirens suffruti-
cosa. Accenting the corners and marking the turns in these
beds are small conifers, the Juniperus communis hibernica. It
is the delight of the gardener to keep those beds filled with a
changing panorama of exquisite color that varies from season to
season. Once there were thousands of Darwin Tulips of every
tint in their rhythm of color harmony; later there were hundreds
of Phlox Drumjnondii and Sweet Williams in all the tones of pink
and red; again the whole garden was carpeted in flowers of the
salmon tints that line the shells on the beach on a Summer's
morning; Snapdragons, Poppies, Tulips, Hyacinths, in every
imaginable depth and shade, but all of the one key in the color
scale. Not a discord in the whole range of the garden's harmony.
Again the fragrant Violas and velvety Pansies lifted their faces
skyward and the garden was tinted from white to sunny gold

Juniperus virginiana behind Ligustrum amurense makes a soft but very effective screen

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

A USEFUL HEDGE PLANTING
Note how it separates the terrace from the lawn

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BOXWOOD EDGING JUST SIX YEARS OLD
It makes this modern garden look like those of a past century

ORNAMENTAL HEDGE PLANTS

A closer side view of the hedge pictured on page 43, showing its curved
P3rramidal outline

and from violet again to pearly white; and so on through the
years and ever with the dark ribbons of Boxwood to bind the
harmonies of the flower tones to the velvet greens of the turf.
As the ultimate growth of this variety of Boxwood is six inches
there will never be other than this band of dark green ribbon to
show through the garden pictures of the years.

The entrance to this garden is through a wicket gate of white-
wood that is set under an arch of pleached Amoor Privet, Ligus-
trum amurense, and this forms part of the hedge that bounds
this lovely garden unit in the beautiful grounds of which it forms
a part.

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

TWIN CYPRESSES ACCENT THIS GARDEN ENTRANCE

The borders in this unit of the garden are filled with Azaleas, Spiraeas, Lilies. Iris and

bulbs, and are kept within bounds by a margin of clipped English Ivy

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS 47

CHAPTER IV

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS— FOR ALL WHO LOVE

THEM

WHETHER planted for the beauty of the individual spec-
imen, for groups in the shrubbery border, for hedges, or
for plantations, there is nothing which gives more satisfaction,
more beauty, more fragrance than the Azaleas of all kinds. The
earliest to bloom shows its color in January and from then until
May one after another of the species may be seen. The native.
Azalea indica, and the Chinese Azalea amoena^ are both desirable,
hardy, evergreen shrubs; the latter being hardy in all the South-
ern and Pacific States and the former as far north as New York.

The Azaleas are very particular as to soil. They prefer a
rich, moist, well-drained earth containing leafmold or wood's
earth, as near like the swampy woodlands that form their native
habitat as it is possible to get. For this reason, also, they ask
for protection from the afternoon sun in Summer and the cold,
piercing winds of Winter, and do best when planted against a
background of trees or shrubbery, a garden or boundary wall,
or where they are sheltered by the house. Many city homes
face the north, and it is very hard to find plantings that will give
satisfactory results under such conditions of shade and dampness
as usually prevail there. In this situation, given the soil they
need, Azalea indicas are ideal.

The beautiful colorings in these plants give one wide choice,
and it is possible to have not only a succession of bloom in group
plantings, but also to have a gorgeous color harmony that ranges
from the warm side of the color scale and the deep tones of the
glowing crimson, Le Flambeau, the rich rose of Comtesse de

48 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Beaufort, the pink, delicate and exquisite Mme.Van der Cruyssen,
up to the purest white of the Deutsche Perle.

In the violet tones are Bernard Andre, which is dark violet
purple, very large and very double, and Theo. Reimers, a double
lilac, which is most dainty and beautiful. A plantation of these
two varieties lightened with the Deutsche Perle gives a poem of
exquisite color harmony. Against a background of Spring-
blossoming shrubs in yellow tones or the deep greens of the ever-
green plantings the effect is wonderfully fine and rather more
unusual than the combinations generally seen of masses of pinks
and reds with white. These, however, are justly the pride of
our southern gardens. Many of these shrubs, in their evergreen
loveliness, have attained a height of from twenty to thirty feet.
Hundreds of visitors go each year to see the magnificent specimens
in Magnolia Gardens at Charleston, which are known far and
wide for their beauty. The gardens in New Orleans and Mobile,
Augusta and Savannah, and other southern cities, are filled with
these fragrant and handsome plants. They must be seen to be
appreciated.

For masses among the evergreen shrubbery the Azalea Hino-
digiri is a valuable acquisition. It is a Japanese Azalea, hardy,
blooming for quite a long period and with flowers of the brightest
carmine. They are borne in such profusion that the foliage is
entirely covered during the blossoming time. In the Fall the
leaves become bronze in color.

The colors seen in the ircvporttdi Azalea ganadavensis^ the Ghent
Azaleas, and Azalea mollis^ a native of China and Japan, which
the florists offer each year, are very attractive and striking, but,
while you enjoy these, invest also in those others which will grow
outside and go from grace to grace and glory to glory.

After the season of bloom is over, these pot-grown plants may
also be put in the open ground, and will give fairly satisfactory
results. To me, however, they do not appeal as do those which
are indigenous. They are wonderful hybrids, but, just as a
cluster of Chrysanthemums is far more beautiful than the yard
of stem and the mammoth flower that have been grown from
the sacrifice of the whole armful of blossoms, so the beauty of

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS

TRUE HARMONY OF BOTH COLOR AND FORM

The glowing colors of the Azaleas always stand out more beautifully— as here— against a

background of conifers or broad-leaved evergreens

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

AZALEA KAEMPFERI. A VALUABLE JAPANESE ACCESSION
Its brilliant colorings make it a striking feature of the flowering borders of the early Spring-
time

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS 51

the dainty and fragrant native Azaleas make a much stronger
appeal in their loveliness than the darlings of the florist's skill.

Who does not remember tramping into the wildwoods as the
early Spring days came on and the wild Violets and Dogwood
called to the open meadows and the shadowy depths of the
swamps ? Can one ever forget the golden harvests of the yellow
Jasmine and the pink whorls of honey sweetness and the flaming
torches that we called Swamp Honeysuckle, but which we now
know for the native Azaleas ? For the sake of "Auld Lang Syne,"
those halcyon days of childhood, let us plant them in our gardens
and let the new generations revel in the beauty and drink in the
fragrance of our old friends of the woodlands.

We will have Azalea Vaseyi {Rhododendron Vaseyi)^ the Car-
ohna Azalea, a plant which is unique, but always beautiful, its
blossoms a clear rose of several shades, appearing before the
leaves unfold. Much like this is Azalea nudiflora^ the Pinkster
Flower, free-flowering shrubs growing from three to five feet, and
also blossoming freely before a leaf bud shows. Azalea arborescens^
the most fragrant of all, is much like A. indica, but is not ever-
green. It is white, tinged with pink, with long style and exserted
stamens of deep red. It is one of the easiest to grow and is a
very desirable plant. The leaves are a deep, rich red in the
Autumn. Lastly, in this group is Azalea viscosa^ a small, white
Azalea, the smallest of the species, blossoming when very young
and giving satisfaction wherever found.

An entirely different color rhythm is found in the flame-
colored Azalea lute a {^Azalea calendulacea), which is gorgeous for
many weeks with its profuse clusters of blossoms that range
through all the shades of vivid red, orange and yellow. Under
cultivation it grows from six to eight feet tall. Useful for group-
ing with this variety is the Apollo, Azalea indica, which is an
early semi-double of a clear vermilion. These plantings of orange-
yellows and vermilions and scarlets Hghten the shrubbery border
almost as if they were flaming torches set to show Spring the road
to Summer, so vivid and beautiful are they. Be careful not to
put them near shrubs with pink or crimson tones. If they are

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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THE DECIDUOUS, FLAME-COLORED AZALEA, A. CALENDULACEA

A native of our southern swamps, it loves a deep soil and a shady corner where it strikes a

brilliant note of color^in'the late Spring

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS 53

kept separate or surrounded by masses of green and against a
green background they are magnificent.

The last-mentioned five of these shrubs are deciduous and
natives of the Alleghany Mountains, of the Georgia and Carolina
swamps, and without exception have responded to cultivation
and become worthy of prominent places in any garden.

Nurserymen advise the planting of all the Azaleas at any
time from October to April or May. If they are put out in the
Fall they must be protected during the first Winter. Planted
after the blooming season is over, in either March or April, in a
partially shaded situation where they are sheltered from the
heated Summer suns, they will go through the Summer's heat
and the Winter's cold and come into full blossom the next Spring.
The main thing to do is to plant them — ^just as many as you can
aflford — both of the evergreen and deciduous kinds — mass them,
group them, tend them, water them, and next year, and every
year thereafter, enjoy them.

For the same reason that April is the best time to plant the
Azaleas, it is also the accepted time to plant Camellia japonicas,
which attract so much attention in our southern gardens and
are unquestionably striking plants. The foliage is a rich, dark
shiny green and the flowers are handsome and showy. They
also thrive best in fertile, porous soils and in partial shade. They
must have protection from the Winter's cold. They come into
bud about Christmas time, and if the weather is propitious, the red
and pink and vari-colored japonicas and the pearly white Camellias
will be in full bloom by St. Valentine's Day. The cold seems
not to injure the leaves, but the buds and blossoms are very
tender, and often turn brown and fall off just in the midst of the
blooming season.

There is one variety, Mercedes, a clear rose-color, not closely
double, v/ith many bright yellow stamens, that is not only beauti-
ful, but has a delicate odor that is delightful making it, to me,
the most attractive of the species. The waxen blooms of the
other varieties, absolutely odorless, seem like ghost flowers.

These two groups of evergreen shrubs, which should be planted
in the Springtime instead of Fall, are generally considered more

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CAMELLIAS-RARE JEWELS OF SOUTHERN GARDENING
Their almost too-perfect flowers appearing in Winter are always most welcome

AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS 55

delicate and harder to grow successfully than the other broad-
leaved evergreens. The Azaleas do not like a clay soil and will
not grow in it. They demand much leafmold and are very par-
ticular as to situation. Given these requirements, remembering
that the Azaleas particularly are of very slow growth, should
never be cut, and should be planted against a background of
evergreen shrubbery or vines and in masses close together, the
plantings will give abundant harvests of beauty, fragrance and
garden joy.

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

EFFECTIVE USE OF CONIFERS ON A FORMAL TERRACE
Abelias, Ligustrum and Pittosporum define the terrace and lawns and Biota aurea nana is

used in the jars

A HAPPY GROUPING OF CYPRESSES AND PINES

Pinus excelsa (Bhotan Pines) and Cupressus pyramidalis royalii provide a happy solution

in framing an entrance and screening a service court

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS 57

CHAPTER V

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS— FOR BEAUTY AND ACCENT

^ I ^HERE is nothing which so fitly typifies the spirit of the New
-■- South as the majestic loveHness of the stately Himalayan
Cedar, Cedrus Deodara. Its pyramidal outlines tower skyward
unrestrained and fearless. Its roots dig deeply and lovingly into
the old red clay of the Georgia hills with the same fondness with
which it must cHng to Oriental clay on the heights that bound the
farther shores of the Seven Seas. Its ambitions and ideals are
lofty. For just sixteen short years twin sisters have stood at
each side of an hospitable doorway with which I am well familiar,
yet today they lift their waving branches at least sixty feet above
the sod. Graceful and gentle and tenderly gracious in their
soft coloring and delicate tracery of leaf and stem and branch,
yet strong to endure both the Summer's heat and the Winter's
cold, Antaeus-fashion they bend to touch the earth and thus
gain strength with which to climb up and up and up on their
ambitious way to the stars.

THE SOIL FOR DEODARAS

Where there is room, where dignity and grace are desirable,
where soft coloring in the evergreen notes is needed, plant De-
odaras. In choosing the situation for these trees perfect drainage
and plenty of clay in the soil must be assured. This done, nothing
will give more satisfactory or more beautiful or quicker results.
It is better to select trees that have grown large enough to have
some character, say from thirty inches to thirty-six inches in
height, and these can be purchased from any reliable southern
nursery. Small sizes can be had, but the difference in strength

58 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

and in rapidity of growth will amply repay the additional expense
for the initial planting of the larger sizes.

THE FORMAL BEAUTY OF THE CYPRESSES

With outlines more symmetrical and formal, with branches
more closely appressed, with leafage more delicate in color and
feathery in texture than the native Cedar {Juniperus virginiana)
of comparatively rapid growth and with great adaptability, the
Cypresses from many quarters of the earth that grow easily and
beautifully along the lower Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of
the Southern States form a long list.

They vary in color, in height, and in contour and can be secured
to suit almost any requirement of soil or situation. Where a
screen planting is desirable and deciduous plantings like the Pop-
lars are used as a background, the slower growing Cypress trees
can be put in to fill the spaces and ultimately to make an ever-
green screen. For such positions Cupressus Benthami and Cu-
pressus gracilis are equally good. C. Benthami forms a perfect
cone with its greatest diameter five feet or six feet from the ground.
Its leaves are feathery and of a soft glaucous green that is almost
the same in Summer and Winter. C. Bentha?ni is one of the most
rapid growers among the evergreen trees. It is beautiful in
every stage of its history, but it is more susceptible to cold than
C. gracilis^ and can only be used in warm sections. Both it and
C. gracilis are very fine trees for formal plantings to accent the
architectural notes in the garden plan and for thickets along the
boundaries.

Of a rich green that is almost velvety black in the deep shadows
is the pyramidal Cypress, Cupressus Knightiana. On the border
of a plantation of Pines where the deep browns and vivid greens
of these trees carry the same color tones, this Cypress is wonderful.
Its broad base and uplifted arms with closely massed leaves are
not as graceful as the softer colored and more feathery varieties,
but its beauty deserves a position of prominence and its stateli-
ness requires a dignified setting.

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS 61

OLD-WORLD CYPRESSES

For the formal effects made famous by the beautiful gardens
of the Orient and Italy there are the Italian and Roman Cypresses,
Cupressus sempervirens {C.Jastigiatd) and the far-famed Cupressus
funebris so extensively used in the temple courts of China. Both
of these varieties are of easy and rapid growth and adapt them-
selves readily to the various soils. Their leaves are very dehcate
and the coloring is deep and rich, but not dark enough to prove
somber. Single specimens of these trees planted close to the
boundary lines of a brick or stucco house add dignity and grace
and carry the formal architectural lines of the building into the
harmony of the garden plan.

The most erect and shaft-like of the Cypresses are Cupressus
sempervirens pyramidalis and C. sempervirens royalii^ the latter
being the most columnar and erect of all. They grow straight
upward and vary very little in diameter. Even though they
attain a height of from sixty feet to eighty feet the diameter never
exceeds four feet or five feet at the base and at the widest part of
the tree. They are wonderfully beautiful and most graceful in their
stately loftiness as they sway rhythmically in the wandering
breezes that bend them to and fro all through the year.

Edwin Neuhaus says, in speaking of the beauty secured at
the Panama-Pacific Exposition by the Cypress trees transplanted
from the old Spanish Missions of CaHfornia, that if he had the
making of California's laws he would require every householder
to plant at least six Cypress trees, not only for the beauty and
grace they would give to the present generation, but for the joy
they would pass on to those who grow up in the coming years.
Not quite so stringent a regulation would I urge, but for the
privileged sections, able to grow these trees, not to do so is neglect
of opportunity. They not only enable the planter to stress the
formal evergreen note in his garden detail and to bridge the gap
between the rigid lines of building and the softer lines of the
garden scheme, but they introduce a note of permanency into
the wonderful color harmonies that are strong in most southern
gardens throughout the year.

62 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

THE BHOTAN PINE

From the southern slopes of India we have secured one of the
best of our trees of pyramidal outHne. This is the drooping fir
of Hindustan, Pinus excelsa, sometimes called the Bhotan Pine.
Of most exquisite grey-green color, the needles of this Pine are
utterly different in effect from the upright Pine needles of our
native trees. It is of very graceful habit, is easily grown, and
more informal in effect than the Cypress. The color is much like
that of the Himalayan Cedars, and the two make a delightful
combination.

The greens in the Cypresses, Arborvitses and Pines vary so
greatly that it is necessary to exercise much care in choosing them
lest the effect ultimately become as if one had tried to plant a
color card of coniferous trees. Did you ever see a planting like
that ? Who has not ? More's the pity. If in doubt about the
color combinations, find out before you order your plants.

Pinus excelsa is a graceful tree, of beautiful color and quick
growth, and is not hard to transplant from the nursery. Since
the inroads of the home makers have driven out the native Pines
and it is almost impossible to grow them, this Bhotan Pine, with
the Pinus koraiensisy the Korean Pine of dwarf growth, and Pinus
densiflora^ the Japanese Pine, must be used if we do not wish to
give up the genus entirely.

SOME FORMAL EVERGREENS

For plantings of extreme formality, for evergreen borders,
where varying sizes are necessary, there is a most formidable list
of the Arborvitses, Biotas and Thuyas, from which to choose. If
the nurserymen would attach a color chart to the pages on which
they describe their list of these plants, and use standard uniform
nomenclature, it would benefit the unwary and too-trustful
customers.

However, the Arborvitse that is most used in this section is
Biota aurea nana; and on account of its hardiness it is worthy of
its popularity. The only objection to it is that it has a strong
yellowish tinge on the new leaves in the Spring, but as this soon

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS

CHAMy^CYPARIS PISIFERA PLUMOSA
This, the Japanese plume-Iike Cypress, is the author's favorite among all the members of

this useful family

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CONIFEROUS EVERGREENS 65

disappears and the green color is predominant we plant it in spite
of its variegation at the Springtime — not because of it, as so
many do. This Biota is of comparatively dwarf growth and
extremely compact habit, and on this account is especially good
for urns, jars, and boxes. With this, where a taller form of the
same coloring is needed. Biota aurea pyramidalis or B. conspicua
may be used. This becomes tree-like, ultimately growing from
twenty feet to twenty-five feet. The Summer heat brings out the
green tones in this tree also. Thuya orientalis compacta and
Thuya orientalis globosa are two good forms of sturdy growth and
graceful habit. All these will be satisfactory and will give imme-
diate effects.

The Retinisporas, R. plumosa and R. squarrosa Veitchii, are
two of the most attractive conifers we have. The R. plumosa is
pyramidal in outline and the foliage is extremely dainty and
Fern-like. It turns brown in the Winter, but it is not unattractive
even at that time. It is broader at the base than the Biotas and
does not grow so tall as the Cypresses, ultimately. It is a very
fine specimen tree. R. squarrosa Veitchii is of a beautiful blue-
green color and is useful for cutting for house decoration and
makes a wonderful plant for accent on either side of entrances
— or walks or drives.

All of these evergreens should be planted during the Winter
months. From November to May is the accepted planting
season. Personally, late Fall and early Spring plantings have
been found most satisfactory. Holes should be dug both deep
and wide. There should be plenty of good, rich, loamy soil, and
six inches of clay should always be put in the bottom of the hole
if the ground is inclined to be sandy. Water should be used very
freely both on the leaves and around the roots during the whole
of the first season after planting. The long, hot Summers are
very trying on these plants. They should never be watered
while the sun is shining on them.

These simple rules followed, no planting can be made that
will give more attractive effects or add more to the beauty of the
home grounds.

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES

Frau Karl Druschki, the handsomest of all white Roses, although a hybrid perpetual, blooms
more than once during the southern year

CHAPTER VI

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES— HOW TO GROW THEM

AS far as the preparation of the soil and general cultural direc-
tions are concerned, any good article on Rose planting
applies to the South no less than to other sections. There, how-
ever, we must stop and hew out for ourselves a new road to meet
the climatic and growing conditions that confront us.

Many years our gardens can show Roses from early March
to late November and often December. South of Nashville no
protection is needed for any varieties; even the tender Niphetos
and the tenderer Marechal Niel go safely through our severest
Winters. We might almost say, "Plant Roses and let them alone,
and warm sunshine and gentle rains will do the rest." If it were
possible for me to have only one kind of a flower in my garden
that one would be a Rose. No other flower so well repays one
for all the attention showered upon it, nor does so well without
care.

December and January are always Rose planting and Rose
pruning time in the Southern States. After the first heavy frost

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

the weak canes should be cut out, and the strong ones cut back
closely if long stems and fine quality of blossoms are desired.
One amateur Rose grower, whose gardens are fanous for the
beauty and size of the long-stemmed flowers, makes it his invari-
able rule to cut back every Rose bush to within six inches of the
ground and to remove the weak shoots entirely. One who has
fewer plants might prefer quantity of blossoms rather than size,
and if so, the pruning should be less severe. The vigorous growers

need less pruning than the
weaker, slower-growing va-
rieties. All plants should be
closely pruned when trans-
planting. All but two or three
of the strongest branches
should be taken off and these
cut back to within six or seven
inches of the ground. The
hole in which they are to be
put should be of ample size
and the newly planted bushes
need to be kept well watered
and the earth firmed well
about the roots.

Roses vary as to soil re-
quirements; most Climbers
and Hybrid Perpetuals like
rich, heavy soil — good clay
loam; while the nearer one ap-
proaches the Teas and Bour-
bons the lighter and sandier
the soil may be.

Climbing Roses must be
trimmed very slightly. Of
course, all weak and spindly
growth should be removed
annually and the side branches

Caroline Testout Roses in my garden shortened in, but the main

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES

RADIANCE, A SILVERY PINK HYBRID TEA
One of the very best bedding and garden Roses we have

Stem must not be disturbed. All dead canes should be removed
as they appear and in the pruning of all varieties the cut should
be clean, otherwise the bruised stem will decay. The Tea Roses
require much less pruning than those of any other variety. The
more they are cut the less they bloom.

Much well-decomposed manure, used both in the Fall and in
the Spring; bonemeal and liquid manure occasionally as the
season progresses to increase the flower crop; the ground always
free from weeds, and other plants; sunny positions; cultivation
and water in quantity in Summer, particularly for the first two
seasons after planting; and pruning in the Winter, make up the
price one must pay for fine Roses. I do not mention the use of
insecticides, but most often they are necessary. A soapy spray
to kill the aphids is the worst that the bedding Roses ask for.
All in all, how small the tax in comparison with the beautiful
returns!

70 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

In planting due attention must be paid to soil preparation;
and while it is better to plant them as early in the Winter as pos-
sible, they may be safely put out from this time until the middle
of May. The earlier the planting the more promising the blos-
soms for the next season.

As far as variety is concerned, choice is practically limited
only by the lists issued by the nurserymen. Unfortunately these
lists are most often misleading. It is wiser always to buy budded
stock, and better to secure plants that are grown in the open
ground, and for constant and varied bloom, true ever-blooming
qualities, the Hybrid Tea Roses will give the best results.

The usual Rose garden in the South is a mixed planting of
many varieties in oblong or square beds planted in rows as they
are in the nurseries. When one remembers the wonderful rosa-
riums of old England with formal beds of Roses standing out in
carefully chosen color tones, always bounded by borders of turf
and with the divisions and walks invariably of softest, velvety
green one hopes that some day the landscape architects will be
able to awaken the amateur gardeners of the South to their priv-
ileges and start them making such gardens on this side of the
water. Small beds of single colors framed in foregrounds of turf
give a proper setting for -this queenly flower.

For the porch pillars, the pergola, the summerhouse, the
hedge, and the wire netting that frames the tennis court, for the
trellises on the garage, or to make a background for the Roses in
the borders, there are the multitudes of climbers and trailers.
For evergreen effects, the white and pink Cherokees, both single
and double, though the former are more beautiful, and the Wichu-
raianas can be depended upon for quick growth, and wonder-
ful beauty of bloom and foliage.

Slower of growth and not evergreen are the pink and white
Dorothy Perkins, the Tausendschon, and Philadelphia, which is
almost a perpetual blooming Crimson Rambler. All of these
have to be cut down to the ground every few years on account
of the mildew to which they are subject.

Of the old favorites we have Lamarque, Devoniensis, Mal-
maison. La Reine, Marie Henriette, the Marechal Niel and the

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES

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The effect here would be still better if the plants were set closer together and if dwarf Box-
wood were used to edge the beds

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These plants, too, are entirely too far apart. Narrower beds look better and are easier to

care for

GRASS WALKS AND NARROW BEDS HELP ANY ROSE GARDEN

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

OLD-FASHIONED ROSES 73

Reve d'Or, which carry us through an unrivaled scale of color
magnificence. Many of the old southern gardens show these
Roses of a century old, kissing the topmost leaves of the tallest
trees or screening the porches up to the third and fourth stories.
Their prodigal wealth of blossom must be seen to be appreciated.

Frau Karl Druschki, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, and the
Bride are the handsomest of the white bush Roses. Of the pink,
none are better than the blush Malmaison, the silvery pink Duchesse
de Brabant, the pink Devoniensis, and Bridesmaid. Etoile de
Lyon, Francesca Kruger, and Blumenschmidt, give us the yellow
and saffron tones of our color scale, while Agrippina, Archduke
Charles, and Papa Gontier give us the deeper tones of red.

For the fragrance of the attar of roses — and what is a Rose
garden without its sweetness ? — no garden should be without
La France (even though it is a weak grower). General Jacqueminot
(which blooms only once a year) and Paul Neyron.

The Rugosas, Rosa alba, and R. rubra, are usually classed
among the broad-leaved evergreens for landscape effects in this
section, but they are not evergreen. They grow best in a par-
tially shaded situation and do fairly well in the shrubbery border.
But they are never as attractive here as they are in the gardens
of the East.

If space is limited and only a few Roses can be planted, choose
one or two of the Hybrid Teas that are really everblooming, and
plant them in masses or hedge effect. So many amateurs make
the grave mistake of trying to see how many different kinds of
Roses they can have, while the result is far more satisfactory,
both in the garden and for cutting, if many plants of a few varie-
ties are chosen. I remember one hedge of Bridesmaid Roses
which divides two small city lawns in a nearby town. The Roses
of that border are blossoming almost all the time and I am always
so grateful for the good taste which chose them to be all of the
same color and kind. Specialize on quality of bloom, if specialize
you must, and not on number of different kinds, and joy will not
only be your portion but also the portion of your friends, the
passing pubHc.

74 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

As the Rose fields of Turkey and Persia are famed for the
richness and fragrance of their blossoms, so ought the Rose gardens
and fields of the South to be known. There can be found in no
other part of the world a more magnificent wealth of bloom or
more extravagant depth of colors than are to be seen in the Rose
fields of the South. Hundreds of acres of Roses blossoming at
one time in the grounds of the southern nurseries is a sight worth
traveling far to see. Not only do Roses adorn the gardens and
grounds of the rich, but even the humblest cottage will have its
doorway framed in the fragrant masses of the old-fashioned Seven
Sisters, the sweet-scented Lamarque, or the Magnolia Rose of
the South, the creamy white Devoniensis with its rosy center,
while even the hedgerows from North Carolina to Texas are
framed in the rich dark green of the Cherokees. With the clear
petals of snowy white and the massed stamens of pure golden
yellow, sweet as the sweet-briered Eglantine of old England, is it
any wonder that the home of the Cherokee is called the land of
sunshine and Roses ?

From mid-April until June is the time of all the year when one
most enjoys the growing things, for this is the time of Roses in
this section. White and gold, pink and crimson, American
Beauties, La France, the beloved old General Jacqueminot, the
clustering blossoms of the Dorothy Perkins, the clambering sweet
old Teas, all make us glad to be alive, glad to forget that there
are cares and trials to be borne, glad to remember that life is
sweet, that life is beautiful, that life is worth the living, that
there is a Heaven, on earth — ^just inside our garden gates.

MAKING A ROSE GARDEN

CHAPTER VII

MAKING A ROSE GARDEN— TO LIVE IN AND LOVE

CAN one conceive of a more fascinating occupation for January
days than that of planning and planting a Rose garden ?
There are three essentials for successful Rose growing with us,
as elsewhere: good soil, good drainage, plenty of sunshine, prefer-
ably of the morning sun, and if the situation is sheltered without
being shaded, so much the better. Deep digging, artificial drain-
age, if necessary, rich, warm, loamy soil, with some sand, and
always clay for the Hybrid Perpetuals, are the first steps in the
creation of the Rose garden.

More and more garden makers of the South are coming to
realize that the planting of Roses in number sufficient to furnish
blossoms for the house from month to month does not necessarily
make a Rose garden. Far from it. To be a garden worthy of
the name there is another requirement which needs as close con-
sideration as the three that are usually stressed first. The Rose
garden must be a beautiful picture, in season and out of season.
Usually no artist would call that part of the grounds devoted to
Rose growing either beautiful or worthy of his brush and canvas
at any season. This is all wrong. Does not the "Queen of the
Garden" deserve a setting fit for her majestic grace of line and
wondrous beauty of color and tone ?

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

m^M-^^^x

Then, the first requisite of a Rose garden or a Rose border is
a background. It may be an evergreen hedge, an Ivy-covered
wall, a trellis or pergola the lines of which are buried in the leaves
of some evergreen climber. It may be a border of shrubbery
that is planted along the boundaries of a city lot or an estate.
But whatever and wherever it is there must be no question about
its abiding qualities. For the foreground the soft greens of the
evergreen turf of the South forms a most worthy treatment.
The middle distance will be filled with the glowing colors and rich
shades of the Roses themselves. If the walks must be brick or
gravel then the beds of the Roses should have an edging of turf
not less than eight inches wide and inside this edging dwarf Box-
wood, or Violets, or evergreen
Candytuft will make a dark green
ribbon to tie the harmonies of the
Roses to the velvet greens of the
turf. If grass walks are possible
they are the most satisfactory in
every way and the Rose beds
should then have the same edging
of Candytuft or the dwarf Box.

Since Boxwood of all varieties
is almost impossible to secure in
quantity and is prohibitive in
price, for the dwarf evergreen
edging nothing is better than II?eris
sempervirens, the Candytuft. This
little plant begins to bloom as
early as January, and until April
is a continuous delight in its snowy
masses that carpet the ground.
Secure good, strong plants from
the nursery, place them six inches
apart and in a very short while
they will be gladdening your heart
Lady Banksia Roses although riotously as well as your garden with their

luxuriant, are at home only m the i n r

warmer sections lovely flOwer faceS.

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MAKING A ROSE GARDEN

THE POPULAR POLYANTHA OR BABY RAMBLER TYPE

Roses like this white Catherine Zeimet often bloom continuously from April until Christmas

—if you keep the blossoms cut

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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MAKING A ROSE GARDEN 79

Hedera helix, the English Ivy, and Vinca major, the trailing
Myrtle, that everybody in the South calls Periwinkle, if kept
within bounds by regular clipping may also be used to form the
boundary between the walks and beds of the Rose garden or of
the perennials in the formal garden devoted to their growth.

In a formal Rose garden with a bird bath or a sundial as the
central axis in the midst of grass walks and Box-edged beds, as
above outlined, the spaces for the Roses may be filled with the
silvery pinks of the Killarneys, or the exquisite Radiance, the
stately Lady Alice Stanley, or the dainty Bridesmaid, all Roses
of tested value and equally desirable. Caroline Testout is another
bedding Rose of prodigal wealth of blossoms, and beds of these
varieties will give pleasure and satisfaction without end.

For the white Roses that make the high lights in this garden
canvas we will put Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, the silvery White
Maman Cochet, the magnificent Frau Karl Druschki and the
delicately lovely Bride. For the sunlight of the garden, Etoile
de Lyon, Madame Blumenschmidt and Franz Deegen form yel-
low beds of unrivaled color. Blending with these shades of gold
we have the orange lights to be found in Sunburst, the coppery
yellow Francesca Kruger, the Indian yellow Mrs. Aaron Ward,
Madame Ravary, and Lady Hillingdon, so that these varieties
with their tones of yellow, orange and salmon pink carry the
color scale through the warm tones into the deeper pinks of Amer-
ican Beauty and George Arends, and lead us naturally to the
deeper crimson and reds of Ulrich Brunner, J. B. Clark and
Meteor, and that reddest and best of all everblooming red Roses,
Chateau de Clos Vougeot. All of these Roses will not only give
an abundance of bloom in the Spring but most of them bloom
intermittently all Summer and are gorgeous from August until
the late frosts of November and December bring Winter to the
garden.

Framing such a garden of formal beds there should be an
enclosing wall formed of a hedge of Amoor Privet, Ligustriim
amurense, or Arborvitaes. Against this background the more
vigorous planting like the Bourbons, Souvenir de Malmaison,

80 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Hermosa and the Burbank, with the Teas, Duchesse de Brabant,
Devoniensis and others may be made. Here alone will be found
room for the very vigorous growing ruddy Richmond; the Frau
Karl Druschki will be better in this situation than in the beds
and the Paul Neyron will not look so scraggy if placed here.
Winter pruning of the Roses in this situation would keep them
either lower than or on a level with the wall. If space does not
permit the garden of Roses a border or hedge against an Ivy-
covered wall or an evergreen planting of any kind is most artistic
and always beautiful and satisfactory.

BABY RAMBLER ROSES

For a planting that promises the minimum of work and the
maximum of results, both for cut flowers in the house and for
blossoms in the borders, there is nothing that will equal the many
kinds of Baby Rambler Roses. Many people confuse' these with
the Wichuraiana hybrids and the Rambler Roses, and pass them
by in the catalogues without reading about them. The Rambler
Roses in the South are most prone to mildew and are avoided for
that reason.

The Baby Ramblers are the cleanest, sweetest, and loveliest
Roses ever planted. They give nine solid months of bloom.
Last year in March I planted 250 of these Roses in a border two
feet wide to separate a grass walk from a center lawn, and there
was not a single day from mid-April to Christmas that those little
bushes were not masses of the soft pink clusters of Baby Dorothy
Perkins Roses. The catalogue name is Annie Muller.

Catherine Zeimet is the white of this Rose. Louise Walter
is the softest of flesh pinks, with a cup-like individual bloom, and
the outer edge of the petals Hned with a deeper touch of pink.
The fullclusters look like the branches of Baby Roses that we put
on the hats of the tiny little girls. They are also clean and fra-
grant and absolutely everblooming.

Of the reds, Erna Teschendorf? is the reddest, while Madame
de Norbert Levavasseur is the color of the Crimson Rambler.
All of them are good. The California Rose, Cecile Brunner, is

MAKING A ROSE GARDEN 81

not only a favorite but especially deserves its popularity. It is
the perfection of Rose form, a Killarney in miniature, of a creamy
color with deeper saffron tones in the heart, and its clusters of
blossoms are not only deliciously fragrant but continuously
present. Marie Pavie is like this in white with pink center.

George Elger is a Polyantha like the Cecile Brunner, but gives
the yellow note in these plantings. This is truly an everblooming
Rose. The clusters of buds are pure saffron yellow, exquisite
in color and form, they open very quickly on the bushes and are
almost white when in full bloom. This is a very desirable plant-
ing. These dainty little Roses are also useful for the large beds
of the informal gardens. For the Rose borders or the beds in
the formal plantings. Winter carpets of Pansies and Violas are
charming and the Roses seem to bloom more freely for having
had their company.

The hardiness of the Tea and Noisette Roses in the South
enables us to plant these vigorous and rampant climbers on trel-
lises, tea-houses, arbors and pergolas and revel in their boun-
teous beauty and fragrance from year to year and almost from
month to month. Long walks over which are arbors wreathed
in the climbing forms of Devoniensis, Malmaison (which are
nearly evergreen), Lamarque, Reve d'Or, Marechal Niel and
Cloth of Gold, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria and Reine Marie Hen-
riette are scenes of unexampled loveliness from month to month.
All of these are vigorous and hardy climbers and make wonderful
Summer screens for the second-story sleeping porches as well as
for the lower plantings.

For small arches and porch pillars it is better to plant the less
vigorous varieties Hke the Ramblers and Wichuraiana hybrids.
Of the latter the Lady Gay and Dorothy Perkins are the best
known pink, while for yellow tones there is Gardenia, for the
white, Alberic Barbier, and for the deeper color, Ferdinand Rous-
sel, which is wine-red. The single-flowered Jersey Beauty and
the red Hiawatha, with its white center, are also very attractive.
These Roses may be trained to the desired height and then the
branches, if allowed to droop, will form graceful festoons of lovely
blossoms at the annual Springtime harvest. These hybrids are

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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A rough stone wall and deeply recessed stairway draped with Silver Moon Roses makes
one of the loveliest bits of Mr. Peter Bisset's garden in Washington, D. C.

almost evergreen and very free from insect pests and for this
reason perhaps are more popular in the South than the Ramblers,
all of which are well known but not so vigorous here as elsewhere.

For evergreen screens, for covering walls and terraces or
wherever an evergreen effect is needed, the old wild Cherokee
Rose of the South, Rosa laevigata, is recommended. The newer
pink Cherokee is also very lovely and both of these, while rampant
growers, may be kept in bounds by pruning. The Banksia Roses
in snowy white and primrose yellow, with thornless stems and
delicate green leaves, are not nearly so well known as they deserve
to be. Annually the violet-scented clusters of blossoms cover
the long, graceful drooping stems to the very tip.

I saw recently a white Banksia which covered the entire south
wall of a house from the ground to the roof and had begun to
clamber over the eaves which extended over the second story.
In April this Rose vine is a solid wall of snowy lovehness and
even in Midwinter it is charming in its deep green dress. These
Roses are not quite so hardy as the Cherokee, but are well worth
while for all the lower Southern and Gulf Coast States.

MAKING A ROSE GARDEN

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

MARCH ACTIVITIES 85

CHAPTER VIII

MARCH ACTIVITIES— THE BEGINNING OF THE SUMMER

GARDEN

THE women of other sections of our United States may cover
their gardens with wrappings of brown leaves and let them
sleep all the long Winter through tucked away under warm blankets
of soft, white snow, but not so may southern women rest from their
labors. Their gardens must be kept in blossom all the year.
The Violets and Tea Olives come with Christmas; January brings
the Narcissus and Snowdrops; February wakes the Hyacinths,
the multi-colored Japonicas and the pearly Camellias, and, by
the time the March winds blow, the garden is in its early Spring
attire.

March is preeminently garden-waking and garden-making
time in the South. A month later is the rule for other sections.
The regular March work means the starting of the Summer garden.
The seed of Salvias, Verbenas and Antirrhinums must be planted
in boxes and also the vegetables. Tomatoes and Peppers. In
sunny situations, where they are to bloom, are placed the seed
of dwarf Nasturtiums, Morning Glories, dwarf Helianthus, Ager-
atum. Sweet Alyssum, annual Delphiniums, and Marvel of Peru.

Of the Salvias, Ball of Fire and Bonfire are most reliable and
satisfactory, both as to quality of bloom and length of time of
flowering. The Salvias can be depended on in any situation,
whether sun or shade, provided the soil is rich and mellow. The
seed is rather hard to germinate, and needs especial care in plant-
ing and in seeing that it does not dry out after germinating.

The Giant Antirrhinums and Mammoth Verbenas in white,
pink and red, should be planted in the seed boxes or beds and
transplanted later into permanent positions in the borders. They

86 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

germinate easily, grow only in sunny positions, but give most
beautiful effects. For length of time of flowering, for cut flowers
and for fragrance, nothing is finer than the Antirrhinums. The
first stem that comes up is apt to be very tender; this should be
pinched off, and the plant then becomes strong and stocky and
the flower stalks come up by dozens. The colors are soft and
velvety and the blooming time is for several months in the Sum-
mer, then a rest period, and then again a season of bloom that
lasts from February to July and August. All from one planting.
The Verbenas do not stop blooming for more than a month or
two in the early Winter. A mass of scarlet Verbenas in the shrub-
bery borders in Winter is a most charming picture. Both of these
plantings may be considered and treated as perennials in the
South.

One March I planted two packages of Dahlia seed. Twentieth
Century or Orchid-flowered and Double Cactus, and no planting
that I have ever made gave me such returns in brilliance and
beauty as did those seeds. They were planted in boxes and
transplanted when strong enough to the background of the borders.
There must have been at least one hundred plants. They were
cut back and treated exactly as were those which were already
rooted, and when the Fall months came on, from early September
until late frost in November, the garden was ablaze with their
beauty.

Zinnias, as we know them now, deserve a place in every garden.
They should be planted in the open at this time. Use Dwarf
Large-flowering for masses of color on the edges of the borders
and the Giant varieties for the backgrounds. The mixed colors
should never be bought. If the white and salmon-pink are
planted near together the result is good. The scarlet varieties
are wonderfully bright and most effective if planted with the
white Petunias or Phlox and with the Salvias. The crimson
varieties are to be avoided, for they do not come true to color,
and then the magenta tones are projected into the color scheme
to the dismay of the artistic gardener.

Asters make stronger plants when the seed is sown in the
sunny borders where they are to bloom, although they grow fairly

MARCH ACTIVITIES

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

MARCH ACTIVITIES 89

well in partial shade. If the early-branching and the late-branch-
ing kinds are used, a succession of many weeks of flowers may be
secured. My preference is for the white, pink and pale lavender
of the above varieties, and nothing that grows in my garden gives
more beauty and satisfaction.

Cannas in the South do not have to be taken up in the Fall,
and they multiply so rapidly that care must be exercised in placing
them lest they overrun their more delicate and less obtrusive
garden neighbors. Naturalized in the lawn, against fences,
planted in clumps in chimney corners, or where a temporary
screen is needed, they make a rich and beautiful background.
Careful attention must be given to color, however; for, while
hedges of either yellow or orange or red varieties are good, those
of the mixed colors are an abomination. For a screen, the tall
kinds are best, while, for a low hedge or clumps in the perennial
borders, the shorter kinds are to be preferred. There are Mme.
Alfred Conard in delicate tones of pink, the white and cream and
primrose Eureka, the very rich shades of red King Humbert and
Meteor in the dwarf varieties, and President as the best scarlet.
Masses of these in the borders are very effective.

Perennials that have become crowded and need to be separated
should be cared for now. Veronicas, Physostegias, perennial
Phlox, Gaillardias, and all the Summer bulbs and roots should be
put in. The Summer-blooming shrubs and the lawn should have
a Spring treatment of fertilizer. Be generous with the manure
and the bonemeal and rich blossoming will repay you.

If untoward conditions have prevented the making of a lawn,
begin it at once. Have the soil deeply spaded, thoroughly en-
riched, plant the most carefully selected evergreen lawn grass seed,
and in the Fall it will be necessary only to reseed in order for you
to have from March to March a turf that is green and rich and
beautiful.

If there is any time left over after the busy day's work is done,
after the seeds are all carefully packed away, the roots and bulbs
planted where they should be, the blue skies, the robins that nest
in the tree tops, and the wonderful beauty of the waking world
will gladden your eyes and rejoice your heart, for March is the

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

MARCH ACTIVITIES

The wild Rosa setigera, unlike the Cherokee, has deciduous foUage; it gives similar results
in the higher latitudes where the Cherokee will not grow

resurrection month in the land of Cypress, Corn and Cotton,
below Mason and Dixon's line. My garden book shows that for
three succeeding years, March winds have brought to me the
spicy sweetness of the Hyacinths, have opened the golden bells
of the Daffodils, and the rich cups of the Iris and Tulips. March
comes in laden with the breath of Violets and goes out shaking
the snowy petals of the Spiraeas, lighting the flaming torches of
the fiery Cydonias, and scattering sunshine under the long stems
of the fragrant yellow Jasmines and dainty Banksia Roses.

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

APRIL LEAVES 93

CHAPTER IX

APRIL LEAVES— FROM MY GARDEN BOOK

EVERY man or woman who makes a garden should keep a
garden calendar or book. Mine is a small blankbook about
seven by five inches — small enough to slip easily into my hand-
bag, and thus enable me to make my entries either at home or
abroad. The records are written across each double page, which
represents the record of a week in garden operations. It is really
a logbook of my journey on the road to garden success, and,
because the journeying was so rough at first, and mistakes were
so frequent, the first entry on each page is one of encouragement
— that of the blossoms, then the buds, the planting operations,
and, lastly, notes or remarks.

When entries of planting are made, whether of seeds, or peren-
nials, or shrubs, the situation is also noted, and, as all the original
entries are written with ink, a later entry in pencil is made if it
is necessary to note that the work is a failure. At first there
were many "n. g.'s."

The book is a complete record of what is planted, when it is
done, where it is placed, how it grows, and what the ultimate
result is. Experiments are noted with especial care. Perhaps
it would seem an arduous task; but, systematized in this way,
it really has taken only a few minutes each week, and has been
worth much to me. I copy the April leaves of last year that the
reader may see how simple and yet how valuable a record it is.
The pencil notations are put in parentheses:

April 1 to 8

Blooming. Tulips, very fine; Hyacinths; Crocuses; Daffodils;
Violets; Pansies, very few; Devoniensis Rose; Banksia Roses, east
border (shade).

94 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Azalea indica, white and pink. Beautiful. Northern ex-
posure, full shade, early morning sun only.

Budding. All Roses, all shrubs.

Planted. Seed o^ Phlox Brummondii., west border front garden,
shade. (N. g. on account of lack of sunlight.)

Nasturtiums on west side of driveway, full sun, (good).

Grass seed in back lawn, (fine).

April 8 to 15

Blossoms. Same as last week.

Germinated. Asters and Zinnias in borders; Petunias in box.

Remarks. Radishes for the table daily.

Hyacinth and Daffodil bulbs removed from porch boxes and
Summer Ferns planted in same. House plants. Ferns, Palms
and Pines repotted.

April 15 to 22

Blossoms. Azalea indica. Grand. Philadelphus coronarius
or Syringa, east border, shade. Very fine.

Kerria japonica, Japanese Globe Flower, west border, (shade).

Solfaterre Rose, climbing, on west side of front porch, (full
sun).

Pansies and Tulips in all borders.

Devoniensis Rose, climbing; red Roses, pink Roses in Rose
garden, (full sun).

Germinated. All seed in boxes and borders.

Remarks. Radishes and Lettuce for the table daily. Very
fine.

April 22 to 30

Blossoms. Pansies everywhere. Roses in full bloom in Rose
garden; glorious. Syringa beautiful.

Transplanted. Tomatoes and Peppers into full sun of veg-
etable garden.

Thinned out Asters, Zinnias, and Helianthus.

Perennial Phlox, all white, into east and west borders front
garden. Sun and shade. (Results excellent in both situations.)

APRIL LEAVES 95

Remarks. Planted hedge of Hollyhocks between front and
back gardens. Full sun. (Although planted several weeks late
they were very beautiful.)

Lettuce and Radishes for the table.

As last year was the first time I attempted to raise Pansies
from seed, I made careful entries of my operations, and, tabulating
these, I find the life history of my beautiful blossoms as follows:

September 15

Planted. Giant Trimardeau Pansy seed of the following
varieties; Adonis, hght blue; Emperor William, deep blue; Fire
King, mahogany and gold; Golden Gem, rich yellow; King of
the Blacks; Lord Beaconsfield, blue-violet; Snow Queen, white
with yellow eye; Striped, white with purple eyes; Yellow, with
dark center.

The seeds were planted in a shallow box, in well-prepared soil,
the different varieties in separate rows, and kept carefully mois-
tened and covered with glass until germination had taken place.

October 15
Pansies up. Four leaves.

January 10

Pansies transplanted into sunny borders. (January 11 to
15, heaviest snowfall in the history of our city. Pansies unpro-
tected.)

April 1 to 8

Pansies slowly coming into bloom.

April 15 to June 15

The same entry was made, "Pansies everywhere," for eight
consecutive weeks. (They were picked daily by the hundreds
and this lengthened the time of bloom.)

96 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

June 21

Pansies over. Plants thrown out.

They were planted in the borders next to the Violets, which
separate the flowers from the lawn, and the colors were so massed
that when they came into bloom the varieties were distinct.
The effect was very striking and beautiful.

For December and Winter bloom it is necessary to germinate
and carry the seedlings under cover, on account of the heat at
the time of planting. For this reason it is easier and more satis-
factory to secure the earlier plantings from the nurserymen.

From the record it will be seen that I have in my garden book
a complete garden guide, and am enabled by its help to repeat
my successes and to avoid my mistakes. I could easily multiply
instances that would serve to show how this little calendar of my
weekly garden progress has helped me to gain garden joy. Not
the least of its pleasant features is that it makes of the garden a
permanent possession; for is not memory possession ? It is
easy to recall the beauty and sweetness of the flowers as I turn
over its almost fragrant leaves. As I read on the April pages,
"Pansies everywhere," my memory gives me a glowing picture
of their bright faces and rich colors in the borders and in the
bowls and vases, which brought joy not only to me, but to many,
many of my friends. I can see the rhythmic beauty of my Pansy
color scale, with its snowy masses of white melting into the deli-
cate blues, which again darkened into the deeper tones. I
remember the golden glories of the yellow blending with the rich
harmonies of the mauves, turning again into violets and reds and
blacks and, whether in the garden or in the rooms, always and
everywhere fragrant and beautiful. Ten weeks of such won-
derful harmony are enough garden joy to balance the mistakes
and failures of a year.

"Shirley Poppies" reminds me that never were any flowers
more enjoyed by a whole town than those grown from one-half
ounce of seed in the 250 feet of border of the Sumter (S. C.)
Memorial Park. They were cut daily by hundreds. Little
children, old men, pretty girls, sturdy boys, charming women.

APRIL LEAVES

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

WHEN THE SHIRLEY POPPIES BLOOM
It is April in my garden, and in my heart

APRIL LEAVES 99

and Negro workmen came to the Memorial Park for Popples.
No one was turned away empty handed.

The flowers went to the schools, they brightened countless
homes, they graced receptions, they were placed on the altars of
the churches, they softened the harshness of new-made graves,
and they gave pleasure to numberless visitors.

The soil in the park is a very light sandy loam with a clay
subsoil about three feet underneath. The sand is so porous that
no water is held in it. In the Spring of 1920, shrubbery beds were
prepared by digging down to this clay subsoil and removing much
of the top sand. Then a layer of stable manure, mostly fresh
because that was all that was available, was placed in the trench
and the sandy topsoil was replaced. This made as nearly ideal a
shrubbery foundation as was possible under the circumstances.

In November the only preparation for the Poppy seed was to
clear away all grass and weeds and rake the ground smooth.
This was done in the foreground of an evergreen shrubbery border
and the seed of mixed Shirley Poppies sown broadcast on November
15th, the bed being about three feet wide.

The plants were then left absolutely alone all Winter; they
were not even weeded or thinned out. Other work on the street
trees kept the men busy and it was not until the first week of April
that they came back. Then the Poppy buds were beginning to
open. Weeds were pulled out of the border but no thinning was
done. On April 9th a lawn party was given in the park in order
that the women might see and enjoy the Poppies.

Many boxes of buds were sent to xAugusta with no other
preparation for shipment than wrapping in waxed paper imme-
diately after cutting. One friend wrote, "When the box of Poppy
buds came on Sunday, they were a mystery. On Monday, the
opening calyxes and unfolding petals were an ecstasy. On Tues-
day they are the glory of the whole house. I thank you for
remembering me in so colorful a way." One box sent on Monday
furnished decorations for a party on Friday and were the wonder
and admiration of all the guests.

On June 3rd the plants were pulled up and thrown out, having
provided eight consecutive weeks of beauty. They were all of

100

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

PANSIES AND SPANISH IRIS
And Roses coming into bloom combine to make April gay in all southern gardens that

deserve the name

such dainty, exquisite coloring and the texture was so fine that
they were Hke butterflies or fairy flowers in the garden as well
as in the rooms.

"Lettuce fine," calls to my mind the long lines of delicate
green that formed such a beautiful background for my Pansies
and such a delicious foreground for the luncheon table.

"Roses glorious," serves to emphasize the fact that Roses are
always wonderful and that April is essentially the month of Roses
in the South, as June is in the North and East. Then it is that
they blossom out in their full Spring fragrance and loveliness.
White or yellow, crimson or scarlet, clearest and most dainty of
pinks, or deepest and richest of reds, climbing to the tops of the
tallest tree or trellises, or blooming a foot or two above the ground,
wherever and whenever found, the Rose is the queen of the garden
beauties and best of our garden friends.

MAY WORK 101

CHAPTER X

MAY WORK— FOR FALL GLORY

THE refreshing showers of April and the bahny skies of May
bring forth such a riot of blossoms in gardens, fields and
woods that amateur gardeners are apt to feel content to rest on
their laurels. With Lilacs, and Spiraeas, and Deutzias lighting
up the shrubbery border, with bulbs gloriously beautiful in blos-
som throughout the cooler sections, while in the gardens of the
South the tall white Oleanders are masses of starry flowers, with
Crimson Rambler Roses vying with the Star Jasmine to see which
can be most beautiful, with bright-faced Pansies by the hun-
dreds in the borders, with Nasturtiums rich and glowing in their
places, with Sweet Peas delicately beaudful as Orchids in the
rows, with hedges of Hollyhocks, stately and tall, lending their
dignity of color and line to the garden picture, it is hard to realize
that eternal vigilance is the price of a garden, and that May must
be a busy month if Summer flowers and vegetables are desired.

The Violets must be looked after, first of all. No matter how
luxuriantly they are growing, after the season of bloom is over,
every plant must be taken up, the leaves cut off and the roots
planted in permanent positions about three inches apart. This
is the only way to grow them successfully. If not separated
annually they multiply so rapidly that deterioration takes place
very quickly. Many do not think it necessary to cut the leaves
when transplanting, and the result is unsightly withered or dead
leaves on every plant, marring the appearance of the whole garden.
Planted with the leaves cut, not too closely, the strength of the
plant goes to form new roots, and when the leaves begin to unfold
they are fresh and green, and stay so. It is a great deal of trouble
to take up the Violets every year, separate the roots, and replant,

102 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

but what do we have in life that is worth having, without working
to gain it ?

My Violets are planted on the edge of the flower borders,
separating them from the lawn. I also use them to divide the
lawn from the driveway and to edge my porch boxes. They
make a satisfactory evergreen border edging. Blooming from
October to April, at first not very freely, coming into full beauty
in December and blossoming by thousands from then until late
March, I know of no flowers that so well repay a minimum amount
of thought and care. If it is very cold the leaves may become
yellow, but the brave little plants seem to flower more freely for
the touch of Winter. To gardeners who can plant little and
give that little indifferent care, I should say plant a grass plot
and edge it with Violets.

Chrysanthemums also must be looked after in May. They,
like the Violets, do equally well in sun or shade, and well repay
all care. They should be carefully separated, kept well watered
and shaded until rooted in the new positions, and then left alone
until August. By buying a dozen good plants to start with, and
adding a few each year, these will so increase that the garden will
be well supplied with this bravest and best of Autumn flowers.

A dozen White Bonnaffon, a like number of Alice Byron, six
each of Major Bonnaffon, and six of Yellow October Frost, with
twelve Dr. Enguehard, made my May contribution to last
Autumn's blooms. They were a gorgeous gift to the family and
to the passersby. They bloomed from October until late frost,
which did not come until nearly December. In the Spring each
of these plants was the center of a clump which was separated to
secure strong, stocky plants for Fall bloom this year. There were
not less than four in the smallest clumps and as many as ten in
others.

Do not mix the colors of the Chrysanthemum plantings.
Grouping the colors separately gives much finer effects. A long
border, closely planted, of golden yellow against the gray-green
of the foliage, masses of white intermingled with the shrubbery,
glowing crimsons, dainty pinks in beds and borders, deep rich

MAY WORK

103

YUCCA FILAMENTOSA IS WONDERFUL IN MAY
It is the only member of its family free from dangerously pointed leaves. Otherwise it is

typical of the genus

104

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

MAY WORK 105

maroons, and orange tones as deep as flames, make of the Fall
gardens pictures of unsurpassed loveliness.

A plantation of deep rose-pink single hardy Chrysanthemums,
on each side of the entrance steps of a gray stone State House,
planted against a background of dark evergreen shrubbery,
seems, as I recall it, as if a part of the sunset sky had fallen to
the lawn, so vivid and beautiful was the efl^ect. The hand of
the Master Artist splashes the colors from His palette in broad
masses and sweeps of rhythmic harmony of tone. We cannot
follow a better example, and no flower gives better results from
such plantings than the hardy Chrysanthemums.

If your garden scheme requires the planting of narrow borders,
by using Dahlias with their brilliant colors in the background,
and cutting and pinching the Chrysanthemums to form masses
of color on a lower level, borders of rare beauty can be secured.
May is the last month in which the Summer-flowering perennials
may be put out. Rudbeckias, or Golden Glow, if planted early
in May, need only to be thinned out annually to keep them from
covering the earth. They are desirable because they give a
wealth of gay blossoms in Midsummer, when flowers are scarce.
They make a gorgeous yellow background for the white perennial
Phlox. Growing tall and having rather scraggy stems, they
should always be placed at the back of the sunny border, for
they will not grow in the shade.

Another Fall flower which is excellent for backgrounds is the
Cosmos. It grows in poor soil, even where there is much sand,
is hardy and late to bloom, but must have the sun. Sow seed
where the plants are to flower. I remember well how beautiful were
the dooryards of a certain mill village last Fall with masses of
Cosmos planted against the wire poultry netting that fenced in
most of the plots. The ugly landscape was really glorified by
the dainty foliage and bright blossoms of these plants. I had
not thought them worthy of a place in my Fall garden, but am
including them hereafter. The new Klondyke Cosmos, with
dark green foliage and masses of tawny orange flowers, adds a
brilliant color note to the Fall garden and, if the season is mild

106 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

blossoms until December. It Is fine in the garden and gorgeous
in the living-room of the dwelling.

Annuals, such as Asters, Zinnias and Salvias, must be placed
in their permanent positions this month. The more carefully
the colors are grouped the more satisfactory and attractive the
garden composition will be. Scarlet Zinnias planted back of
the Violets, always with rich green foliage, against a background
of white Phlox, or white Asters against scarlet Salvias, make
charming combinations.

Salvia, used sparingly, with groups of shrubbery to break
the color line, is beautiful and satisfactory. With the soft greens
of the lawn in front, the dark evergreen shrubbery in the back-
ground, with only white flowers against its vivid masses of glowing
red, the picture is all that could be desired. When planted along
the lines of the house or framing the porch, in the porch boxes,
massed against dark green of the English or Algerian Ivy that
is so often used to cover the foundation stones of buildings or
walls, the efl^ect is charming — the trouble is that it is used in this
way by so many. But Salvia and Cannas are our most abused
plants. How often we see beds, cut round or square, or star-
shape, or even in a Maltese cross, filled with these two plants in
the midst of a beautiful stretch of lawn ? No matter how beauti-
ful the blossoms of this or any other flowers are individually, it
is never good taste to use them in this way. They attract atten-
tion surely, but do they not make a high light that is too strong
for the rest of the garden picture ? Keep to the borders and not
only will the effects be more pleasing, but you can also have the
satisfaction of knowing that it is more artistic and according to
all the canons of good taste in planting. The composition of
the garden should be as carefully thought out as the composition of
any artist's canvas, with true regard for light and shadow, color
and line, background and foreground, and while there must be
high lights as well as deep tones, the whole must be at the final
judging a picture that never jars.

MAY WORK

107

108

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

DAISIES ARE BEAUTIFUL. WHETHER WILD OR TAME
They are common in fields all over the South, but the cultivated Shasta Daisy is particularly
good in the perennial border

TAKING STOCK OF THE GARDEN 109

CHAPTER XI

TAKING STOCK OF THE GARDEN— UNDER JUNE'S SUNNY

SKIES

THE other day I asked one of my garden-making friends what
she did in her garden in June, and, being somewhat of an
epicure, after thinking hard for a minute or two, her answer was:
"Why, I just eat figs." Writing this in the shade of my own
Fig tree, where the shadows from the thick, green leaves fall
soft and cool and, remembering the delicious sweetness and
delicate flavor of the figs that grow in our southern gardens, I
think I should like to follow her example. But this is too often
what we do: Sit with folded hands and enjoy the fragrance and
beauty of the Spring shrubs and flowers and fruits and watch
them quietly fade away, and then wonder why there are no blos-
soms later in the Summer. It is largely upon the June work
that the blossoming glory of the Midsummer garden depends.

June should be the stock-taking month. There is no time
for rest or hesitation now. The first thing to be done is to get
through with the clearing of the borders. Bulbs of Narcissus,
Snowdrops, Roman Hyacinths, Daffodils and Jonquils seem to
grow and multiply better if left in the borders where they have
been placed. Tulips, Crocuses, the double Hyacinths, and all
the finer bulbs must be left in the ground until fully matured,
which is indicated by the decay of the leaves, and as soon as these
have turned yellow and fallen off the bulbs must be taken up
and stored in a dry place until it is time to replant them in the
Fall.

After the crop of flowers is over, the deciduous shrubs should
be cut back, in order that the new wood, on which the blossoms

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

JUNE OPENS THE TRUSSES OF THE PERENNIAL PHLOX
This flower is well called the Queen of the southern Summer garden

of the next year will come, may put forth in abundance. The
symmetry of the specimens may also be improved by the use of
the clippers at this time — but be careful not to cut too much.
The Cydonias, Deutzias, Philadelphius, Jasminums, Spiraeas,
Viburnums, Syringas, Punicas, Forsythias, Weigelas and Hy-
drangeas and the Spring blossoming vines, like the Wistarias
and Jasmines, should all receive careful attention. None of them
should be touched until the blooming season is over. For most
of these June is the right month, but some of the later-blooming
ones had better be left until July. The broad-leaved evergreens
I never prune at all, except to take off the dead branches after
a trying Winter, and possibly to remove some of the lower shoots
for the sake of neatness.

By the end of June the Sweet Peas will be over and the trel-
lises must be removed and carefully put away until another year
rolls around. The long lines left vacant, when the Pansies are
thrown out, the places where the Poppies glorified the border
and where the Sweet Peas blossomed for so many weeks, are

TAKING STOCK OF THE GARDEN

111

filled with Verbenas, Snapdragons, Mignonette, Zinnias, Asters,
Ageratum, and Salvias. June is very late to do this transplant-
ing, but if It is done in the late afternoon after a rain and the
plants are trimmed before planting and shaded during the noon
hours for a day or two, the chances are that most of them will
thrive. This is the time when the thinning-out process serves
the gardener in good stead. There are sure to be parts of the
borders where the plants are as thick as peas and other places
where the seed has forgotten to germinate. All these spots
should be evened out. Now Is the accepted time.

Because the garden is a blaze of glory with Helianthus, Sweet
Williams, Zinnias, Hollyhocks, Petunias, Nasturtiums, and all
the other blossoms in full beauty, is all the more reason why you
should plan to keep It so, and not only planning, but everlastingly
keeping at it. Is necessary to accomplish this. If the bare spots

331

'im,-^'

A MOST EFFECTIVE SUMMER-FLOWERING HEDGE
Is Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. Its snowy blossoms last for many weeks

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

TAKING STOCK OF THE GARDEN 113

are filled in, the crowded places thinned out, the colors changed
or arranged so that they do not clash, a garden of Midsummer
loveliness will be the reward.

Except in the old southern gardens where the Oleanders
(Neriums), the Pomegranate blossoms (Punicas), and the Sum-
mer Lilies make Summer gay, the usual rule is that after the June
blossoms are over, there is no more bloom until Fall, except the
masses of the Hydrangeas, the Cannas, or sporadic perennials.
This is all wrong, and June stock taking will remedy this fault.
The wonderful beauty of the Spring blossoms should not cause
us to forget that judicious planning and planting will make our
southern gardens beautiful for twelve months every year.

The numerous annuals, if kept well cut, will give bloom until
frost. If the perennial Phlox is planted in mass and in abundance
the garden will be fragrant and beautiful through all the trying
heat of the Summer days. If the Asters, Zinnias, Salvias and
Coleus are planted in proper proportion, the borders will be rich
and colorful from June until Autumn is over. Now, now is the
time to fill up the barren spots. I cannot reiterate this too often.

A June inheritance of my garden, that has given pleasure and
beauty for a half century, is Hydrangea grandiflora^ which, with
its masses of blue and pink loveliness, has framed the lines of our
front porch for all these years. For immediate effect, for terrace
and porch decorations or for masses anywhere, this and the
Neriums may be purchased in tubs and used during the Summer
and placed in permanent positions in the Fall. H. g. monstrosa^
H. g. Otaksa^ and other pink varieties of Hydrangea grandiflora
are more attractive to me than the white kinds. The use of
small lumps of alum around the roots of the pink varieties will
cause them to show heads of clear, beautiful blue blossoms. Salts
of iron changes the blue to pink. A little pruning, after the
Winter is over, to get rid of the dead branches, much fertilizer in
the Spring and Fall, and sunshine and rain will do the rest. They
prefer a well-drained, partially shaded situation and do well in a
northern exposure.

The glory of my June garden is a stately white Oleander or
Nerium, which has been a joy for many months each year, for

114 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

at least one hundred years. It was planted by my great-grand-
mother and its fragrant clusters of starry white blossoms are as
invariably a part of our garden picture as the Summer itself.
Annually I thank the dear old lady, whom I never saw, for this,
my heritage.

For many years it was absolutely neglected, but bravely and
proudly it held up its head, and now repays the extra feeding of
manure in the Fall and fertilizer in the Spring, by a prodigal
munificence of bloom. It must be seen to be appreciated. At
least fifteen feet tall and with a spread of eighteen feet in its
branches, with every stem topped by one or a dozen clusters of
white blossoms, with the sharp lanceolate leaves of every shade
of green, with the black branches strongly outlined against the
soft greens of the lawn in the foreground, it is a June poem. Some-
times it is a January poem, with the snow wreaths from the skies
enfolding its evergreen loveliness.

All of the plants of this species grow in luxuriance and are
perfectly hardy in this latitude. From the coast of South Car-
olina to the borders of the Gulf in Texas they are to be found in
every garden of the olden days, and the greater the age, the greater
the beauty with which they bless the world. No southern garden
of this later day should be without them. They grow slowly at
first, but are well worth while at any age. In both light and dark
pinks, in single and double, they are very desirable additions to
our garden and the northern greenhouse plants. I find the single
white hardier than the pink varieties, and more satisfactory both
in point of growth and abundance of flower. Beginning to bloom
in May, in full glory in June and July, they lift their snowy masses
skyward, dimly beautiful in the starlight, radiant in the moon-
light, and glorious in the sunlight, until the chill of October brings
the message that Autumn has come and Winter is not far away.

JULY PLANNING

115

CHAPTER XII

JULY PLANNING— FOR PERMANENT EFFECTS

JULY is the best month in the year for the studying of garden
effects. It is the time of all times to note what has been
done; to realize what can be done and to plan for what shall be
done. If the garden is bare of shrubs that bloom in Midsummer
make notes now of those that can be put in after frost, that will
add their July quota to the glory of the garden picture in after
years.

In the fierce heat of Midsummer days how refreshing it is to
note the cool depths of shade under the Laurels, to glimpse the
beautiful clusters of white and pink blossoms of Neriums and

GOOD FOUNDATION PLANTINGS -WHILE THEY LAST
These annual Vincas and Cannas look good now, but they leave the ground bare from Fall

until late Spring

116

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

JULY PLANNING 117

Lagerstroemias that grow in so many southern gardens and
deserve to be grown in all. Another evergreen shrub that con-
tributes fragrant white blossoms to the calendar for July and
August and on into September is the Gardenia — Gardenia jas-
minoides florida and G. jasminoides Foriunei — the latter with fewer
blossoms of finer size and more double than the former but both
very satisfactory. The Gardenias and Neriums with Abelia
grandiflora^ that charming shrub of lower growth and smaller
flowers than the other two, but equally desirable for all other
reasons, make a trilogy of sweetness and evergreen loveliness
that no garden should be without.

Next in order of consideration will be the Lagerstroemias,
L. indica alba^ L. i. rosea^ and L. i. rubra^ which are nearly ever-
green and wonderfully beautiful. Whether small shrubs or
almost trees they are always effective. A hedge of the white is
particularly fine, the panicles being as useful for cutting as the
shrubs are for landscape effects. The Althaea Jrutex^ if the new
and clear-colored varieties are chosen, gives charming results as
a flowering hedge or when planted in mass in the shrubbery border
or where a Summer screen is needed. The old purplish-pink
kinds are never good. Not often enough do we see the broad
Oak-leaved Hydrangea quercijolia^ with its immense panicles of
creamy white blossoms. They are very hardy and easy to grow,
asking only a partially shaded and damp situation; also they
lighten up the dark corners where nothing else will thrive.

For a Summer blooming hedge in a shaded situation Hydrangea
paniculata grandiflora can be used with fine results. Close Winter
pruning is necessary for the finest flowers.

The golden St. John's Wort, Hypericum Moserianum^ is prac-
tically an evergreen shrub of low growth and seems to thriv^e
equally well in sun and shade. With its bright yellow flowers
and delicate green leaves it can be counted on for sunshiny effects
from season to season.

While you are planning do not fail to enter in your notebook
those two delightfully fragrant perennials that are truly ever-
green shrubs in this section, Rosmarinus officinalis and Lavandula

118 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

vera. They should be found in all our gardens as they were in
those of our grandmothers.

The joy of my heart in the July days is a blue and white and
gold border that stretches for sixty feet along the driveway and
frames the lines of our house in masses of glorious color. The
background of Rudbeckia (Golden Glow) that rises sheer five feet
is not yet in bloom, but the nodding heads and saucy faces of the
dwarf Helianthus in all the shades of yellow furnish the depth of
tone desired. Against these colonies of rich green and deeper
yellows, here and there, are masses of white Petunias, fragrant
and beautiful.

African Marigolds make brilliant spots of color amidst the
heavy clusters of snow-white perennial Phlox. Dwarf Zinnias,
in yellow and white, and giant Zinnias, in yellow, orange and
canary, finish out the warm side of the scale. Masses of feathery
white Ageratum, a long border of dainty white Alyssum, nodding
spikes of a colony of blue Larkspurs, blue Cornflowers, azure as
the sky, and perennial Salvia, deep as the blue of the deepest
seas, and in front of the whole long row an edging of rich dark
green Violet leaves, is the planting.

When August comes, the Rudbeckia will add its glory and
give sixty feet of golden glow. September brings the blue and
white Asters in all their dainty perfection, and October adds the
gracious Chrysanthemums in yellow and white alone. For four
months, at least, this planting will be worth while, needing only
to have the dead branches of the Helianthus removed and the
flowers cut promptly to insure a wealth of bloom continuously.

For the Winter bloom there are the Russian Violets from
December to May. The Narcissi and Roman Hyacinths come
in January and February, while Snowdrops, Daff"odils and Jonquils
carry the color scale over into March. Then come the blue and
white Hyacinths, the Irises, in white, and yellow, and kingly blues,
with snowy Candytuft, and Alyssum saxatile for the touch of
gold in the Springtime bloom.

If this border in my garden were situated so that it would
receive the morning sun I would add the white, and yellow, and
blue of the Pansies, and mingle with them those loveliest of new

JULY PLANNING

119

^^^

^^Hjl^^^^Kii;^!^''-

' 0,^^^^

THE WILD CACTUS (OPUNTIA) OF MEADOWS AND WOODLOTS
In the garden, too, its yellow blooms are attractive in July. It strikes a tropical note in

any scene

120

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

JULY PLANNING

121

n#- - : ■ m. .*.■»* TJiFi HWl

NERIUMS SHOULD BE IN BLOOM IN JULY

Cold Winters frequently injure them, but against a well-kept hedge as shown here, they are

protected and attractive. Closer planting would be better

garden children, the flowers of Fio/a cornnta. These blossoms
have the colors of the Pansy and the fragrance of the Violet and
bloom from month to month. Then each returning season would
have its quota of blossom and my continental border would
delight with its sweetness and bless with its brightness for twelve
months every year.

Surely the old gardens of Colonial days must have had such
borders in them, for the regimental colors are to be seen in full
splendor. White of the snowflakes, the sea foam, the moonlight;
blue of the starshine, the sea depths and the Summer skies; gold
of the sunlight, the fruit-laden Orange groves, the ripening Wheat
fields, and precious metal of the mines — these are the pictures
this part of my garden calls to mind.

For the benefit of those who may care to make such a border
in their own gardens, I append a summary of the plantings for
the Blue, White and Gold Border:

White Flowers, Spanish Iris, British Queen, La Tendresse;

122 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Roman Hyacinths; white l^utch Hyacinths; Narcissus, -Paper-
white grandiflor a ^ White Pearl; hardy Phlox, Mrs. Jenkins, Jeanne
d'Arc; White Bonnaffon Chrysanthemum; Arabis alpina\ early
and late-branching Asters; White Pearl Petunias; Ageratum;
Sweet Alyssum; Pansy, White Queen; Viola cornuta^ White
Perfection; giant white Antirrhinums; Iberis sempervirens.

Yellow Flowers. Spanish Iris, Belle Chinoise, Chrysolora;
Daffodils, Emperor, Empress, Trumpet Major, Van Sion; Jonquils,
Campernelle; Alyssum saxatile; Yellow October Frost Chrysan-
themums; Rudbeckias; dwarf Helianthus, all shades of yellow;
giant Zinnias, yellow, orange, canary; dwarf large-flowering
Zinnias, yellow; African Marigolds; Viola cornuta^ V. lutea
splendens\ Pansy, Golden Queen; giant yellow Antirrhinums;
Aquilegia chrysantha.

Blue Flowers. Spanish Iris, King of the Blues, Louise; early
blue Roman Hyacinths; single blue Dutch Hyacinths; Russian
Violets; Ageratum; Centaureas, light and dark blues; Asters;
annual Larkspurs; Delphininums; Veronica; Aquilegia cosrulea;
Pansies, Adonis, Lord Beaconsfield, Prince Henry, Emperor
William; Viola cornuta^ Blue Perfection; Salvia patens.

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER PESTS 123

CHAPTER XIII

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER PESTS

WHEN one has achieved the glory of the Midsummer Phlox;
when Crape Myrtles, mist-crowned in white, vie in loveli-
ness with the rose-colored, like the sky at dawn, or the deeper
sunset tinted; when starry Oleanders lift their snowy beauty
by the side of Althseas that are blooming everywhere; when
Abelias, dainty as Arbutus blooms and Buddleias like the Lilacs
of Springtime, are showing on every side, it would seem that the
time had come when all that one needs to do is just to enjoy the
garden.

There are Banana trees and Caladiums lending their tropical
luxuriance to the scene; there are glorious Gladioli; there are
masses of Cannas, deep crimsons, clear yellows, dainty primrose
and soft pink; there are Cacti here and Daisies there; there are
annuals in full bloom on all sides, and we prepare to sit and rest
in the midst of all the sweetness and beauty, when the heat of
the midday sun has passed and the long shadows begin to fall
on the lawn. Earlier in the day it is comfortable only in the shelter
of the broad, deep-shaded porches and in the sun-excluded rooms,
from which all unnecessary articles have been removed.

We think, "Summer in the South is delightful, even though
it is warm." This is our Midsummer night's dream. Lo, when
morning comes we discover a blight on the Maples, spots show
on the Poplar's leaves, caterpillars crawl on the Cannas, black
rot forms on the Phlox, white flies appear in clouds on the Privets
and broad-leaved evergreens and the joy in our gardens is turned
in an instant into the fiercest kind of war. Our state of pre-
paredness being far from equal to the occasion we are almost

124

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Bamboo fittingly used in a Georgia garden

defeated before we begin the fight. War to the death, however,
no quarter asked nor given, it must be.

After a beautiful vacation last Summer, just when it seemed
as if it were going to be possible to sit down quietly and get some
writing and drawing done, the call to arms came and for twelve
consecutive weeks, between June and October, it was a daily
fight against every insect and fungus pest known to the flora of
the South — or so it seemed to be.

It was necessary to arise at dawn, get the mixture ready and
spray, and spray, and spray again. In a small garden it is not
hard to keep ahead of the enemy, but usually there is a lack of
appliances which makes the work doubly hard and, truth to tell,
it is not easy when done with the best of help, with the most
carefully prepared mixtures, and the best spray pumps. Hard
or easy, it must be done.

For several years each recurring Spring in the South brought
a very excessive and prolonged drought. This was followed by
a season of tropical rains, making the climatic conditions almost
those of two distinct, main seasons: a rainy one and a dry one.
The vegetation, stunted by the long, dry spell, began to grow

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER PESTS 125

rampantly and soon exceeded its strength which had been ex-
hausted by the long drought. The inevitable mildew, black rot,
rust, and other fungous growths appeared. For these Bordeaux
mixture, used in the proportion of one gallon to sixty gallons of
water, is the standard remedy. This spraying must be done
when the sun is off the plants.

In all such garden warfare, choose either the early morning
hours before the sun is up, or the period after sunset and into the
long twilight, which is not so comfortable and convenient a time
as early morning but is much better for the plants. When the
fungus appears it is too late to save the tree or shrub on which
it shows, but if immediate steps are taken and the spray is used
on all the other members of the family it is possible to save nine-
tenths of them. When the Poplars showed rust last Summer
spraying was begun at once, repeated in four weeks and a third
time four weeks later. Only two trees were lost out of a very
large number treated.

When the dry spells of the late Spring are succeeded by days
of Summer heat and the nights are still cool, the Rambler Roses
and Wichuraiana hybrids all show mildew. This Spring they
have been very badly infected. Flowers of sulphur is the stand-
ard remedy used with a dry duster early in the morning when the
dew is on the vines. Often, however, this does not have the
desired effect and we must resort to the second strength Bordeaux
mixture. Spray with it as soon as possible after the blooming
season is over. Wait a few weeks and spray a second time; if
necessary, do it again after four more weeks have passed. Should
these remedies fail there is nothing to do but to cut off the in-
fected canes and burn them. This is a good thing to do in the
beginning if the vines are very badly infected. If not, take off
only the weak stock. This pruning will enable the plants to gain
their Summer's growth and make the wood on which the next
year's blooms will come. If the cutting is very severe the blos-
soms will not be so abundant. For this reason the other remedies
may be used first.

With all other types of Roses there are little disease and few
insects that need to be fought. An occasional bath of soapy

126 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

water, a strong spraying from the hose, often will keep the aphids
controlled, and potassium sulphide and arsenate of lead will do
the rest applied as needed in season.

The remedies used in other sections will give relief in most
cases of insects and fungous pests, but the most dreaded and the
most insidious of our Summer insect enemies is that one, par-
ticularly ubiquitous in the regions of the citrus plants, the white
fly. Lime-sulphur solution applied in the Winter months is an
excellent preventive of disease, but when torrential rains of July
and August are daily occurrences, followed by blistering heat
in the afternoon and cool winds at night, these adjuncts to our
gardens appear like the far-famed locust plagues of Palestine.
If the season is equable and not out of the ordinary they are
never seen.

Without warning they appear in clouds on the Amoor River
Privet hedges and before one knows it they are all over the world.
Gnats, gnats, gnats! All the beautiful broad-leaved evergreens
will be covered with white spots and after a day or two the leaves
will fall to the ground. Absolutely all the vitality of the leaf
has gone to supply the needs of the newly hatched larvae pro-
duced by the whitish spots which prove to be eggs. The stems
and bark of the shrubs will also be infected and will appear as
if covered with a scale, much in appearance like the San
Jose scale. They are an abomination and a desolation. How
we hate them! How we dread them! How we hope they will
not show themselves this Summer!

There are several remedies: Lime-sulphur used in the pro-
portion of one part to 25 gallons of water, which is very strong
and liable to injure the plants — but, if you do not use it they are
gone anyway, so what is the difference ? For small places whale
oil soap, \y2 ounces to a gallon of water, is very good. Several
specific remedies selling for 75 cents a gallon and used Xyi gallons
to 100 gallons of water are by far the cheapest and most reliable
destroyers. These sprays will destroy them root and branch —
that is, wings and feet — and nothing else will.

Think what work it entails to go over whole Orange groves,
to spray thousands of feet of hedges, to spray hundreds of yards

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER PESTS

127

MIDSUMMER IN THE AUTHOR'S GARDEN

128 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

of shrubbery borders, and remember that all the spraying must
be done when the sun is not shining on the plants. Do you
wonder that the workmen — and workwomen — dread the appear-
ance of the iniquitous white fly ? There must be a first applica-
tion, then a waiting time of three weeks and then a second spray,
and so on until three or four applications have been made with
the waiting spaces between.

Are not these enough ? They are not all, never fear —
there are still others. After the Roses, and Poplars, and Privets,
and evergreens have been treated, what should we discover but
a new kind of scale altogether. This time it was the oyster shell
scale on Tamarix plumosa. The same insecticide as that for
white flies might have done the work, but kerosene emulsion was
used and only two applications were necessary to clean the one
infected shrub and to keep the pest off the other plants.

Surely this was enough for one Summer, not to mention the
tribe of aphids which are ubiquitous. No, the end was not yet.
In a single day every leaf was stripped from three Poplars, two
Privets and one Spiraea. While away fighting the enemy in the
gardens of my friends the hungry caterpillar was at his deadly
work. His name was legion. An early start, a carefully pre-
pared breakfast food of arsenate of lead spread in front of his
wandering feet was sufficient unto his death and that of all his
tribe.

When the leaf-curl appeared it became a question of lime-
sulphur again and although the foliage was spotted and the smell
was anything but attractive this dosage was apphed in second
strength.

This sanguinary history of one Summer's fight was succeeded
by a very much tired-out feeling at the season's end. Do you
wonder ? You will also see the wisdom of cutting out a spraying
table and pasting it in your Gardener's Calendar. The instruc-
tions given in any standard table include mixtures and quantities
of sprays for all kinds of insects, fungi and pests. This table
should have a prominent place in the garden preparations, not
only for the Summer, but for all the year. To adapt this table
to southern conditions, it is necessary only to antedate the work

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER PESTS

129

130 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

by six or eight weeks. Usually all the garden instructions are
based on the latitude of New York, which is the Greenwich
meridian of garden calendars.

The only insect not thus given in the proper valuation for his
southern connections is the exclusive white fly. This chapter
covers his work and extinction.

While studying about these variously inclined enemies it
occurred to me that our great-grandmothers and grandmothers
must have made their gardens without having to take all the
precaution we do to insure bloom and leaf and fruit. Immedi-
ately search was made in the old books in the library.

In Prince's Manual of Roses, issued in 1846, it says: **Even
the Rose has its enemies and these enemies, although of the most
contemptible description, are extremely pernicious in their habits,
until their efforts have been thwarted." Certainly we will all
agree with him on this. He says that the green fly may be
destroyed by syringing the plants with tobacco water, that the
slug is much complained of in New England, and that the rose
bug or beetle must be picked off by hand and destroyed. For
mildew syringing the plants with sulphur water is suggested.

In William Cobbett's American Gardener, published in 1819,
we are told: "Diseases of trees are various of their kinds but nine
times out of ten they proceed from the root. Insects are much
more frequently an effect than a cause. The best and perhaps
the only remedy against the species of disease of which they are
the symptoms, consists of good plants, good planting, good till-
age." This sounds as familiar as if it were printed in a current
magazine instead of in a book 100 years old.

The striking point of interest in the "Ladies' Companion to
the Flower Garden," written by Mrs. Loudon and edited by
A. J. Downing, is in the fact that there is no reference to insects
or insecticides. Would it not be fine if "lady's gardens" in these
brave days were as free from such infection as one wouki like to
believe they were seventy-five years ago ?

The one volume written for the South is unique because the
others all state distinctly that the tables and planting lists are
given for the latitude of New York — even as now. In this com-

FIGHTING THE MIDSUMMER FESTS 131

pendium of garden suggestions for the southern planter issued
in 1842, the author, Francis S. Holmes, says that he realizes
that all the books and instructions are written for other sections
where climatic differences are so great as to make the major por-
tion of their directions of no value. That Mr. Holmes convinced
the Horticultural Society of Charleston of the truth of his prem-
ises is evidenced by their letter of commendation in the preface.
His suggestions as to the use of the berries of Melia Azedarach^
Pride of India or China Berry Trees, as they are so commonly
called, are corporate in the garden lore of the South.

The remedy for green cabbage worm, plant lice, etc., is as
follows: Take a half bushel of Pride of India berries, well ripened,
put them in a barrel and add 15 gallons of water. After the
mixture has stood for two or three days sprinkle the plants with
it and in most cases it will prevent the depredations of these
insects.

The negroes use a "bed of berries" around their fruit trees
and Cabbages and in their vegetable gardens to prevent worms
in fruit and cutworms and black grub. Some of our best gar-
deners also follow them in the use of this simple insecticide which
has the advantage of being easy to procure, easier to apply and
costing nothing except the labor of gathering.

All these garden stories of the old days would seem to imply
that there were the same old gardens, the same old pests, the
same fresh beauties, the same rich joys. The work of spraying
is so largely overbalanced by the garden joy that it does not
enter into our calculations at all. The destruction of insects
and fungi, the taking of preventive measures against the ravages
of scale and other blights, is just a part of the regular routine
work and that some of these operations have to be carried on
during Midsummer heat is our misfortune, not our fault. Go
at it with a will, stick to it with determination, and before you
know it the work will be done, and you will feel as proud of your
achievement as if vou had won a victorvon a more ambitious field.

132

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Artemisia lactifolia effectively used in the garden of which another view is shown
on page 1 16

A "close-up" of the striking, fluffy foliage that marks the curve in the pathway
ONE OF THE SHOWIEST PERENNIALS FOR MASSING

DEPENDABLE PERENNIALS 133

CHAPTER XIV

DEPENDABLE PERENNIALS— WHEN TO PLANT THEM

FROM the long list of perennials given in the catalogues of
the nurserymen and by the writers of garden books for
other sections, it seems hard that we who make gardens in the
South should have our list of desirable and dependable perennials
reduced to a mere baker's dozen, but this is a true statement of
the case — not only of my case, but of that of many of my garden-
loving friends who have been beguiled by the pictures and stories
in the above-mentioned books and also by their memories of the
beautiful gardens of the East.

Many trials, in every possible situation and under every
known condition, much wasted energy and money, have con-
vinced me that in order to grow perennials successfully in the
South it is necessary to have southern-raised plants.

FALL PLANTINGS

It is rather an easy matter to grow perennials from the seed.
One September I planted the seed of Aquilegia (Columbine),
Gaillardia, Hollyhocks, Phlox paniculata^ Dianthus barbatus
(Sweet William), Dianthus plumarius (the Scotch hardy Pink),
and Oriental and Iceland Poppies, in rows in the borders on the
west side of my garden. The situation is sheltered but sunny.
The seed germinated promptly and the plants were left in these
positions and unprotected until large enough to be transplanted,
which in most cases was not until February and March. In
colder sections it is necessary to protect these seedlings. The
Poppies needed only to be thinned out, the seed having been
sown in the parts of the borders where they were to bloom.

134 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

The primary cost of the seed was about one dollar and fifty
cents, and, from the planting, the garden was richer by at least
one hundred hardy Phlox, dozens of Columbine plants, Gaillardias
by the score, a rich and beautiful bed of Poppies, rows of stately
Hollyhocks, velvety Sweet Williams for both sunny and shady
spots, and fragrant Clove Pinks that shone star-like against their
carpet of gray-green leaves and scented the whole Springtime
with their sweetness.

The Columbines were not satisfactory from this planting for
the first year. The second Spring saw them in varied tones,
Aquilegia aierulea^ a heavenly blue, A. chrysantha, clearest of
primrose yellows, a pure white, and the typical deep blue A.
vulgaris. They proved to be not only perennial, but evergreen,
and the dainty loveliness of the plants at blossoming time hardly
exceeds the delicate beauty of the finely cut foliage of soft blue
green that lasts all the year.

The Hollyhocks in a sandy soil and sunny situation are all
that can be desired. They bloom from early Spring until late
Summer and always give dignity and grace to the borders and
brightness and color to the garden picture. No garden can have
too many Hollyhocks, provided they are kept as part of the back-
ground.

No words of praise can be too strong for the description of
the beauty, grace and reliability of the hardy Phlox. Of all the
perennials, whether raised from seed or planted from nursery
stock, it is my favorite because of these characteristics. Through
neglect and drought, through carelessness and flood, the Phlox
blooms bravely on, always graceful, always fragrant, and to me
its panicles are the gracious queens that crown our Summer gar-
dens. Elizabeth Campbell and others of clear salmon pink
and deep crimson and maroon are very desirable and beautiful
when first planted. After a few years, however, they lose their
clarity of tone and must be replanted if the garden color scheme
is to be kept true to scale. From the seed sown in September I have
secured several desirable varieties, but my best-loved ones are
the white, Jeanne d'Arc and Mrs. Jenkins, and the Beranger,

DEPENDABLE PERENNIALS

135

136 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CANNAS USED TO GOOD EFFECT IN CALIFORNIA
Yet any southern garden could have just as attractive a planting as this with all its August

glory

which is white suffused with rosy pink with a deeper pink center.
I plant these "en masse" and never tire of their beauty. Blossoms
from the seedlings of that sowing have given four months or more
of bloom for many succeeding Summers. There were just a
few of the seedlings that showed the magenta pink that seems
to be typical of the old-fashioned hardy Phlox. These had to
be dug up and thrown away, for that muddy mixture of pink
and blue and violet that is named magenta will *'queer" a whol&i
garden quicker than any other color in the scale. Watch out'
for it, and if your garden shows it in Petunias, Zinnias or Phlox,
root it out, being sure that, if you are minus that quantity in the '
color scheme, your garden equation will resolve itself into a picture,:
that will make glad an artist's eye and heart.

The Gaillardias are most satisfactory. The gray-green leaves
adorn the borders from season to season and the gay blossoms of
orange and scarlet, and yellow, that is as rich as gold, are to be
had for the cutting continuously from early in April until Mid-

DEPENDABLE PERENNIALS 137

summer. Close cutting of the flower stalks is necessary to gain
this result, but for both the flowers in the border and for vases
in the rooms they are very desirable and not usually seen in the
South.

SPRING PLANTINGS OF EARLY PERENNIALS

Unquestionably April is the most beautiful month of the year
in this section. Then it is that the Spring-blossoming shrubs
are in full flower, the bulbs are still glorious, Darwin Tulips, Iris
and Lilies show all their exquisite loveliness. The Dogwoods
star the roadsides, woodlands and gardens, the drooping racemes
of the Wistaria hang from every trellis, screen and porch, and
golden-hearted Cherokee Roses send out spicy fragrance on the
soft, balmy air. The blue sky and warm sunshine of noontide
alternate with the chill of the midnight air, and so this is the
accepted time for planting the seed of those perennials which
will not germinate in the heat of the later days. Few southern
gardeners plant the early perennials which are the one thing lack-
ing from the radiant glory of our April bloom. All southern
gardens, where there is room, should know the dainty loveliness
of the Aquilegias, the soft-hued Campanulas, the stately
Digitalis, the wonderful colors of the Platycodon, and the
fairy-like Delphiniums. These flowers are not only well worth
while in themselves, but they fill the long gap between the Spring
flowers of the shrubs and bulbs and the blossoms of the annuals
that do not bloom until later in the Summer.

All of these perennials are valuable for the shaded situations
found in every garden and which are usually bare because so few
things will grow even in half shade. The heavenly blue tones
found in the Campanulas, Delphiniums, Platycodons and Aqui-
legias are also unusual in the garden picture.

Fill the flats as usual, plant the seeds very carefully, and as
soon as the plants begin to crowd transplant into a shaded corner
of thfe garden. Leave them there until the late Fall and then
place them in permanent positions. For two years at least they
will repay you for your initial trouble, your careful watching and
patient waiting.

138 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Of the Columbines, Aquilcgia asrulca^ in blue and white, and
A. hybrida will be found satisfactory. This plant is exceed-
ingly decorative from the foliage standpoint as well as for the
blossoms. If cut, the latter will continue for several months.

The Japanese Bell Flower, Platycodon grandiflora^ in blue
and white, is charming and effective when combined with
Heynerocallis flava, or H. fulva. Campanula carpatica and
C. pyramidalis, the Chimney Bell Flower, with the Cup and
Saucer of the Canterbury Bells, give another set of blue values
in the garden color scale. These may also be planted in rose
and white.

The Foxgloves, Digitalis gloxinixflora^ are wonderful when
they can be successfully grown. They must have a cool start
for seed germination, shade through the Summer months and
a sheltered position for the Winter. This done, they begin to
bloom in February and for six weeks are glorious anywhere.
Planted among the broad-leaved evergreens so generally used
in the South, they are more effective than when seen in the gar-
dens of other sections, perhaps because to see them blooming so
early is such a surprise. In these, my favorite colors are the
rose and white, although the purple is ^ood in some combina-
tions. Being biennials the Foxgloves must be planted each year.

Foxgloves are so beautiful! Just the name always brings to
my mind the picture of a rich and effective garden scene at High-
land Falls, New York, three Summers ago. Long lines of stately,
dignified blossoms, rich in color harmonies, stood sentinel-like
against the dark rich greens of Pine and Fir and Cedar, with soft
green grass stretching away in the foreground until lost in the
shadows of the lofty trees that rim the beautiful river at that
point. Foxgloves against conifers with turf in the foreground:
an ideal to be striven for.

In February also the flower stalks of the perennial Delphin-
iums, or hardy Larkspurs, begin to lift themselves above the cleanly
cut leaves. In mid-March the flower buds unfold and the blue
of the sky is then a part of the garden glory. No flower shows
so clear a cerulean blue, so heavenly an azure as does Del-
phinium Th'IIadoJina. A clump of these Delphiniums planted in

DEPENDABLE PERENNIALS

139

140 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

the foreground of the shrubbery border, or in a border of peren-
nials framed in grass walks, with the clear sun shining through
the petals of the lifted flower stalks that rise at least two feet
above the ground, is achievement enough to satisfy the heart of
a gardener through many weary days.

Other perennials of easier growth and more widely known than
those just enumerated are the Candytuft, Iberis sempervirens^
the golden Coreopsis lanceolata^ for all Summer bloom, and the
Physostegia virginica, the False Dragonhead. This begins to
bloom very late in August, and continues steadily until Decem-
ber. The colors are pink and white and a soft lavender.

Plant one package of each of the seeds just given, follow care-
fully the directions, and for each dime that you invest in seed
you may count on having a harvest of at least one hundredfold
of joy, beauty and fragrance in your garden.

OCTOBER GLORIES 141

CHAPTER XV

OCTOBER GLORIES— AND OCTOBER WORK

THEN, if ever, come perfect days," might have been said
as truly of October on the banks of the Savannah as of
June on the banks of the Charles. If there is a time of the year
when the colors of the blossoms seem most gorgeous, when our
gardens are most attractive, it is the time of the Harvest Moon.
There is a charm, a witchery, about a garden in the glory of the
October moonlight that is to be met there in no other month of
the year. It must be that the chill of the almost-frosty nights,
that the seeing of the garden-children droop under the tang of
cold in the air and watching them fade one by one, gives to those
that are left a supreme wizardry that their more tender brothers
and sisters did not possess.

Always the Fall Roses are richer in color and in fragrance,
finer in every way, than those that queened it in the Spring.
Never does the Scarlet Sage shine so brightly as when on some
frosty morning it stands alone — sole survivor of an onslaught
from Jack Frost. The Phlox holds up its snowy masses to the
Autumn sun and the glory of the regal Chrysanthemums is only
another marvel of an October day.

The beauties that stand amidst impending desolation serve
to remind us that time presses and Christmas gardens must be
made now. With good soil, an exposure that greets the morning
sun. Pansy plants put in the open now will be gloriously beautiful
in December. I purchase from the nurseries in October my first
planting of Pansies for Christmas blossoms in the porch boxes
and borders. The South is so hot in July and x^ugust that closer
attention is required for the seedlings than I have time to give;

142

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CHRYSANTHEMUMS-REIGNING FLOWERS OF THE FALL
Here are pictured two types as grown in the author's garden

OCTOBER GLORIES

143

144 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

hence my dependence on the florists for the first blossoms — which
I must have for the love I bear for the unexpectedness of the
Winter flowers. As to the cultivation of Pansies and Violas in
the South, Chapter IX, quoting from ''April Leaves from my
Garden Book," covers the subject in detail.

If you would have green turf that is like a soft rich velvet
carpet for the Winter, now is the last minute in which you have
to work. Many southern gardeners spade up the lawn as soon
as the Summer sun begins to turn it brown, put in fertilizer, and
sow the seed. The object here is to secure a deep root system
before the cold weather comes, but, on the other hand, if the
weather is very dry and hot, the seedlings are apt to burn and
the best gardeners wait until October to avoid this probability.

As much as possible of the work in the border should be done
before the lawn is dug up and replanted because, if not, there
must be a constant making over of the parts stepped on, or else
all plantings must be delayed.

If the turf is very badly worn, if the lawn needs to be regraded,
if the drainage is not what it should be, and it must be made over,
the sooner it is done now, the better results you will have. If
you have a Bermuda or a Kentucky Blue Grass sod, use bone-
meal liberally, reseed thickly with the best grade Italian Rye
Grass seed, sowing in one direction and then across at right angles
to the first sowing, rake it in carefully, roll it well, or press down
with a board if the soil has been dug up and the lawn is being
made anew and no roller is at hand, and in a few weeks you will
marvel at the freshness and beauty of your turf. You will think
Springtime has come to your door again.

For small plots the rolling that comes with the use of the
lawn mower will be sufficient to make the turf firm and solid,
but the heavier and oftener the rolling is done the quicker will
the lawn become like the velvet carpet you are aiming to make
it. The best gardeners do not dig up the lawn each year; they
work over the bad spots, root up the weeds, reseed for the Winter
greenness and each year the turf becomes firmer and more beau-
tiful.

OCTOBER GLORIES 145

Any householder in the South who allows his lawn to become
brown and stay so all Winter is cheating himself, his family, and
his neighbors — to say nothing of his section of the country. Noth-
ing appeals to the tourists from the snowbound sections more
than our green, mossy lawns and dooryards, when January
snows have driven them to our more favored clime. Plant,
then, grass seed and plant it generously.

As the Summer flowers wither and die, fertilizer should be
put in, the perennials carefully attended to and the bulbs planted.
If the lawn does not have to be made over from the beginning
it is possible to plant the bulbs as the borders are ready for them
and, in this way, a natural succession of bloom is assured. All
the standard bulbs. Hyacinths, Narcissi, Daffodils, Crocuses,
Jonquils, Tulips and Snowdrops, are perfectly hardy in the South
and may be put out safely until December. It is only when a
sharp, cold snap comes after the blossoms are showing that dis-
aster results. This does not often happen. In buying bulbs
remember that the best are always the cheapest. Plant them
in masses, as many as you can possibly buy, follow any good
article on the planting of the same and no mistake or disappoint-
ment will result.

When making out your list — which ought to have been done
in August — do not forget to include the Irises, /. hispanica^ those
orchids of the Spring garden, /. Kaemp/eri and /. germanica.
Iris hispanica is not usually seen in the South but all of the group
are radiantly lovely, easily grown and as well adapted to the
formal bulb garden as to the naturalized plantings.

The most wonderfully beautiful Iris planting that I have
ever seen, however, was where bulbs were planted by the thousand
on the banks of a small brooklet that made merry music as it
rippled over the stones from one level to another and sang its
song of Springtime and Summer as it made its way between these
lovely. flowers of softest Hlac, clearest azure, deepest violet, golden
yellow, silvery white, and softest ivory and creamy tones. One
associates them with water and if it is possible plant them near
a pool or pond or brook, but, if not, plant them anywhere, always

146

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

in sunshiny situations. They are worth while wherever and
whenever seen.

October is truly the between-time in our gardens. The bor-
ders are still filled with blossoms bright and flowers gay, the
Summer vegetables are not yet over, the seed beds are filled with
plants waiting to be put out and yet all one can do is to wait.
Fortunately, the best scheme for the garden maker is the same
as the best scheme of life: do each day the duty that lies nearest,
enjoy to the full the beauty and fragrance of each one of the
passing hours and flowers, and living in the happy present, the
future will take care of itself.

A bird's-eye view of Sweet Peas as grown at Bryan, Texas, taken in April. Who says the
South cannot enjoy Sweet Peas ?

SWEET PEAS 147

CHAPTER XVI

SWEET PEAS— FOR SPRING BLOSSOMING

NO plants in our garden catalogues give more of beauty, more
of sweetness, more of pleasure in the growing than the
dainty Sweet Peas. They are impracticable for the small garden,
however. To be successfully grown they must have a deep rich
soil, preferably rather heavy, as clay loam, good drainage and
a sunny situation. They should be planted in November.

In planting, always have a trench dug about a foot wide and
nearly that deep. In this put well-decomposed manure, wood
ashes and soil, thoroughly mixed. Plant the seeds in the bottom
of a trench which is left, about seven inches deep. Pack the
earth firmly about them and as soon as they grow to about three
inches draw the earth up around them; do this two inches at a
time thereafter, not only until the trench is filled, but until the
Peas are hilled for several inches. This gives them a very deep
root system and enables them to stand the southern heat. By
Christmas the trenches will be nearly full and nearly always at
Easter the first Sweet Peas are in bloom.

Those who grow the finest Sweet Peas in this section advise
Fall planting, but good results may be obtained from sowings
made as late as January. The latter practice is a little risky,
however. The newly planted seeds are very much more apt to
be injured by the cold that usually comes in January and Feb-
ruary than when the plants are securely rooted as a result of their
Autumn start.

For support for Sweet Peas use four-foot chicken wire, with
two-inch mesh, fastened to stout stakes. I use thirty-foot lengths
and three stakes are all that are necessary. These stakes are

148

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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SWEET PEAS

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set in position before the trenches are planted and the seeds are
sown on both sides of the wire if they are planted in the open
rows. If it is necessary to put them in a thickly planted border,
it will be possible to make but one trench. Still the wires are
almost invisible and the stakes so far apart that they do not look
unseemly, and where space is limited and such flowers desired,
this is decidedly the most artistic and easy thing to do. Against
a background of evergreen vines that cover a fence, the Sweet
Pea trellises are not ugly and the Sweet Pea blossoms and vines
are very attractive and give cut flowers for many weeks.

THE CHARM OF SWEET PEAS IN THE HOME

Is no less than their charm in the garden. Fragrance, form, color shadings and dainty

foliage, all contribute to the effect

150 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

In planting the Sweet Peas it is much more satisfactory to
have the different colors planted separately. It facilitates cut-
ting, they are easier to arrange and far more beautiful in clusters
of pinks, whites, hlacs, violets and the different shades of red
and the dainty primrose tones growing in masses of each color
than if they are indiscriminately mixed.

One row of thirty feet will give bloom for many vases for
many weeks if closely cut daily, but if the garden space is limited
and there is not room enough for a planting of this size, it is well
to forego the pleasure of growing them at home.

In the colder sections Spring planting of these flowers is advised,
the same procedure as that given above being used, only waiting
until the frost is out of the ground and the latter is in good work-
ing condition.

As for varieties, the Orchid-flowered and standard varieties
give one the choice of daintily curled petals two or three and
sometimes four on a stem in all the lovely tones and shades and
the same range of color harmonies in the more even and sym-
metrical blossoms of the Standards. It is usually a choice that
runs to the more artistic Spencers, and can one question why ?

SHRUBS FOR ALL THE YEAR

CHAPTER XVII

SATISFACTORY DECIDUOUS SHRUBS-FOR ALL THE YEAR

A S a rule, November is the acceptable time for the planting of
^ ^ all deciduous trees and shrubs, but no cut-and-dried formula
will ever apply to our southern gardens. If your order has to
be sent to other than a local nurseryman, note on it, "Ship after
the first hard frost;" then you will be ready at the proper time.
All the small fruits, as well as the deciduous trees and shrubs,
should be planted during this month.

Shrubs are among the most valuable plants that we have.
They may be planted in groups of varying colors and heights
and by selecting species that bloom at different times a succes-
sion of bloom may be secured. They may be used to fill in spaces
between trees in mass plantings. In this way the canopy of
foliage is brought down to the turf. They may be planted under
the vision line of vistas and they form a beautiful background
for borders of hardy perennials or annuals. They may be moved
from place to place if soil and conditions of exposure are not just
right. They are worth while in the garden, on the large place or
m the public parkway, always stressing the fact that they must
be kept in good condition.

Individual selection, largely a matter of personal preference,
size of grounds and amount of money to be expended, must all
be taken into consideration in choosing the shrubs for the beauti-
fying of the home grounds. Remember that shrubs stand for
permanent improvements. The first thing to do is to make a
drawing of the ideal to be achieved, making due allowance for
habits of growth, time of bloom, and so forth. Decide how
much can be afforded at this time for the plantings. Then selec-

152 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

tion may be made. Vacant places may be left for the later ever-
green plantings or quick-growing shrubs may be put in with the
intention of cutting them out later when the slower-growing
evergreens are large enough to cover the desired spaces.

The list of shrubs which follows gives those which can be
depended upon for blossoms in season and out of season and
which will thrive without being an undue tax upon the gardener's
time. They are all beautiful and desirable.

The earliest of all the deciduous shrubs to bloom is Jasminum
nudiflorum, which comes in January; February brings the For-
sythias, F. vmdissima, F. suspensa, and F. Fortunei, with the
earliest of the Spiraeas, S. prunijolia fl. pl.^ commonly called the
Bridal Wreath; this makes a striking contrast to the brilliant
blossoms of the flaming Cydonia japonica, or Burning Bush, as
the Flowering Quince is usually called; and blooming at the same
time is Lonicera Jragrantissima^ the fragrant Honeysuckle, which
is almost evergreen.

March shows the blossoms of the Spiraeas, 6". Reevesiana and
S. Reevesiana fl. pi.; the Lilacs, Syringa vulgaris and S. chinensis,
and the Manchurian Honeysuckle, L. Ruprechtiana ; with the
orange balls of Kerria japonica, the Chinese Globe Flower, and
the white of the same species, Rhodotypos kerrioides. One of
the most attractive of the March shrubs that is most effective
for massing with che Spiraeas and Lilacs or with the evergreens
is the Pearl Bush, Exochorda grandiflora.

April shows the later Lilacs, Viburnum plicatum, or Japanese
Snowball, old-fashioned flower of our grandmothers' time, but
always lovely; the Flowering Crab, Pyrus floribunda^ and the
Tartarian Honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica. Later in the month,
Spirxa Van Houttei opens to the April breezes and showers its
petals like drifts of snow as the suns of May come on. Phila-
delphus coronarius, the Syringa of our mothers' day; the Deutzias,
D. gracilis^ dwarf, Z). crenata, tall, and D. gracilis rosea, and the
Weigela, Diervilla florida, a most charming shrub with rosy-
colored flowers that cover its branches from tip to stem and
make it a most delightful companion for the Deutzias, come

SHRUBS FOR ALL THE YEAR

153

JASMINUM NUDIFLORUM, EARLIEST OF SPRING FLOWERS
Sometimes it blossoms even in January

154

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

'mm-'-

SHRUBS FOR ALL THE YEAR 155

into bloom in late April and carry their flowers almost into June.
This latter shrub grows well in partial shade.

The Sumac, or Smoke Tree, Rhus Cotinus^ is a wonderful
contribution to the beauty and attractiveness of the shrubbery
border in May. This, with Jasmine revolutum^ carries us into
June when the showy Punicas, P. granatum, P. alba^ P. rubra^
and P. variegata, the flowering Pomegranates, come into bloom.
There are no more showy and brilliant shrubs. The foliage is
of bright lustrous green, and even in Winter the tracery of the
reddish brown branches is decorative. When, in the early Spring,
the Pomegranate puts out its delicate, rosy-tipped leaf buds,
with almost orange lights in the unfolding leaves, it is a charming
picture, if seen against a background of dark evergreen shrub-
bery, like the Neriums or the Laurels. In Midsummer the flame-
colored blossoms contrast wonderfully with the delicate purity
of masses of white Oleanders. Never plant the Pomegranates
near any shrub with pink flowers.

For Midsummer blossom. Althaeas {Hibiscus syriacus) are
most pleasing when planted in groups or as a hedge. Hydrangea
arborescens grandiflora alba is the earliest to come into bloom
and lasts almost the entire season. Hydrangea monstrosa and
H. Otaksa are old favorites and generally known, and H. panic-
ulata grandiflora deserves a place in every southern garden.
The Hydrangeas do not mix well with other shrubs and it is best
to keep them for shady corners and northern exposures where
sun-loving plants will not thrive.

The Summer-flowering Spiraeas, S. Billardi, S. Bumalda^ the
everblooming S. Bumalda Anthony Waterer, deeper in color than
^S'. Douglasii, and ^S". japonica^ give a quintette of pink Spiraeas
that will furnish bloom for many months.

The American Elder, Sambucus canadensis, with its flat-
topped cymes of creamy blossoms, should be planted much oftener
than it is. Delightful companions for this planting are the deli-
cate Fern-leaved Sumacs, Rhus aromatica and R. Michauxi,
with panicles of creamy flowers in August and September and
brilliant berries that remain through the Winter. Not the least
attraction of the Sumacs is the vivid color of the foliage just

156 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

before it falls in the Autumn. These plantings can be had for
the digging on almost every roadside in the South. They give
blossom at seasons when flowers are scarce and in addition have
delicate foliage of attractive color. They should be planted
much more than they are.

Even though it is November and the year is in the sere and
yellow leaf, we do well to cherish the Summer blossoms that still
brighten our gardens. My garden book shows that last year
there were Roses, Zinnias, Salvia and Chrysanthemums for cut-
ting until late in December. Not just a few, but in quantity,
although the Winter flowers, Violets and Tea Olive and the
Laurustinus, were also in bloom. If the garden is still barren
of bulbs, do not hesitate to put them in. Even late November
plantings will give you Spring blossoms in rich and fragrant
luxuriance. It is good to make gardens in the South, for one can
go to sleep in Summer and wake up in Midwinter and still have
a Spring garden. But it is the wide-awake gardener who gets
the earliest flowers, the best of the lot, and the greatest number;
for in garden making, as in everything else worth while, diligence
and perseverance always bring a rich reward.

SHRUBS FOR ALL THE YEAR

157

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VINES FOR COTTAGE AND MANSION

159

Rosa de Montana or Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus)

CHAPTER XVIII

VINES— FOR COTTAGE AND FOR MANSION

TT^ROM the multiplicity of vines that may be grown in the
^ South, choice would seem to be unlimited, but in reality
there are not a great many on which one can depend for unfailing
beauty and grace. First among the evergreen vines for founda-
tion walls of buildings and terraces, and also for climbing on pil-
lars and pergolas, nothing is more desirable than the English Ivy,
Hede7'a helix. For the same purposes, of a lighter green in color,
with larger leaves and ranker growth, but much less hardy, is
the Hedera algeriensis^ which is a very beautiful vine coming
into more and more general use. Of slower growth and suited
more for covering walls and banks and carpeting the ground
than for climbing to heights is the climbing ^.uonymuSy Euonyjnus
radicans. For a close covering of stone or brick or wooden walls
the trailing Fig, Ficus repens, is a most beautiful vine. It clings

160

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

ROSE VINES ARE NEVER MORE CHARMING THAN ON A PERGOLA TRELLIS
The plants shown will be more effective as they grow larger. As to the piece of pipe with
the Palm in the center of the bed— does anyone think it attractive? '

very closely, does not have to be supported or fastened to the
wall, as do the Hederas and Euonymus, and is very delicate and
dainty. It makes a thick green mass, of almost the same color.
Its leaves are very dark green, finely marked, and unless the
Winter is very severe it is hardy and evergreen in the latitude of
Augusta. If killed down in the Winter, it very quickly puts out
in the Spring and grows many feet each season. It is not hardy
farther north.

The bristly Greenbrier, Smilax Bona-nox, which is evergreen
in the South, is one of the most beautiful of the wild vines. It
is always of a beautiful clear color, the young leaves are of a del-
icate green and for covering columns and for an evergreen screen
where a dense growth is required nothing will give more satis-
faction.

VINES FOR COTTAGE AND MANSION

161

YOUNG VINES ON AN OLD HOUSE -BUT YOU'D NEVER KNOW IT

Who would guess that the English Ivy draping this ancient dwelling— the home of the

Augusta (Ga.) Women's Clubs — is not over ten years old?

162

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

GRACEFUL GARLANDS OF VIRGINIA CREEPER
The Ampe'icpsis quinquefolia drooping from above greatly increases the charm of this portico

VINES FOR COTTAGE AND iMANSION 163

The two most attractive evergreen vines with blossoms for
southern plantings, are Rhynchospermu?njasminoides, the Malayan
Jasmme, and Geisemimn sempervirens, the Carolina Yellow Jas-
mme, of course, not including the evergreen climbers among the
Roses, which are mentioned in a preceding chapter. The Rhvnchos-
permum is easily grown and blooms continuously from April to
July. It is of rather slow growth, but gains in beauty year by
year. Its fragrant clusters of starry white blossoms against the
background of rich, dark green leaves always create a most strik-
ing picture.

The Yellow Jasmine is of daintier foliage than the Star Jasmine
and its blossoming period is shorter, but it is a mass of golden
yellow cups of amazing sweetness just about the time that the
purple tones of the fragrant Wistarias are flung out as heralds
of the Spring that is to be. These two vines are wonderfully
beautiful when planted in conjunction with the Wistarias, /F.
chinensis and W. chinensis alba. The Wistaria comes into flower
before it shows its leafage and needs an evergreen background
to bring out the full beauty of its racemes of purple and white
flowers that are usually borne in such rich luxuriance. A per-
gola planted with Rhynchospermum and either the white or the
purple Wistaria is a picture that never fails to delight. Masses
of the purple blossoms hanging from the top of a leafless, weather-
bleached grey tree trunk with a long reach of green turf in the
foreground and evergreen shrubbery in the background, was one
of the finest pictures caught by the camera artist this fleeting
Spring and cherished thus for a leaf in memory's garden book.

The Boston Ivy, Ampelopsis Veitchii, and the Virginia Creeper,
Ampelopsis quinquefolia, are two of the hardy vines that are
used for covering walls and structures where it is not advisable
to use evergreen vines. For screening porches on the second
floor Ampelopsis arborea, the Pepper Vine, is a handsome climber
with compound leaves of a beautiful bluish green that climbs
quickly to great heights. The blossoms are insignificant, but
very fragrant, and the bees are very fond of them. The berries
are at first red and finally black, and borne in such quantities

164

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

that the vines are quite ornamental in the Fall. It is hardy south
of Virginia and Missouri.

The Honeysuckles are evergreen in the South and are much
used for screens and trellises and, in fact, anywhere that a vine
is to be used. Lonicera japonica is a rampant grower frequently
used for covering tall screens, and the blue-green leaves of the
native Woodbine, Lonicera sempervirens^ are most attractive
when trained around the porch pillars where their scarlet blos-
soms can show in the early Spring. The purple-leaved Chinese
Honeysuckle, Lonicera chinensis, is also evergreen and not very
often seen.

A very showy wild vine that should be more often used is
the evergreen Trumpet Flower, commonly called the Cross Vine,
Bignonia crucigera, which thrives in rich moist soils and quickly

IVY IS A MOST APPROPRIATE DRAPERY FOR A SUNDIAL
Here the vine-clad dial stands just beyond the shadow of a Mimosa tree; clipped Amoor

Privet

the walk

VINES FOR COTTAGE AND MANSION

165

STAR JASMINE AND CHEROKEE ROSES
Both are evergreen and wonderfully lovely here. The Jasmine is Rhynochospermum

jasminoides

166

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

VINES FOR COTTAGE AND MANSION 167

climbs to fifty feet or more. It is wonderfully beautiful in the
woods of Louisiana but is easily naturalized and worthy of garden
space. This vine should not be confused with the deciduous
Trumpet Vine, Tecoma radicans^ which bears its showy clusters
of tawny red-orange flowers in Midsummer. The Cross Vine
has orange-yellow flowers in late Spring and early Summer and
is a much more vigorous grower than the later American Trumpet
Vine.

All the Clematis vines are delicate and beautiful, but the
easiest to grow, as well as the hardiest, is Clematis paniculata,
which is much used for covering trellises and porches and can
be relied on for a perennial efl^ect. The large flowering hybrid
kinds require deep, moist soils, yet the situation must be well-
drained and the soil porous. In the latitude of Savannah and
New Orleans and farther South they grow vigorously. In the
higher altitudes they need to be protected. The annual vines,
such as the Ipomoeas, the climbing Nasturtiums, the graceful
and delicate Cypress, the Cardinal Flower, Humulus japonica
(the hardy and quick-growing Hop), the ornamental Gourds,
the Dolichos or Hyacinth Bean, both red and white, delicate and
fragrant in flower and making a thick screen — and many others,
are valuable, beautiful, and quick climbers. That Jack-and-the-
Beanstalk Vine, the Kudzu, is, perhaps, almost of too rank a
growth to be recommended.

However, the main point is, plant vines and cover up the
fences, screen the ugly views and keep them screened and out of
sight from month to month and year to year. The simplest
cottage is made more attractive by such plantings and the lord-
liest mansion is made more gracious by their use. They take
up less ground space than any other growing things, and by blos-
som and leaf and tendrils do their part to make the world greener,
more artistic and less ugly all the time.

After the beautiful Clematis paniculata has showered its clouds
of white fragrance through all the Midsummer days we are sur-
prised to find that September brings it fair rivals in two other
hardy vines of heart-shaped leaves and wonderful beauty of
flower.

168 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Polygonum marginatum is a vine of recent introduction. Its
leaves are silky and smooth, and the growth of the vine is very
graceful. Both this vine and the Mexican Rose, x^ntigonon,
have heart-shaped foliage that covers the long drooping tendrils
with leaves of varied sizes, beginning with baby hearts and increas-
ing in size until they are as large as a giant's hand.

When the Polygonum is a cloud of white the Antigonon is
covered with masses of pink coral drops. Both of these vines
are most useful for covering trellises, making screens wherever
needed, and are much used for decoration. September brides
are very fond of them.

Pergola and porch effects of great beauty may be gained by
planting two or more vines in combination. Always use an
evergreen vine for background and to give the requisite evergreen
note, thus avoiding ugliness and bareness in the Winter months.
The wild Smilax with pink Antigonon and Cle^natis paniculata^
and white Wistaria or purple with yellow Jasmine, are favorite
combinations. White Wistaria and scarlet Trumpet Honey-
suckle with Ivy to give depth, is often seen. The Star Jasmine
and a Crimson Rambler Rose blooming at the same time make
a wonderful picture of rich loveliness. Pink Cherokee Roses
entwined with Honeysuckle and Polygonum are exquisite. White
Roses and Honeysuckles or Caroline Testout Roses with
Polygonum marginatwn are beautiful together, and for quick
growth and hurry-up effects the wealth of annual vines are ours
for the choosing. With Moonflower for fragrance, blue Morning
Glories for joy and Cardinal Vines for brilliance — who would
have a bare column or a sunny porch ?

VINES FOR COTTAGE AND IVIAXSIOX

169

CHARMING SCREENS OF WHITE WISTARIA AND CLEMATIS PANICULATA
Boxwood, Ivy and Periwinkle in boxes make hanging gardens in all the windows of Gertrude

Capen Whitney's home

170

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

SOUTHERN LAWNS 171

CHAPTER XIX

THE MAKING AND CARE OF SOUTHERN LAWNS

ON many ot the estates in the South, which are used only as
Winter residences, June is the regular time for making over
the lawns. Fertilizers are freely used, and after being spread
over the surface are ploughed in. The ploughing is usually very
deep and the sod is then disc-harrowed in order to cut it very
fine. This done, the surface is raked as fine and smooth as it
is possible to get it and then is left to mellow until October. Deep
raking and smoothing at this time are followed by thick seeding
with an evergreen lawn grass seed, and after a rolling with a heavy
roller and a watering, the lawn is left to grow.

In a few weeks the seed will have germinated and grown
sufficently to allow cutting. Alternate rolling and cutting,
weekly, from this 'time until December will result in a sod that
is springy and firm to walk on, soft and velvety to touch, and
a picture of green loveliness on which to feast the eyes.

This procedure is most expensive, and only those with long
purses can afford to indulge. There is no doubt but that most
of us have to live in our homes twelve months of the year, rather
than five, and are more interested, therefore, in the making and
care of an all-the-year lawn, than we are in one that is beautiful
for less than half of that time.

In this section of the South and farther, there is but one grass
that can be depended upon to give greenness throughout the
hot, dry Summer months: that is Bermuda grass, Capriola iCy no-
don) dactylon. This grows anywhere, except under trees where
.there is dense shade; it may be depended on for lush, rich turf
in fertile soils, and for strong, good sod on even the poorest soil.

172 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

The roots spread by an underground system and go down so
deep that for planting on banks or where the soil is apt to wash,
nothing is better.

The best way to plant Bermuda is to get the roots, cut them
up fine, and drill the sprigs in furrows twelve inches apart each
way. Then the ground should be rolled. The cuttings grow
easily in the Spring and can be planted at any time except in
extremely dry weather in Midsummer and in the Midwinter
season. This planting will give an even turf that should be rolled
regularly and cut often. This grass alone will give a beautiful,
soft, blue-green Summer sod that will stand the hardest wear.
When September comes the Bermuda begins to turn brown, and
quick, hard work is necessary to keep the lawn in trim. The
sod should be cut very closely with a good lawn mower, raked
as smooth and clean as is possible, and over it a seeding of Winter
grasses should be made.

Italian Rye grass, Lolium italicum^ and White Clover, Tri-
folium repenSy used in the proportions of three to two, make a
delightful Winter combination. The Rye grass is an annual
and must be sown anew each Fall, but there is no grass known
to us that makes so fresh and green a lawn. Closely cut and
regularly rolled, it is impossible to describe its beauty. Clover
is always lovely and does not have to be sown again each season.
Also it grows under the trees where the Bermuda will not thrive.

Pacey's, or English Rye grass, Lolium perenne^ is not quite
so desirable as the Italian for fresh beauty in the Winter months,
but it is a perennial and will last four or five years. This is also
about the length of time allowed by many good gardeners for the
making over of the Bermuda lawns, so that if the Bermuda is
used in the Spring, and the Clover and Rye in the Fall, the lawn
should last for several years, with just enough reseeding of the
bare spots to keep it even and neat.

Cottonseed meal and bonemeal used in the Spring are most
valuable aids to strong growth and even sods. They should be
used in preference to stable manure, unless the latter can be
ploughed in deeply, and, even then, this must always be followed
by a warfare against weeds that must be waged even more vigor-

SOUTHERN LAWNS

173

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174

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

SOUTHERN LAWNS

175

176

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

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SOUTHERN LAWNS 177

ously than usual, and all of us who make lawns know that this
is an endless battle.

Where it is not possible to secure the Bermuda roots for Sum-
mer growth, plant the seed. Many use the Bermuda roots in
Spring and disc-harrow in the Fall and plant the Georgia Bur
Clover, Medicago arabica^ declaring that one planting of this makes
either pasture or lawn for a lifetime. For large areas, for parks
and much-used lawns, these two grasses are unequaled. For
the smaller places the Rye grasses and Clover for Winter and the
Bermuda grass for the Summer will give best results.

Farther South, in Charleston and Savannah, and on the warm,
sandy coastlands, St. Augustine Grass, Stenotaphrum dimitiatum^
is much used. This is grown from cuttings set in Summer, one
foot apart; every joint takes root and becomes a new center.
It makes a dense, carpet-like growth and is almost evergreen.
It is often planted inland but seems to need the tang of the salt
air for best results.

An attested mixture of evergreen lawn grass (recleaned, seed)
that has been used this Winter with excellent results and is now
making a strong Spring growth that bids fair to hold out through
the Summer, is composed of the following six grasses: Kentucky
Blue {Poa pratensis), good for the higher sections of the South;
Red Top {Agrostis vulgaris)^ good for filling in with the Blue Grass;
English Rye {Lolium perenne); Italian Rye {Lolium italicum);
Bermuda {Capriola dactylon)^ and White Clover {Trifoliujn repens).
This may be planted in either Fall or Spring with good results
and if the soil is properly prepared, if the lawn is kept well rolled
and carefully cut — not only will it be in good condition for the
Winter but throughout all the year.

My favorite lawn is that first mentioned: Bermuda Grass
for the Summer, Italian Rye for Winter, and White Clover for
the shady spots and for Spring and Fall. There is absolute
necessity for close cutting at all seasons if you would have a good
lawn. Not only must this be done but eternal warfare must be
waged on the weeds.

My ambition for the South is not only a garden for every
home, but a lawn as well.

178

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

FLOWERING TREES 179

CHAPTER XX

FLOWERING TREES FOR ALL SEASONS

^T^HE Winter-blossoming trees available for planting along the
-■- Gulf Coast and in the lower sections of the South are all
beautiful and many of them are unusual. The Tea Olive, Oka
fragrans, is usually classed as a shrub, but, if well cultivated and
given plenty of room, soon attains the proportions of a tree. It
is the most fragrant of all our trees and shrubs, the blossoms
making up in sweetness what they lack in size.

The Japanese Loquat or Medlar, Eriobotrya japonica, is
another tree with flowers of cloying fragrance that comes into
bloom in November and lasts almost until Christmas. This
tree also has bright yellow fruit from February until May that
adds much to its attractiveness. The fruit, however, does not
mature in the sections colder than Savannah. The ever-beautiful
Photinia serrulata, with its leaf buds of brilliant red in Midwinter,
becomes a sight to delight both gods and men when February's
chilling rains make life a burden and cheer much needed. It
is then covered with corymbs of creamy-white flowers that remind
one of the Summer-flowering Elders. With the Photinias, the
native Wild Olive, Oka americana, blooms. The blossoms of
this tree are individually insignificant, but when the multitudi-
nous clusters show among the always ghstening green leaves it
IS one of the most charming of the evergreen trees. Defohation
is necessary in transplanting this tree and as the nurserymen do
not handle it very often it is well to remember this in digging
specimens in the woods to transport to the lawns and gardens
which they so worthily adorn.

180 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Another evergreen tree that is very beautiful and hardy all
along the Gulf Coast is Cinnamomum camphora. While it cannot
be called a flowering tree, the dainty coloring in the young leaves
makes it worthy of a prominent place in the plantings wherever
it can be grown. All of the above trees are classed as broad-
leaved evergreens and are valuable, therefore, for their Winter
foliage as well as for their blossoms.

The golden yellow balls of the Opoponax, Acacia Jam esiana^
with their delicate fragrance, bring to the gardens of the far South
and Florida the aroma of the gardens of the Orient. With dainty
foliage, finely cut and sensitive to the touch, and an outline of
characteristic grace, this tree should be planted in the sub-tropical
sections much more often than it is, for its blossoms also project
their haunting odor on the Midwinter air.

The early Spring-flowering trees that have small white flowers
are the White Fringe, Chionanthus virginica^ that we know in
the woodland roamings of childhood as Grand-Daddy's Grey-
beard; the Silver Bell and Snowdrop Trees, Mohrodendron caro-
linum and M. dipterum^ which tell by their common names the
nature of the blossoms; the characteristic and fragrant clusters
of the hardy Black Locust, Robinia pseudacacia; the Hillside
Thorn, Crataegus collina, the English and evergreen Hawthorns,
Cratxgus monogyna and Crataegus coccinea Lalandii; the Service
Berry and Shadbush, Ajnelanchier botryapium and Amelanchier
canadensis^ known to all plant lovers; with the later blooms of
the Yellow Wood, Virgilia lutea, and the most lovely of all, the
Sourwood, Oxydendron arboreum, which bears clusters of flowers
like Lilies of the Valley, all add daintiness to the landscape and
most of them fragrance as well.

For the broader-petaled white blooms of early Spring the most
popular (and deservedly so) is the Dogwood in its various forms.
Cornus florida alba is most used in the South. The Hardy Oranges,
and the Citrange, grafted on the stock of Citrus trifoiiata^ are
most attractive, and the Starry Magnolia, M. stellata, the creamy-
white Horse Chestnut, ^s cuius parvi flora ^ and JEsculus Hip-
pocastanum^ with the Mountain Ash, Sorbus americana^ for the
colder sections, will round out the Hst.

FLOWERING TREES

181

SYRINGA JAPONICA IN ALL ITS SPRING LOVELINESS

This is a New York State picture, but the tree would be equally attractive in Georgia and

would grow as well. I know, for I have tried it

182

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

FLOWERING TREES 183

To these trees we may add for the white blossoms the fruit
trees, Cherry, Plum, Pear and the flowering Peach, Persica chrys-
anthemmn alba or Persica vulgaris. In Midsummer, the white
Crape Myrtle, LagerstrcsJiiia indica alba, is very beautiful. This
form is not a very vigorous grower nor as hardy as the pink varie-
ties, but it is lovely enough to be widely used.

If anything can be more exquisite than the snowy charm of
the white-blossomed trees of the Springtime it is when the roseate
hues of Peach and Apricot, Crab Apple and flowering Cherries
are seen etched in all their dainty loveliness against the soft, clear
blue of the Spring skies and washed in the showers of an April
noon. In order to be sure of getting what you want from the
florists all trees should be ordered by their standard names. The
nomenclature of the pink-flowering trees of Springtime is:
Cornus florida rubra, pink Dogwood; Cerasus japonica, flowering
Cherry; Cercis japonica, Judas tree; Japanese Magnolia, Mag-
nolia Soulangeana, and the Persica chrysanthejnum rosea and
rubra, the pink- and red-flowering Peaches.

The unequaled richness of the red Horse Chestnut, /Esculus
rubicunda, and the fiery scarlet of the Maple bloom, Acer rubrum,
and the carmine Lagerstroemia of Summer flower add deeper
notes to the color scheme and beauty to the landscape picture.

In striking contrast to the blossoms of pink and white and
red are the trees with flowers of yellow tones. Of the larger
trees the Parasol Tree {Sterculia platanifolia) , Laburnum vulgaris,
the Golden Chain Tree, and the Tulip Poplars, Liriodendron
tulipijera, are rich and colorful. The Tulip Tree is the hardest
to transplant but once established is much the most desirable
and beautiful of this group. For sidewalk, parks, street and
lawn planting no other tree is better. The deep orange found
in the Tulip Tree flowers is repeated in the blossoms of the
Golden Rain Tree or Varnish Tree, K(£lreuteria paniculata, which
is a very attractive plant and free from the blights which so often
attack the Laburnums. The creamy yellow Southern Black
Haw, Viburnum rufidulum, and the Japanese Pagoda Tree,
Sophora japonica, complete the yellow side of the scale.

184 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

The feathery purphsh plumes of the Smoke Tree, Rhus Cotinus^
form a most charming contrast when planted in conjunction
with tawny yellow flowers of the Tulip trees. For the best effects
the Smoke Trees should be planted in masses. On the driveways
of the farms beautiful screens can be made of these trees if planted
with the evergreen Cassine berries and the Japanese Privets.

The quick-growing China Berry trees, Melia Azederach and
the umbrella form, Melia Azederach umbraculiformisy are universal
favorites. Unquestionably the delicate flowers of lilac and
primrose yellow with deeper purple tips are beautiful and the
fragrance is very penetrating; but the tree is such a glutton that
it absorbs all the soil nourishment within many feet of it and is
such a pig when it comes to making trash that it would be more
deserving of its widespread use if it could be induced to change its
bad habits.

Stately and elegant both in blossom and foliage are the broad-
leaved Catalpas, Catalpa bignioides and C. speciosa. The panicles
of purple blossom with orange throats that cover these trees in
May and June are very handsome and the pale violet clusters
that crown the Empress Tree, Paulownia imperialism make a
fitting garland for this queen who has come to us from across the
Pacific. Both the Catalpas are subject to a scale that is very
hard to eradicate and is likely to injure other plantings near it.

The Flowering Willow, Chilopsis linearis^ and Vitex Agnus-
castuSy the Chaste Tree, are the only trees with purple blooms
that we have in the Summer months. The so-called purple
Lagerstrcemia indica is so nearly a magenta in shade that it should
be barred from every garden.

The Summer-flowering trees are not numerous, but they make
up in brilliance what they lack in number. The evergreen Privet
trees, Ligustrum japonica and L. lucidum^ begin to bloom in late
May and continue well into June. The flowers of characteristic
beauty and odor are followed by heavy clusters of berries which
are green with a soft bloom in Fall and black in Winter. They
are truly beautiful and are quick growing and desirable garden
and lawn ornaments. They are also particularly useful for ever-
green screenings. Even as far north as West Point, N. Y., the

FLOWERING TREES

185

186

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

MAGNOLIA BLOSSOMS PRODUCE AN EFFECT THAT IS ALMOST UNBELIEV-

ABLE-UNTIL YOU SEE IT

This is a specimen of Magnolia Soulangeana

FLOWERING TREES 187

Japanese Lilac, Syringa japonica^ is hardy and wonderfully
beautiful. The broad corymbs of creamy white flowers stand
well above the dark green of the leaves which are of large size
and heavy texture and the fragrance of the flowers is pungent
and strong. An avenue or drive lined with these trees in bloom
makes a picture of exceeding loveliness.

More strictly southern and bringing the flavor of the gardens
of the Old South into those of the New is Magnolia grandiflora,
that lifts unnumbered cups of old ivory tints on lacquered trays
of shining green that the gods may sip to their fill of the nectar
that can only be distilled for them among the fragrant blossoms
of southern gardens in Midsummer. As dainty as the ladies of
those olden days, whose gardens they adorned, is the exquisite
Mimosa, Acacia Julibrissin, with its pink-tipped, thistle-like
blooms of pearl color. Every southern garden large enough to
contain them should have both of these trees, purely for senti-
ment's sake, even if not for their own beauty. The Magnolias,
Mimosas, and Crape Myrtles are companions in the romantic
history of the South and no trio of tree planting could be more
beautiful. The delicate rose-pink and the deeper rose madder
of the Crape Myrtles make them objects of striking interest and
beauty for many months each year. As hedges they are most
eff"ective. A vine-covered pergola with snowy columns limned
against the masses of a group of pink Crape Myrtles forms a
most artistic picture.

Distinction in the planting of flowering trees can be secured
only by planting them in masses, and where the place is small it
is far better to confine oneself to one variety exclusively than to
attempt to mingle the groupings. Who has not heard of the
beautiful avenues of Cherry blossoms that make the roadways'
of Japan the Mecca of tourists from all parts of the world ? In
North Georgia there is a turnpike which is bordered by Apple
trees for a distance of forty miles. Some day, when the motorists
discover its fairy-like beauty in the early Spring, it will also become
a famous trysting place for the beauty-lovers of the world. High
up among the old red hills its beauty and charm are worth while
from early Spring until late Fall. One home in mid-Georgia is

188

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Eriobotrya japonica the Japanese Medlar or Loquat, as found at Brooksville, Fla.
Foliage, blossoms and fruit all find favor

FLOWERING TREES 189

known far and wide for the white and pink Crape Myrtles, which
fill the air with fragrance and delight the eye with beauty, all
through the long, hot Summer months. Another home is the
delight of all the passing throng in the early Spring, on account
of the wonderful vistas framed by its blossoming Dogwood trees,
both the white and the pink varieties. I might cite instance
after instance of places made beautiful and become famous by
massed plantings, but these are mentioned in passing, as it were,
to stress the suggestion that if you can only have a few shrubs or
trees you should plant those you select in worthy numbers, revel
in their beauty each recurring season and live on the memories
of them for the rest of the year.

^^TT

190

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

THE HISTORIC CORNWALLIS OAK
At Guilford, N. C, says tradition, on March 15, 1751, Lord Cornwallis, in command of the
British troops, tied his horse to an Oak sapling. The horse ate the main leader and the tree
developed this magnificent spreading head. Who would not treasure such an heirloom in

his or her garden ?

CONCLUSION 191

CHAPTER XXI

CONCLUSION— DEVOUTLY HOPED FOR

THE small householder is apt to think that the cost of perma-
nent shrubbery is so great as to be prohibitive to the man
of small means. This is not true. The average price of the
small deciduous and evergreen shrubs is from twenty-five to
seventy-five cents and many of the former can be bought for as
little as ten cents each. Many of our most beautiful garden
children can be found in the wild woods for the digging and can
be safely transplanted, if proper attention is given to pruning
and planting at the time of moving. But, when these plants
must be bought from the nurserymen (£hd this is the easiest and
usually most satisfactory way of handling them) it must be remem-
bered that the primary cost is the only one to be considered, so
they are really much cheaper in the end than the flowers that
grow from seed and must be planted anew each year.

The ultimate care of a shrubbery border is negligible as com-
pared to the borders of annual flowers, which to the average man
or woman is the meaning conveyed when one speaks of making
a garden. Reliable garden help is very hard to secure, and this
is another argument in favor of the garden that is planted with
evergreen and deciduous shrubs, that is a joy to the maker of it
from its inception, repays every moment of care expended on it,
and grows in interest and charm from season to season. No
garden was ever made in a day and the starting of it right, with
dependable plantings, and with a clear idea of the aim to be
reached, will mean untold pleasure in the future.

192 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Making a garden in the South is different from making
one in any other section only in the fact that every month can be
and should be a garden working month and every season should
have its share of bloom and beauty and sweetness. Midwinter
blossoms are no rarer than Midsummer ones and garden work
is much easier done in January than in August. The cold invig-
orates one to energetic efforts without destroying the result of
the labor of one's hands and heart and brain. The heat, on the
other hand, enervates and often parches the plantings and not
much gardening can be done in the hot Summer months. Because
this is true, the Winter months give to the women and men
of the Southern States the opportunity they need to make beauti-
ful their homes. Think what it would mean to the physical
value of the farms of these sections if every farmer would make
of his dooryard a lawn, would plant screens of flowering trees to
hide the service quarters of his farm, would plant the foundation
lines of his home with shrubs and would shield the porches from
the Summer sun by means of ornamental vines!

With the prodigal wealth of our flora, with the ease of growth,
why is it that the people of the South have not taken advantage
of their opportunities and made this section the most wonder-
fully beautiful of the world ^ It is simply because they have
not seen the vision of concerted action, of definite planting plans,
of working for beauty on the farms as well as for utility. This
has been true of the past. It will not be true of the future. Our
boys have seen the gardens of old England and France, they have
come home with inspiration and the will to translate that ideal
into action. This means the inception of a new era and the
development of the home grounds of the South in a way that has
not been considered possible heretofore. The slogan, "Every
home in a garden" will become a truism before many years have
passed.

When I began my garden the plantings were good enough,
but were so scattered, so hidden by fences and buildings, that
there was needed the eye of faith, the heart of patience, and the
prayer of courage to undertake to transform the higgledy-piggledy
city lot into a place of beauty and fragrance; a garden worthy

CONCLUSION

193

194

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

CONCLUSION 195

of the name, but that is what it is today. My ideal has been
to make a picture of greenness and brilliance that will be seen
from every window in the house on every day in the year. This
I have done. It is a hard task, and I have just begun to realize
my ideals of smooth, close-shaven lawns bordered by blossoms
against a background of shrubs, which are sometimes brilliantly
flower-starred and the rest of the time rich and green. There
is much, much, yet to do, but it has been so well worth while in
every possible way that I am glad to pass the story of my efforts
on, hoping that some other busy woman or man with no more
time nor money than I have had will take heart of grace and go
forth and do likewise.

The worst part of a working woman's garden is her limita-
tion of time and money. There are so many things one would
like to do that just cannot be done on account of lack of funds,
and the going must be so discouragingly slow. After a time,
one realizes that to "make haste slowly" is a good motto for the
garden maker. The best part of the worker's garden is that,
because each week means a sacrifice for the garden work and
plantings, everything that gives beauty or fragrance is doubly
a joy.

The men and women who make gardens will find them safety
valves for the spirit when things go wrong. They will not tire
of garden making, for the fascinating part of it is that it is never
finished. They must plant in faith, water with hope, take counsel
of patience; then, if they are long-suffering and kind, they will
reap an abundant harvest of joy and peace and happiness as well
as of Pansies, and Roses, and Lilies, and Poppies, and blossoms
of every hue.

The End.

196 THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

INDEX OF OWNERS OR SITES OF
GARDENS ILLUSTRATED

Page

Augusta (Ga.) Women's Clubs 161

Henry Barnett, Sumter, S. C 121

Mr. Beagle, Chico, Cal 136

Frank E. Beane, Augusta, Ga 15

Peter Bisset, Washington, D. C 82

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah, Ga 32

Mrs. A. H. Brenner, Augusta, Ga (top) 41

A. L. Brooks, Irving Park, Goldsboro, N. C 194

Mrs. F. N. Brunson, Sumter, S. C 107

Carter Burdell, "Winterholme," Augusta, Ga 66, 84, 87

Judge E. H. Calloway, Augusta, Ga 76

Bryan Gumming, Augusta, Ga 16

Mrs. Hiram Price Dillon, Topeka, Neb 148

Mrs. Julia Lester Dillon, "Lesterholme," Augusta, Ga.30, 68, 100, 110, 127

Eben W. Doughty, Augusta, Ga 124

Lawton B. Evans, Augusta, Ga 77, 104

Fisher Park, Greensboro, N. C 88, 166

Georgia Railroad Station, Augusta, Ga 129

C. W. Gold, Goldsboro, N. C 112

Francis A. Hardy, Augusta, Ga

Cover, frontispiece, 46, 49, 78, 92, 143, 158, 173, 175

H. C. Haynesworth, Sumter, S. C 42, 43, 44 (bottom), 45

Mrs. John W. Herbert, "Palmetto Lodge," North Augusta, S. C.29, 83, 164

Highland Park, Rochester, N. Y 181

Gardiner G. Hubbard, "Twin Oaks," Washington, D. C 67, 69, 77

C. C. Hudson, Greensboro, N. C 25

Miss M. Hughson, Sumter, S. C 135

Irving Park, Greensboro, N. C 38, 193

Dr. C. J. Lemmon, Sumter, S. C 115

Mrs. J. H. Levy, Augusta, Ga 60, 160

Paul C. Lindley, Greensboro, N. C 22, 116, 132, 178

C. T. Mason, Sumter, S. C 35

Memorial Park, Sumter, S. C 98, 176

H. H. Morris, Augusta, Ga (bottom) 41

R. C. Neely, Jr., Augusta, Ga (top) 44

H. Nehrling, Gotha, Fla 54

James Parmalee, Painesville, 0 170

Royal Palm Hotel, Miami, Fla 31

Coles Phinizy, Augusta, Ga 104

E. Sternberger, Greensboro, N. C 37, 56

Mrs. I. C. Strauss, Sumter, S. C 91

Miss Marie Sumerau, Augusta, Ga 185

Gertrude Capen Whitney, Augusta, Ga 169

Dr. Walter Van Fleet, Bell Station, Md 50

Boykin Wright, "Coniston," Augusta, Ga 56, 162, 165, 174

{Illustrations on pages 146 and 149, courtesy of W. Atlee Burpee Co.)

INDEX

197

INDEX

(Figures in italics ind
A Page

Abelia grandiflora S5, 27, 117

Acacia Farnesiana, 180; Julibris-

sin 187

Acer plantanoides, 38; rubrum.. . . 183
iEsculus Hippocastanum,180; par-

viflora, 180; rubicunda 183

African Marigolds 118, 122

Ageratum 85,111,118,122

Agrostis vulgaris 177

Althsa, 155; frutex 117

Alyssum saxatile 118, 122

Amelanchier Botryapium, 180;

canadensis . 180

Ampelopsis arborea, 163; quin-

quefolia, 162, 163; Veitchii 163

Antigonon leptopus 159, 166

Antirrhinum 85, 86, 122

Apple, Flowering Crab 183

Aphids 69,126

Aquilegia.. 122, 133, 134, 138

Arabis alpina 122, 133

Arborvitse 79

Artemisia lactifolia 116, 132

Arsenate of lead 126

Assam Tea Plant 23

Asters 106, 111, 113, 118, 122

Augusta gardens 48

Autumn sowing 147

Azalea amcena, 47; arborescens,

51; calendulacea, 51, 52; Hi-

nodigiri, 48; Kaempferi, 60;

lutea, 51; mollis, 48; Vaseyi,. . 51
Azaleas, 47, 49; deciduous 51, 5^

Baby's Breath 39

Bamboo, 12J^; Heavenly ;^^, 27

Banana Tree 123

Bear Grass 30

Berberis japonica, 33; Thunber-

gii 36, 3S

Bermuda Grass. . . .171, 172, 174, 177
Bignonia crucigera 164

icate illustrations.)

Page

Biota aurea conspicua, 65; B. a.

nana, 56', 62; B. a. pyramidalis. 65

Bordeaux mixture 125

Boxwood, dwarf, 43, U, 76, 169;

tall, 2^,39,84

Bridal Wreath 152

Broad-leaved evergreens 19

Bur Clover, Georgia 177

Burning Bush 152

Buxus sempervirens, 28, 39, 40;

B. s. suffruticosa 43

Cactus 16,119

Calico Bush 27,28

Camellias 47,53,5.^

Campanula carpatica, 138; pyra-
midalis 138

Camphor Tree 180

Candytuft 76,118

Canna, 89, 106, 113, 115, 123, 135, 136

Canterbury Bells 138

Capriola dactylon 171, 174, 177

Cardinal Vine 167, 168

Catalpa bignonoides, 184; spe-

ciosa 184

Cassine Berry 184

Cedrus Deodara 57, 60

Centaurea 122

Cerasus caroliniana, 20, 35; japon-
ica 183

Cercis japonica 183

Chamaxyparis pisifera plumosa,^5, 64

Charleston 13

Chaste Tree 184

Chattahoochee 17

Cherry Trees, Carolina, 20; Flow-
ering 183

Chimney Bell Flower 138

China Berry Tree 184

Chionanthus virginica 180

Chrysanthemum 102, 105, 118,

122, 14^

198

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Page

Cinnamomum Camphora 180

Citrange 180

Citrus trifoliata 40, 180

Clematis paniculata 167

Clover, Bur, 177; White 177

Columbine 122, 133, 134, 138

Concord 13

Conifers Jt,56, 57, 59, 60, 63, 64

Coral Vine 159

Coreopsis lanceolata 140

Cornflower 118

Cornwallis Oak, The 190

Cornus florida alba, 180, 182;

C. f. rubra 183

Cosmos 105

Crape Myrtle. 183, 187, 189

Crataegus coccinea, 180; collina,
180; monogyna, 180; pyracan-
tha Lalandii (see Pyracantha).

Crocus.. 109

Cross Vine 164

Cumberland 17

Cupressus Benthamii, 58; C. B.
Knightiana, 58; C. funebris,
61; C. sempervirens, 61; pyra-

midalis royalii 56, 60, Ql

Cydonia 110, 152

Cypress Trees. 4^, 56, 58, 59, 60, 129
Cypress Vine 167

Daffodils 90, 109, 118, 122

Dahlia 105

Daisies, 108, 123, 185; African.. . . 91

Darwin Tulips 4

Delphinium 14, 85, 122, 138

Deutzia, 110, 154; crenata, 152;

gracilis 152

Dianthus plumarius 133

Diervilla florida 152

Digitalis gloxiniaeflora 138

Dogwood, pink, 183; white 182

Dolichos 167

Elseagnus 23

Elder, American 155

Empress Tree 184

English Rye Grass 177

Eriobotrya japonica 23, 179, 188

Euonymus radicans 159, 170

Page

Euphorbia 31

Evergreens, Broad-leaved 19

Exochorda grandiflora 29, 152

Ficus repens 159

Fig, Trailing, 159; Tree 109

Florida 14

Flowering Cherry, 183; Peach, 183;

Plum, 183; trees, 138, Willow. .184

Flowers of sulphur 125

Forsythia, 110; Fortunei, 152;

suspensa, 152, 158; viridissima.152

Foxglove 138

Fragrance 34

Fringe Tree 180

Gaillardia 89, 133, 136

Gardenia jasminoides florida, 29,

117; G.j. Fortunei 29, 117

Gelsemium sempervirens 163

Georgia 14

Gladiolus 123

Golden Bell, 152, 158; Chain Tree,

183, Glow, 105, 118; Rain Tree.183

Grass seed 171

Greenbrier 160

Gynerium 16

Gypsophila paniculata 39

Haw, Black 183

Hawthorn 19,20,26, 180

Heavenly Bamboo 26

Hedera algeriensis, 159; Helix. 79, 159

Hedge plants 35

Helianthus. 85, 111, 118, 122

Hibiscus syriacus 155

Hillside Thorn 180

Holly 22,23,24:

Hollyhocks 111,133

Honeysuckle 152

Hop Vine 167

Horse Chestnut Tree 180, 183

Hudson 13, 17

Humulus japonicus 167

Hyacinth, 84, 85, 90, 109, 118, 122;
Hyacinth Bean 167

INDEX

199

Page

Hydrangea, 110, 111, 112, 113;

arborescens, 155; monstrosa,

155; Otaksa, 155; paniculata

grandiflora. 111, 113, 117, 155;

quercifolia 117

Hypericum Moserianum 117

Iberis sempervirens 76, 122

Ilex aquifolium, 24; cassine, 20,

24; cornuta, 24; crenata, 22,

24; glabra, 20, 24; opaca. . . .20, 24

Inkberry 24

Insecticides 126, 128, 131

Ipomoea 167

Iris, 97, 118, 121, 122; germanica,

145, 158; hispanica, 145;

Kaempferi 145, 158

Italian Rye Grass 144, 172, 177

Ivy, Algerian, 106; Boston, 163,

166; English 46, US, 159, 164-

Jasmine, Malayan, 163; Star, 163,
165; Yellow 163

Jasminum nudiflorum, 88, 152,
153, 158; revolutum 155

Jonquils .....109,118, 122

Juniperus communis, 43, 64; vir-
giniana 43,58,64

Kalmia latifolia 27,28

Kentucky Blue Grass 176, 177

Kerosene emulsion 128

Kerria japonica 152

Kcelreuteria paniculata 183

Kudzu Vine 167

Laburnum vulgare 183

Lagerstroemia 117, 129, 183, 184

Larkspur 107, 118, 122

Laurel, English, 28, 29, 115;

Mountain 27,^5

Laurocerasus 20, 21, 28

Laurus nobilis 28

Laurustinus 24

Lavender 117

Lavandula vera 117

Lawns 144, 171, 175, 176, 178

Page
Ligustrum amurense, 27, 35, 36,

41, 43, 45, 79; chinensis, 33;

japonicum, 20, 33, 37, 184;

lucidum, 20,33, 184; nepalense,

33; ovalifolium,36; Quihoui. . . 33

Lilac 152,187

Lime-sulphur 126

Liriodendron tulipifera 183

Locust, Black 180

Lolium italicum, 172, 173, 177;

perenne. . 172, 177

Lonicera chinensis, 164; fragran-

tissima, 152; sempervirens 164

Loquat 20, 23, 179, 188

Magnolia fuscata, 20; gloriosa,
20; grandiflora, 20, 187; Sou-

langeana, 183, 186; stellata 180

Mahonia japonica 21

Maples, Norway 38

Marvel of Peru 85

Massachusetts 18

Medicago arabis 177

Medlar 20, 23, 179, 188

Melia Azederach, 184; M. A. um-

braculiformis 131, 184

Mildew 125

Mimosa 188

Mohrodendron carolinianum, 180;

dipterum 180

Moonflower.. 168

Morning Glories 85

Mountain Ash, 180; Laurel,... .27, 28
Myrtle, Crape, 123; Trailing 79

Nandina domestica ^^,27

Narcissus 85, 109, 118, 122

Nasturtium 85, 111, 167

Nerium 20, IIZ, 121

New Orleans 13

Oak, Cornwallis, 190; Live 32

Olea americana, 20; fragrans, .23, 179

Oleander 29, 50, 113, 123, 121

Oleaster 23

Olive, Tea, 23^ 85; Wild! . .' . .' .' .'26, 35

Opoponax 180

Opuntia 16,119

200

THE BLOSSOM CIRCLE OF THE YEAR

Page

Oxydendron, arboreum 180

Oyster-shell scale 128

Pagoda Tree 183

Pansies 81,110,118,122

Parasol Tree 183

Paulownia imperialis 184

Peach, Flowering 87, 183

Pear, Flowering 183

Pearl Bush : 27,152

Persica chrysanthemum, 183;

vulgaris 183

Peony 139

Periwinkle 7^,169

Perennials 137

Pests 123

Petunias 86, 107, 111, 118, 122

Philadelphus, 110; coronarius 152

Phlox, 86, 105, 106, 110, 113, 118,
122, 123, 134; paniculata. .133, 134

Photinia serrulata 179

Physostegia virginiana 89

Pinks 133

Pinus densiflora, 62; excelsa, 56,

62; koraiensis 62

Pittosporum Tobira 29

Plant lice 69,126,131

Platycodon grandiflora 138

Poa pratensis. 176,177

Polygonum marginatum 168

Pomegranates 113, 155

Poplars 129

Poppies, 110; Iceland, 133; Shir-
ley 9Q,98

Potassium sulphide 126

Pride of India Tree 131

Privet. . . .27, 33, 35, 36, 37, 41, 43,

45, 79, 184

Pruning. .....; 109

Prunus caroliniana 40

Punica 110,155

Pyracantha coccinea Lalandii, 19,

20,26
Pyrus floribunda 152

Quercus 32

Quince, Japanese 112, 152

Ramblers, Baby 129

Red Top 177

Page
Retinospora plumosa, 59, 65;

squarrosa Veitchii 65

Rhamnus catharticus 40

Rhododendron 33

Rhodotypos 152

Rhus aromatica, 155; Cotinus,

155, 184; michauxi 155

Robinia pseudacacia 180

Rosa de Montana 159

Rosa laevigata, 82; rugosa 73

Rose garden, Making a, 75; view

of 71,78

Rose of Sharon 155

Roses, Baby Rambler, i^5; Cher-
okee, 66, 82, 83; Climbing, 66,
68, 125, 160; old-fashioned, 67;
Polyantha, 77; hybrid.. ..67, 69, 72

Rudbeckia 105, 118, 122

Rust 125

Rye Grass, English, 177; Italian. 144,
172, 177

Salvia. .85, 86, 106, 111, 113, 118, 122

Sambucus canadensis 155

Savannah 17

Scale, Oyster-shell 128

Service Tree 180

Shasta Daisy 185

Shrubs, deciduous, 151; ever-
green 19, 35

Silver Bell Tree 180

Smilax, Bonanox, 160; Wild 160

Smoke Tree 155, 184

Snowball \U2,157

Snowdrop, 85, 109, 118; tree 180

Snow Garland 39

Sophora japonica 183

Sorbus americana 180

Sourwood Tree 180

South Carolina 18

Spanish Bayonet 16, 30, 103

Spiraea, 110, 155; Reevesiana, 152;
Thunbergii, 27, 37, 39, 129',

Vanhouttei 152

Sprays. . . . 124, 125, 126, 128, 130, 131

Sterculia platanifolia 183

Sweet Peas. ... 110, 146, 147, 149, 150

Sweet William 111,133

St. John's Wort 117

St. Augustine's Grass 177

Stenotaphrum dimitiatum 177

INDEX

201

Page

Sumac 155

Syringa, 110, 152; japonica, 181,
187; vulgaris 152

Tamarix plumosa 128

Tea Olive 23,85,179

Tea Plant, Assam 23

Tecoma radicans 167

Texas 14

Thea Bohea 23

Thorn, Hillside 180

Thuya 65

Trifolium repens 172, 176, 177

Trumpet Flower, 164; Vine 167

Tulip Tree 183

Tulips 90, 109

Umbrella Tree 185

Varnish Tree 183

Verbena 85,86,111

Veronica 89, 122

Viburnum plicatum, 152; rufidu-
lum, 183; Tinus 24

Page

Vinca major, 79; minor 115

Vines 159

Viola cornuta 81, 121, 122

Violets 85, 90, 101, 118

Virgilia lutea 180

Virginia 14, 18

Virginia creeper 162, 163

Vitex Angus-castus 184

Weigela 152

Whale oil soap 126

White Clover 172, 176, 177

White Fringe Tree 180

Wild Olive 20,5^

Willow, Flowering 184

Wistaria chinensis 163

Yellow Wood. 180

Yucca aloifolia, 16, 30; filamen-
tosa, 30, 103] Treculeana 30

Zinnia 86, 106, 111, 113, 118, 122

qA Suggestion

ONE of the joys of garcleuing is that it is never finished, never with-
out new interests and possibilities that come to light not only in
onr own gardens but also in those that we maj^ chance to visit. To fully
realize these possibilities, however, we must take note of them, remem-
ber them, compare, contemplate and develop them.

The following pages are left blank so that you can make such gar-
den notes and memoranda, with which to render your future work and
study more enjoyable, more successful and more profitable — for your-
self and for your garden brethren, also. If their use should lead you
into the habit of keeping a garden diary such as that mentioned in
Chapter IX, so much the better.

(garden ^^tes and <SMemordnda

garden TS[otes and (Memoranda

Garden Notes and Memoranda

garden ^^tes and ^Memoranda

Qarden ^f^lotes and (Memoranda

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