Chapter 2

Phlox PaniculataThe tall-growing hardy phlox is a garden mainstay through August, September and October. Beware of the magenta colorings

The tall-growing hardy phlox is a garden mainstay through August, September and October. Beware of the magenta colorings

Lysimachia clethroides—Loose-strife

An excellent plant in damp soils.

Pæonia—Peony

Every one should have them, including the early-flowering redP. officinalis, and the later ones. Try a few tree peonies—P. Moutan. They are grafted on the ordinary form, so destroy all suckers that come from below the union.

Phlox

The tall-growing hardy phlox should be in all gardens. It is permanent if taken up every three years and divided. Strong "cutting" plants give the finest blooms. Avoid magenta colors. The new salmon-pink Elizabeth Campbell is fine; on light soils, well drained, the creeping forms are desirable.

Pyrethrum

The hybrids ofP. roseumhave handsome, daisy-like flowers in white and various shades of pink, up to red, in single and semi-double forms, but they seldom live long. A raised bed suits them best.P. uliginosum, the giant white daisy, is fine in damp situations.

Rudbeckia

This genus includes the well-known golden glow andR. nitidavar. Autumn Sun, growing five feet high. It bears attractive primrose yellow flowers. The giant purple coneflower, often classed as a rudbeckia, is really anEchinacea, growing three or more feet tall, bearing reddish purple flowers and is very attractive in groups bordering a woods or shrubbery belt, presenting a rustic aspect and remaining a long time in bloom.

Thalictrum—Meadow Rue

The white form ofT. aquilegifoliumis a very handsome plant, doing fairly well in open shade, flowering in fluffy masses of white.

Veronica—Speedwell

These are all good, butV. longifolia subsessilisis by far the finest of the taller growers, reaching a height of three feet, and bearing long slender spikes of deep blue flowers.

SOME OF THE BEST PLANTS FOR SHADY POSITIONS

FOR DRY SOILS

Swamp MallowCrimson-eye hibiscus or swamp mallow, blooming in August and September

Crimson-eye hibiscus or swamp mallow, blooming in August and September

GaillardiaGaillardias are at their best in the perennial form and thrive in a sandy soil

Gaillardias are at their best in the perennial form and thrive in a sandy soil

Campanula PersicifoliaCampanula persicifolia, one of the best varieties in the bell flower family

Campanula persicifolia, one of the best varieties in the bell flower family

FOR WET SOILS

ALPINES, OR ROCK PLANTS


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