The century book of gardening; a comprehensive work for every lover of the garden (1900) (20400943018)

Title: The century book of gardening; a comprehensive work for every lover of the garden

Identifier: centurybookofgar00cook (find matches)

Year: 1900 (1900s)

Authors: Cook, E. T. (Ernest Thomas), 1867-1915, ed

Subjects: Gardening

Publisher: London, The Offices of "Country life" (etc. )

Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries

Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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74 THE CENTURY BOOK OF GARDENING. fading year are fairer when growing as in their native prairies than when used in any conventional way. Propagate by dividing the roots in early spring, when new growth commences. Old tufts are apt to become flowerless and weak, and when they get into this condition, division and if possible a fresh site are necessary. Starworts bloom throughout October and far into November if the weather is fair, for storms of wind and rain and even frosts have little effect upon them. Asters differ considerably in stature, some quite dwarf, others even 6ft. in height, their willowy stems as graceful as any Reed. Selections have been given, and the first planted should he varieties from 2ft. to 3ft. high. Dwarf Asters —These are precious perennials to make groups of, perhaps creeping up to a bank of shrubs or firs which throw into relief the flower colouring. A. acris is very charming, its compact growths almost hidden in early September with lilac flowers, whilst those of A. Amellus bessarabicus are larger, and rich purple, but the except very small gardens ; Edith, pinkish mauve ; and Leda, deep blue, height, 3;ft. Another species, named A. Nova; Angliae, has also given rise to several variations, the most effective being Rosens, ruber, William Bowman, rose purple, and the late-flowering deep blue pulchellus. Of others, good groups may be formed of A. Lrevis Apollo, lavender blue ; 1. Arcturus, very rich blue-purple flowers, and almost black stems ; 1. Ariadne, blue; 1. decorus, soft lilac ; and the soft mauve-coloured, late-flowering 1. Calliope. Also include Cordifolius, ericoides, Shorti, polyphyllus, puniceus pulcherrimus, a very charming kind for grouping, its flowers almost of a blush tint ; diffusas horizontalis, its branching stems smothered with red flowers ; grandiflorus, the latest of all in bloom, hence its name of the Christmas Aster—its flowers are deep violet-blue; turbinellus, versicolor, and the small white-flowered but very pretty vimineus. Any or all of these may be planted without fear of failure in growth or effectiveness. The slender sprays of flowers are welcome

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ASTERS (Michaelmas Daisies or Starworts). plant is of the same height. A charming kind is Riverslea, its flowers rich purple-violet, an intense and glorious colour. Select also from A. cordifolius, mauve, graceful in growth ; ptarmicoides, pure white ; corymbosus, white, may be planted in the rock garden ; also dumosus, mauve, very compact, and only I Sin. high- the same as Lindleyanus, which has rose lilac flowers ; Linosyris (Goldilocks), rich yellow ; and Thomsoni, pale blue, a kind for the rock garden. Taller Asters.—It is difficult to know which varieties to reject from the great wealth, but we should select the following before all others : A. Novi Belgi, it must not be forgotten, is a species, and has given risj to numberless forms, of which the finest are : Harpur Crewe, pure white, yellow in the centre ; Purity, a beautiful Aster, with flowers of purest white, height, 5ft. ; Robert Parker, the tallest of the group, 5jft., the flowers large, and soft lavender in colour, a kind for all for the house. Many sweet decorations may be composed of the Starworts arranged with or without other flowers. Seedlings are easily raised by sowing the seed in spring, and in time the plants reproduce themselves. Seedlings as a rule, however, vary, and sometimes a very beautiful form occurs worth perpetuating. Aster alpinilS, an alpine species, is quite dwarf, rarely more than 9111. high, and most at home in the rock garden. Its purple flowers appear as early as July, and there are forms of it, one being white. Speciosus is a noteworthy variety, the flowers being large and of a beautiful violet shade. Astilbes.—The Astilbes are more commonly known under the name of Spineas, while by botanists they are classed under the generic name of Hoteia. Their root-stocks are perennial and their foliage deciduous, while their handsome flower-clusters are formed of innumerable tiny blossoms ranging in colour between white and carmine.

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1900

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