Bear’s Breech, Acanthus.—Vigorous perennials with noble foliage, mostly from Southern Europe. Long cast out of gardens, they are now beginning to receive more of the attention they deserve. In no position will they look better than carelessly planted here and there on the margin of a shrubbery or thicket, where the leaves of the Acanthus contrast well with those of the ordinary shrubs or herbaceous vegetation. Though quite hardy in all soils, they flower most freely in free loamy soils. Not varying very much in character, all obtainable hardy species would group well together. The most vigorous kind at present in cultivation is one called A. latifolius, almost evergreen, and a fine plant when well established. Few plants are more fitted for adorning wild and semi–wild places, as they grow and increase without care, and are for foliage or bloom unsurpassed by any of the numerous plants that have been so long neglected through their not being available in any popular system of “flower gardening.”ill121

Monkshood, Aconitum.—These are tall, handsome perennials, with very poisonous roots, which make it dangerous to plant them in or near gardens. Being usually very vigorous in constitution, they spread freely, and hold their own amongst the strongest herbaceous plants and weeds; masses of them seen in flower in copses or near hedgerows afford a very fine effect. There are many species, all nearly of equal value for the wild garden. Coming from the plains and mountains of Siberia and Northern Europe and America, they are among the hardiest of plants. When spreading groups of Aconites are in bloom in copses or open spaces in shrubberies, their effect is far finer than when the plants are tied into bundles in trim borders. The old blue–and–white kind is charming in half–shady spots, attaining stately dimensions in good soil. The species grow in any soil, but are often somewhat stunted in growth on clay.

Bugle, Ajuga.—Not a very numerous family so far as represented in gardens, but some of the species are valuable for the wild garden, notably Ajuga genevensis, which thrives freely in ordinary soils in open and half–shady places among dwarf vegetation, and affords beautiful tufts and carpets of blue. It spreads rapidly and is hardy everywhere. The plants mostly come from the cool uplands and hills of the temperate regions of Europe and Asia.

Yarrow, Achillea.—A numerous family of hardy plants spread through Northern Asia, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, etc., but more in Southern than in Central or Northern Europe. In the Alps and Pyrenees numerous species are found. The Golden Yarrows (A. Eupatorium and A. filipendulina) are stately herbaceous plants, with broad handsome corymbs of brilliantly showy flowers, attaining a height of 3 feet or 4 feet, and growing freely in any soil. These are well worthy of naturalisation. Various other Achilleas would grow quite as well in copses and rough places as the common Yarrow, but we know of none more distinct and brilliant than the preceding. The vigorous white–flowering kinds are superb for shrubberies, where their numerous white heads of flowers produce a singularly pleasing effect under the trees in summer. With few exceptions these plants have never been grown out of botanic gardens, many of them being thought too coarse for the mixed border. They are, nevertheless, remarkably beautiful both in flower and foliage, and many effects never before seen in gardens may be obtained by massing them under trees in shrubberies or copses, as a rule allowing one species to establish itself in each place and assume an easy natural boundary of its own. The small Alpine species would be interesting plants for stony or bare rocky places.

Allium.—A most extensive genus of plants scattered in abundance throughout the northern temperate and alpine regions of Europe and Asia, and also in America. Some of the species are very beautiful, so much so as to claim for them a place in gardens notwithstanding their disagreeable odour. It is in the wild garden only, however, that this family can find a fitting home; there species that do not seem attractive enough for the garden proper would afford novel effects at certain seasons. One of the most desirable effects to produce in the wild garden would be that of the beautiful white Narcissus–like Allium of the south of Europe (A. neapolitanum). The sheets of this in the Lemon orchards of Provence will be remembered with pleasure by many travellers. It would thrive in warm and sandy soils: there is an allied species (A. ciliatum) which does well in any soil, affords a similar effect, and produces myriads of star–like white flowers. Numerous singular effects may be produced from species less showy and more curious and vigorous, as for example the old yellow A. Moly.

Alstroemeria.—All who care for hardy flowers must admire the beauty of Alstroemeria aurantiaca, especially when it spreads into bold healthy tufts, and when there is a great variety in the height of the flowering stems. A valuable quality of the plant is, that in any light soil it spreads freely, and it is quite hardy. For dry places between shrubs, for dry or sandy banks (either wooded or bare), copses, or heathy places, this plant is admirable. I have noticed it thriving in the shade of fir trees. It is interesting as being a South American plant, thriving in any open soil.

Marsh Mallow, AlthÆa.—These are plants rarely seen out of botanic gardens now–a–days, and yet, from their vigour and showy flowers, they may afford unique effects in the wild garden. The common Hollyhock is an AlthÆa, and in its single form is typical of the vigorous habit and the numerous showy flowers of other rampant species, such as A. ficifolia. A group of these plants would be very effective seen from a wood walk, no kind of garden arrangement being large enough for their extraordinary vigour. It is not a numerous genus, but there are at least a dozen species, principally found on the shores and islands of the Mediterranean, and also in Western Asia.

Alyssum.—In spring every little shoot of the wide tufts and flakes of these plants sends up a little fountain of small golden flowers. For bare, stony, or rocky banks, poor sandy ground, and ruins, they are admirable. Alyssum Wiersbecki and A. saxatile are strong enough to take care of themselves on the margins of shrubberies, etc., where the vegetation is not very coarse, but they are more valuable for rocky or stony places, or old ruins, and thrive freely on cottage garden walls in some districts; some of the less grown species would be welcome in such places. There are many species, natives of Germany, Russia, France, Italy, Corsica, Sicily, Hungary, and Dalmatia; Asia, principally Siberia, the Altai Mountains, Georgia, Persia, and the entire basin of the Caspian, is rich in them.

Windflower, Anemone.—A numerous race of dwarf herbs that contribute largely to the most beautiful effects of the mountain, wood, and pasture vegetation of all northern and temperate climes. The flowers vary from intense scarlet to the softest blue; most of the exotic kinds would thrive as well in our woodlands and meadows as they do in their own. There is hardly a position they may not adorn—warm, sunny, bare banks, on which the Grecian A. blanda might open its large blue flowers in winter; the tangled copse, where the Japan Windflower and its varieties might make a bold show in autumn; and the shady wood, where the Apennine Windflower would contrast charmingly with the Wood Anemone so abundantly scattered in our own woods. The Hepaticas should be considered as belonging to the same genus, not forgetting the Hungarian one, A. angulosa. The Hepaticas thrive best and are seen best in half–woody places, where the spring sun may cheer them by passing through the branches, which afterwards become leafy and shade them from the scorching heats of summer.

St. Bruno’s Lily, Anthericum.—One of the most lovely aspects of vegetation in the alpine meadows of Europe is that afforded by the delicate white flowers of the St. Bruno’s Lily in the Grass in early summer, looking like miniature white Lilies. All who have seen it would no doubt like to enjoy the same in their turfy lawns or Grassy places, and there should be no difficulty in establishing it. The large–flowered or major variety might be tried with advantage in this way, and the smaller–flowered kinds, A. Liliago and its varieties, are equally suitable. They are not so likely to find favour in gardens as the larger kind, and therefore the wild garden is the home for them, and in it many will admire their graceful habit and numerous flowers. All the species best worth growing are natives of the alpine meadows of Europe.

Alkanet, Anchusa.—Tall and handsome herbaceous plants, with numerous flowers of a fine blue, admirable for dotting about in open places in sunny glades in woods or copses. They mostly come from Southern Europe and Western Asia. A. italica and A. capensis are among the most useful. The English Anchusa sempervirens, rare in some places, is an excellent wild garden plant.

Snapdragon, Antirrhinum.—The common Snapdragon and its beautifully spotted varieties are easily naturalised on old walls and ruins by sowing the seed in old or mossy chinks. Antirrhinum Asarinum, rupestre, and molle do well treated in the same way. Probably many other species would be found good in like places. About two dozen species are known, but comparatively few of these are in cultivation. They mostly come from the shores of the Mediterranean.

Columbine, Aquilegia.—Favourite herbaceous plants, generally of various shades of blue and purple, white, and sometimes bright orange. The varieties of the common kind (A. vulgaris), which are very numerous, are those most likely to be naturalised. In elevated and moist districts some of the beautiful Rocky Mountain kinds would be worth a trial in bare places. In places where wild gardens have been formed the effect of Columbines in the Grass has been one of the most beautiful that have been obtained. The flowers group themselves in all sorts of pretty ways, showing just above the long Grass, and possessing great variety of colour. The vigorous and handsome A. chrysantha of Western America is the most hardy and enduring of the American kinds. The species are of a truly northern and alpine family, most abundant in Siberia.ill126

Wall Cress, Arabis.—Dwarf alpine plants, spreading in habit, and generally producing myriads of white flowers, exceedingly suitable for the decoration of sandy or rocky ground, where the vegetation is very dwarf. With them may be associated Cardamine trifolia and Thlaspi latifolium, which resemble the Arabises in habit and flowers. All these are particularly suited for association with the purple Aubrietias, or yellow Alyssums, and in bare and rocky or gravelly places, old walls, sunk fences, etc.

Sandwort, Arenaria.—A most important family of plants for the wild garden, though perhaps less so for lowland gardens where more vigorous types flourish. There are, however, certain species that are vigorous and indispensable, such as A. montana and A. graminifolia. The smaller alpine species are charming for rocky places, and the little creeping A. balearica has quite a peculiar value, inasmuch as moist rocks or stones suffice for its support. It covers such surfaces with a close carpet of green, dotted with numerous star–like flowers. Some of the smaller species, such as Arenaria cÆspitosa (Sagina glabra var.), better known as Spergula pilifera, might be grown in the gravel, and even used to convert bare and sandy places into carpets of Mossy turf. In certain positions in large gardens it would be an improvement to allow the very walks or drives to become covered with very dwarf plants—plants which could be walked upon with little injury. The surface would be dry enough, being drained below, and would be more agreeable to the feet. Removing any coarse weeds that established themselves would be much easier than the continual hoeing and scraping required to keep the walk bare. Of course this only refers to walks in rough or picturesque places—the wild garden and the like—in which formal bare walks are somewhat out of place.ill127

Asphodel, Asphodelus.—The Asphodels are among the plants that have never been popular in the mixed border, nor are they likely to be so, the habit of the species being somewhat coarse and the flowering period not long, and yet they are of a stately and distinct order of beauty, which well deserves to be represented in open spaces, in shrubberies, or on their outer fringes. The plants are mostly natives of the countries round the Mediterranean, and thrive freely in ordinary soils.

Lords and Ladies, Arum.—Mostly a tropical and sub–tropical family, some of which grow as far north as southern Europe. These are quite hardy in our gardens. The Italian Arum is well worthy of a place in the wild garden, from its fine foliage in winter. It should be placed in sheltered half–shady places where it would not suffer much from storms. The old Dragon plant (A. Dracontium) grows freely enough about the foot of rocks or walls in sandy, or dry, peaty places. The nearly allied Arum Lily (Calla Æthiopica) is quite hardy as a water and water–side plant in the southern counties of England and Ireland.

Silkweed, Asclepias.—Usually vigorous perennials, with very curious and ornamental flowers, common in fields and on river banks in North America and Canada, where they sometimes become troublesome weeds. Of the species in cultivation, A. Cornuti and A. Douglasi could be naturalised easily in rich deep soil in wild places. The showy and dwarfer Asclepias tuberosa requires very warm sand soils to flower as well as in its own dry hills and fields. A good many of the hardy species are not introduced; for such the place is the wild garden. Some of them are water–side plants, such as A. incarnata, the Swamp Silkweed of the United States.

Starwort, Aster.—A very large family of usually vigorous, often showy, and sometimes beautiful perennials, mostly with bluish or white flowers, chiefly natives of North America. Many of these, of an inferior order of beauty, used to be planted in our mixed borders, which they very much helped to bring into discredit, and they form a very good example of a class of plants for which the true place is the copse, or rough and half–cared–for places in shrubberies and copses, and by wood–walks, where they will grow as freely as any native weeds, and in many cases prove highly attractive in late summer and autumn. Such kinds as A. pyrensÆus, Amellus, and turbinellus, are amongst the most ornamental perennials we have. With the Asters may be grouped the Galatellas, the Vernonias, and also the handsome and rather dwarf Erigeron speciosus, which, however, not being so tall, could not fight its way among such coarse vegetation as that in which the Asters may be grown. Associated with the Golden Rods (Solidago)—also common plants of the American woods and copses—the best of the Asters or Michaelmas Daisies will form a very interesting aspect of vegetation. It is that one sees in American woods in late summer and autumn when the Golden Rods and Asters are seen in bloom together. It is one of numerous aspects of the vegetation of other countries which the “wild garden” will make possible in gardens. To produce such effects the plants must, of course, be planted in some quantity in one part of a rather open wood, and not repeated all over the place or mixed up with many other things. Nearly 200 species are known, about 150 of which form part of the rich vegetation of North America. These fine plants inhabit that great continent, from Mexico—where a few are found—to the United States and Canada, where they abound, and even up to the regions altogether arctic of that quarter of the world.

Milk Vetch, Astragalus.—An enormously numerous family of beautiful hardy plants, represented to but a very slight extent in our gardens, though hundreds of them are hardy, and many of them among the most pleasing of the many Pea flowers which adorn the hills and mountains of the northern world in Asia, Europe, and America. They are mostly suited for rocky or gravelly situations, or bare banks, though some of the taller species, like A. galegiformis, are stout enough to take care of themselves among the larger perennials. This plant is valuable for its handsome port and foliage, though its flowering qualities are not such as recommend it for the garden proper. The numerous species from the Mediterranean shores and islands could be successfully introduced on banks and slopes in our chalk districts and in rocky places. A. ponticus, a tall kind, and A. monspessulanus, a dwarf one, are both worth growing.

Masterwort, Astrantia.—This is an elegant genus, of which few species are known, five being European—found in Italy, Carinthia, Greece, and the centre of Europe—others from Northern Asia. They are among the few umbellates with attractive and distinct flowers, and yet they are rarely seen in gardens. In the wild garden they are quite at home among the Grass and medium–sized herbaceous plants, and partial shade prolongs their quaint beauty. In fact they are far more at home in the thin wood or copse than in the open exposed mixed border.

Blue Rock Cress, Aubrietia.—Dwarf Alpine plants, with purplish flowers, quite distinct in aspect and hue from anything else grown in our gardens, and never perishing from any cause, except being overrun by coarser subjects. They are admirable for association with the Alyssums and Arabises in any position where the vegetation is very dwarf, or in rocky bare places. There are several species and varieties, all almost equally suitable, but not differing much in aspect or stature from each other. The Aubrietias come chiefly from the mountains of Greece, Asia Minor, and neighbouring countries. Wherever there is an old wall, or a sunk fence, or a bare bank, evergreen curtains may be formed of these plants, and in spring they will be sheeted with purple flowers, no matter how harsh the weather.

Great Birthwort, Aristolochia Sipho.—A noble plant for covering arbours, banks, stumps of old trees, etc., also wigwam–like bowers, formed with branches of trees. It is American, and will grow as high as thirty feet, A. tomentosa is distinct and not so large in leaf. These will scarcely be grown for their flowers; but for covering stumps or trees they are valuable, and afford a distinct type of foliage.

Virginian Creepers, Ampelopsis.—Although this chapter is mostly devoted to herbaceous plants, the Virginian Creeper and its allies are so useful for forming curtains in rocky places, ravines, or over old trees, that they deserve mention here. These plants are not very distant relations of the vine—the wild American vines which are worthy of a place in our groves, garlanding trees as they do in a grand way. Some noble in colour of leaf are grown in nurseries—U. Humboldti being remarkable both for colour and size of leaf.

Bamboo, Bambusa.—In many parts of England, Ireland, and Wales, various kinds of Bamboos are perfectly hardy, and not only hardy, but thrive freely. In cold, dry, and inland districts, it is true, they grow with difficulty—all the greater reason for making the best use of them where they grow freely. Their beauty is the more precious from their being wholly distinct in habit from any other plants or shrubs that we grow. The delicate feathering of the young, tall, and slender shoots, the charming arching of the stems, have often been fertile in suggestion to the Japanese artist, and often adorn his best work. They may be enjoyed with all the charms of life in many gardens. The wild garden, where the climate is suitable, is the best home for Bamboos. They are so tall and so enduring at the roots that they will take care of themselves among the tallest and strongest plants or bushes, and the partial shelter of the thin wood or copse preserves their abundant leaves from violent and cold winds. Along by quiet Grass walks, in sheltered dells, in little bogs, in the shrubbery, or in little lawns opened in woods for the formation of wild gardens, the Bamboo will be at home. The commonest kind is that generally known as Arundinaria falcata (sometimes called Bambusa gracilis); but others, such as Bambusa Metake, B. Simmonsi, and B. viridis–glaucescens, are of equal or greater value. They all delight in rich, light, and moist soils.

Baptisia.—A strong Lupin–like plant seldom grown in gardens, but beautiful when in bloom for its long blue racemes of pea flowers, growing three to four feet high; it will hold its own in strong soil.

Borage, Borago.—A genus seldom seen out of Botanic gardens, where they form part of the usual distressing arrangements honoured with the name of “scientific.” Among the best kinds for our purpose are B. cretica and B. orientalis, even the well–known annual kind will be found a pretty plant, naturalised and useful for covering mounds.

Bell–flower, Campanula.—Beautiful and generally blue–flowered herbs, varying from a few inches to 4 ft. in height, and abundantly scattered in northern and temperate countries. Many kinds are in cultivation. All the medium–sized and large kinds thrive very well in rough places, woods, copses, or shrubberies, among grasses and other herbaceous plants; while those smaller in size than our own harebell (C. rotundifolia) are quite at home, and very pretty, on any arid or bare surfaces, such as sandy banks, chalk pits, and even high up on old walls, ruins, etc. In such positions the seeds have only to be scattered. C. rapunculoides and C. lamiifolia do finely in shrubberies or copses, as, indeed, do all the tall–growing kinds. Where there are white varieties they should be secured; many people will begin to see the great beauty of this family for the first time when they see them growing among the grass or herbs. The effect is far more beautiful than can be obtained in the garden proper.

Red Valerian, Centranthus ruber.—This showy and pleasing plant is only seen in highest perfection on elevated banks, rubbish–heaps, or old walls, in which positions it endures much longer than on the level ground, and becomes a long–lived perennial with a shrubby base. On the long bridge across the Nore at Col. Tighe’s place, Woodstock, Kilkenny, it grows in abundance, forming a long line on the wall above the arches; of course it could be easily grown on ruins, while it is invaluable for banks of all kinds, chalk pits, etc., and also for the level ground, except in heavy cold soils. Some of the larger Valerianas would grow freely in rough places, but none of them are so distinct as the preceding.

Knap–weed, Centaurea.—Vigorous perennial or annual herbaceous plants, seldom so pretty as autumn–sown plants of our corn bluebottle (C. Cyanus). They are scarcely important enough for borders; hence the wild wood is the place for them. Among the most suitable kinds may be mentioned macrocephala, montana, babylonica, and uniflora, the last more suitable for banks, etc.

Mouse–ear, Cerastium.—Dwarf spreading perennials, bearing a profusion of white flowers. Half a dozen or more of the kinds have silvery leaves, which, with their flowers, give them an attractive character. Most of these are used as bedding plants, but, as they will grow in any position where they are not choked by coarser plants, they may be employed with good effect in the wild garden.

Wallflower, Cheiranthus.—The varieties of the common wallflower afford quite a store of beauty in themselves for the embellishment of rocky places, old walls, etc. Probably other species of Cheiranthus will be found to grow on ruins quite as well, but at present we are not quite sure of these. The clear yellow Erysimum ochroleucum is very like a wallflower in type, and thrives well in dry sandy places. With these might be associated Vesicaria utriculata.ill132

Meadow Saffron, Colchicum.—In addition to the meadow saffron, plentifully dotted over the moist fields in various parts of England, there are several other species which could be readily naturalised in almost any soil and position. They would be particularly desirable where subjects that flower in autumn would be sought; and they are charming, seen in tufts or colonies on the lawn or in the pleasure–ground.

Crocus.—One or two Crocuses are naturalised in England already, and there is scarcely one of them that will not succeed thus if properly placed. They should not be placed where coarse vegetation would choke them up or prevent the sun getting to their flowers and leaves. Some of the delicately–tinted varieties of vernus are well worth dotting about in grassy places and on sunny slopes, if only to accompany the snowdrop. C. Imperati is a valuable early–flowering kind, and the autumnal flowering ones are particularly desirable; but we must not particularise where all are good. “In the plantations here,” writes a correspondent, “on each side of a long avenue, we have the common Crocus in every shade of purple (there are scarcely any yellow ones) growing literally in hundreds of thousands. We have no record of when the roots were originally planted (and the oldest people about the estate say they have always been the same as far as their recollection goes); but they grow so thickly that it is quite impossible to step where they are without treading on two or three flowers. The effect produced by them in spring is magnificent, but unfortunately, their beauty is but short–lived. I have transplanted a good many roots to the wild garden, to the great improvement of the size of the individual blooms; they are so matted together in the shrubberies I have mentioned, and have remained so long in the same place, that the flowers are small.”ill133

Virgin’s Bower, Clematis.—Mostly climbing or trailing plants, free, often luxuriant, sometimes rampant, in habit, with bluish, violet, purple, white, or yellow flowers, produced most profusely, and sometimes deliciously fragrant. They are most suited for covering stumps, planting on rocky places, among low shrubs in copses, for draping over the faces of rocks, sunny banks, or the brows of sunk fences, covering objectionable railings, rough bowers, chalk pits, hedges, etc., and occasionally for isolating in large tufts in open spaces where their effect could be seen from a distance. Not particular as to soil, the stronger kinds will grow in any ground, but the large–flowered new hybrids will thrive best in warm, rich, deep soil.

C. Viorna, C. flammula, montana, campaniflora, Viticella, and cirrhosa, must not be omitted from a selection of the wild kinds. The new garden hybrids will also be useful.

Dwarf Cornel, Cornus canadensis.—This charming little bushy plant, singularly beautiful from its white bracts, is a very attractive subject for naturalisation in moist, sandy, or peaty spots, in which our native heaths, Mitchella repens, LinnÆa borealis, and the Butterworts would be likely to thrive. It would also grow well in moist woods, where the herbaceous vegetation is dwarf.

Mocassin Flower, Cypripedium spectabile.—The noblest of hardy orchids, found far north in America, and thriving perfectly in England and Ireland in deep rich or vegetable soil. Wherever the soil is not naturally peat or rich vegetable matter this fine plant will succeed on the margins of beds of rhododendrons, etc. It should be sheltered by surrounding bushes, and be in a moist position. Others of the genus, and various other hardy orchids, are worthy of naturalisation; but the mocassin flower is the best as well as the most easily tried at present.

Sowbread, Cyclamen.—It was the sight of a grove nearly covered with Cyclamen hederÆfolium, near Montargis, in France, that first turned my attention to the “Wild Garden.” Both C. hederÆfolium and C. europÆum may be naturalised with the greatest ease on light, loamy, or other warm and open soil. C. vernum, C. Coum, and C. repandum, are also well worthy of trial. Nothing can be more agreeable to the lover of hardy plants than endeavouring to naturalise these charming flowers, now rarely seen out of the greenhouse. The best positions would be among dwarf shrubs, etc., that would afford slight shelter, on banks or sunny open spots in copses or woods. Bare or dug borders they abhor, and a sunny warm exposure should be chosen. In the case of C. hederÆfolium (and perhaps some of the others) ground under trees, bare, or with a very scant vegetation of herbs, etc., would do quite well if the soil were free and warm. There is scarcely a country seat in England in which the hardy Cyclamens, now almost entirely neglected by the gardener, could not be naturalised.

The Giant Sea–kale, Crambe.—“C. cordifolia is a very fine perennial, but its place is on the turf in rich soil. It has enormous leaves, and small whitish flowers in panicles. Here it is one of the finest ornaments in a wild garden of about five acres, associated with Rheums, Ferulas, Gunneras, Centaurea babylonica, Arundo Donax, Acanthus, and others.”

Bindweed, Calystegia.—Climbing plants, with handsome white or rosy flowers, often too vigorous in constitution to be agreeable in gardens, as is the case with our common bindweed. C. dahurica, somewhat larger than the common kind, is very handsome when allowed to trail through shrubs, in rough places, or over stumps, rustic bridges, etc., and doubtless sundry other species will in time be found equally useful.

The pretty little Rosy Bindweed that one meets often upon the shores of the Mediterranean is here depicted at home in an English garden, creeping up the leaves of an Iris in Mr. Wilson’s garden at Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath. It is a great privilege we have of being able to grow the fair flowers of so many regions in our own, and without caring for them in the sense, and with the troubles that attend other living creatures in menageries, aviaries, etc. This is an advantage that we do not evidently consider when we put a few plants in lines and circles only, oblivious of the infinite beauty and variety of the rest. This beautiful pink Bindweed is the representative, so to speak, of our own Rosy Field Bindweed in the south, but nevertheless it is perfectly hardy and free in our own soils. Its botanical name is Convolvulus althÆoides.ill135

Marsh Calla, Calla palustris.—A creeping Arum–like plant, with white flowers showing above a carpet of glossy leaves, admirable for naturalisation in muddy places, moist bogs, on the margins of ponds, etc.

Rosy Coronilla, Coronilla varia.—Europe. On grassy banks, stony heaps, rough rocky ground, spreading over slopes or any like positions. A very fine plant for naturalisation, thriving in any soil.

Giant Scabious, Cephalaria.—Allied to Scabious but seldom grown. They are worth a place in the wild garden for their fine vigour alone, and the numerous pale yellow flowers will be admired by those who do not limit their admiration to showy colours.

Coral–wort, Dentaria.—Very showy perennials, the purplish or white flowers of which present somewhat of the appearance of a stockflower, quite distinct both in habit and bloom, and very rarely seen in our gardens; they will be found to thrive well and look well in peat soil beneath rhododendrons, and towards the margins of clumps of American shrubs.

Leopard’s Bane, Doronicum.—Stout, medium–sized, or dwarf perennials, with hardy and vigorous constitutions, and very showy flowers; well suited for naturalisation among herbaceous vegetation, in any position where the beauty of their early bloom can be enjoyed.

American Cowslip, Dodecatheon.—All who care for hardy flowers admire the beautiful American cowslip (D. Meadia), found in rich woods in Pennsylvania, Ohio, to Wisconsin and south–westward, in America. This would be a charming plant to naturalise on rich and light sandy loams, among dwarf herbs, low shrubs, etc., in sheltered and sunny spots. Jeffrey’s American cowslip (D. Jeffreyanum), a vigorous–growing kind, is also well worth a trial in this way, though as yet it is hardly plentiful enough to be spared for this purpose.

Fumitory, Fumaria, Dielytra.—Plants with graceful leaves and gay flowers suited for association with dwarf subjects on open banks, except D. spectabilis, which in deep peat or other rich soil will grow a yard high. The simple–looking little Fumaria bulbosa is one of the dwarf subjects which thrive very well under the branches of specimen deciduous trees, and Corydalis lutea thrives in every position from the top of an old castle to the bottom of a well shaft. I saw Dielytra eximia naturalised in Buckhurst Park, in a shrubbery, the position shady. Its effect was most charming, the plumy tufts being dotted all over with flowers. Had I before wished to naturalise this, I should have put it on open slopes, or among dwarf plants, but it thrives and spreads about with the greatest freedom in shady spots. The blossoms, instead of being of the usual crimson hue, were of a peculiar delicate pale rose, no doubt owing to the shade; and, as they gracefully drooped over the elegantly–cut leaves, they looked like snowdrops of a faint rosy hue.

Delphinium, Perennial species.—Tall and beautiful herbaceous plants, with flowers of many exquisite shades of blue and purple. There are now numerous varieties. They are well suited for rich soil in glades, copses, thin shrubberies, or among masses of dwarf shrubs, above which their fine spikes of bloom might here and there arise.

One of the prettiest effects which I have ever seen among naturalised plants was a colony of tall Larkspurs (Delphiniums). Portions of old roots of several species and varieties had been chopped off where a bed of these plants was being dug in the autumn. For convenience sake the refuse had been thrown into the neighbouring shrubbery, far in among the shrubs and tall trees. Here they grew in certain half–open little spaces, which were so far removed from the margin that they were not dug and were not seen. When I saw the Larkspurs in flower they were certainly the loveliest things that one could see. They were more beautiful than they are in borders or beds, not growing in such close stiff tufts, and mingling with and relieved by the trees above and the shrubs around. Little more need be said to any one who knows and cares about such plants, and has an opportunity of planting in such neglected places. This case points out pretty clearly that one might make wild gardens from the mere parings and thinnings of the beds and borders in autumn, in any place where there is a collection of good hardy plants. The cut on p. 28 does scant justice to the scene, which, perhaps, it is not in the power of wood engraving to illustrate.

Pink, Dianthus.—A numerous race of beautiful dwarf mountain plants, with flowers mostly of various shades of rose, sometimes sporting into other colours in cultivation. The finer mountain kinds would be likely to thrive only on bare stony or rocky ground, and amidst very dwarf vegetation. The bright D. neglectus would thrive in any ordinary soil. Some of the kinds in the way of our own D. cÆsius grow well on old walls and ruins, as do the single carnations and pinks; indeed, it is probable that many kinds of pink would thrive on ruins and old walls better far than on the ground.

Foxglove, Digitalis.—It need not be said here that our own stately Foxglove should be encouraged in the wild garden, particularly in districts where it does not naturally grow wild; I allude to it here to point out that there are a number of exotic species for which a place might be found in the wild garden—some of them are not very satisfactory otherwise. The most showy hardy flowers of midsummer are the Foxglove and the French willow (Epilobium angustifolium), and in wild or rough places in shrubberies, etc., their effect is beautiful. In such half shady places the Foxglove thrives best; and, as the French willow is much too rampant a plant for the garden proper, the proper place for it too is in the wild garden. It is a most showy plant, and masses of it may be seen great distances off. The delicately and curiously spotted varieties of the Foxglove should be sown as well as the ordinary wild form.

Hemp Agrimony, Eupatorium.—Vigorous perennials, with white or purple fringed flowers. Some of the American kinds might well be associated with our own wild one—the white kinds, like aromaticum and ageratoides, being very beautiful and distinct, and well worthy of a place in the best parts of the wild garden.

Sea Holly, Eryngium.—Very distinct and noble–looking perennials, with ornamental and usually spiny leaves, and flowers in heads, sometimes surrounded by a bluish involucrum, and supported on stems of a fine amethystine blue. They would be very attractive on margins of shrubberies and near wood–walks, thrive in ordinary free soil, and will take care of themselves among tall grasses and all but the most vigorous herbs.

Heath, Erica, Menziesia.—Our own heathy places are pretty rich in this type, but the brilliant Erica carnea is so distinct and attractive that it well deserves naturalisation among them. The beautiful St. Daboec’s heath (Menziesia polifolia) deserves a trial in the same way, as, though found in the west of Ireland, it is to the majority of English gardens an exotic plant. It will grow almost anywhere in peaty soil.

Barren–wort, Epimedium.—Interesting and very distinct, but comparatively little known perennials, with pretty and usually delicately tinted flowers, and singular and ornamental foliage. They are most suitable for peaty or free moist soils, in sheltered positions, among low shrubs on rocky banks, etc., and near the eye. The variety called E. pinnatum elegans, when in deep peat soil, forms tufts of leaves nearly a yard high, and in spring is adorned with long racemes of pleasing yellow flowers, so that it is well worthy of naturalisation where the soil is suitable.ill138

Globe Thistle, Echinops.—Large and distinct perennials of fine port, from 3 feet to 6 feet high, with spiny leaves and numerous flowers in spherical heads. These will thrive well in almost any position, and hold their ground amid the coarsest vegetation. Being of a “type” quite distinct from that of our indigenous vegetation, they are more than usually suited for naturalisation. Echinops exaltatus and E. ruthenicus, are among the best kinds, the last the best in colour.

May–flower, EpigÆa repens.—A small creeping shrub, with pretty and deliciously fragrant flowers, which appear soon after the melting of the snow in N. America, and are there as welcome as the hawthorn with us. In its native country it inhabits woods, mostly in the shade of pines; and usually, wherever I saw it, it seemed to form a carpet under three or four layers of vegetation, so to speak—that is to say, it was beneath pines, medium–sized trees, tall bushes, and dwarf scrub about 18 in. high, while the plant itself was not more than one or two inches high. In our gardens this plant is very rarely seen, and even in the great American plant nurseries, where it used to grow it has disappeared. This is no wonder, when it is considered how very different are the conditions which it enjoys in gardens compared with those which I have above described. Without doubt it can be naturalised easily in pine woods on a sandy soil.

Dog’s–tooth Violet, Erythronium.—A few days ago I saw a number of irregular clumps of these here and there on a gently sloping bank of turf, and, in front of clumps of evergreens, they looked quite charming, and their dark spotted leaves showed up to much better effect on the fresh green Grass than they do in borders. They were all of the red variety, and required a few of the white form among them to make the picture perfect.

So writes a correspondent in Ireland. This beautiful plant, some years ago rarely seen in our gardens, adorns many a dreary slope in the Southern Alps, and there should be no great difficulty in the way of adding its charms to the wild garden in peaty or sandy spots, rather bare or under deciduous vegetation.

The Winter Aconite, Eranthis hyemalis.—Classed among British plants but really naturalised. Its golden buttons peeping through the moss and grass in snowdrop time form one of the prettiest aspects of our garden vegetation in spring. It will grow anywhere, and is one of the plants that thrive under the spreading branches of summer–leafing trees, as it blooms and perfects its leaves before the buds open on the beech. On many lawns, spring gardens might be formed by planting some spring flowering plants that finish their growth before the trees are in leaf. Another advantage of such positions is, that the foliage of the tree prevents any coarser plants taking possession of the ground, and therefore these little spring plants have the ground to themselves, and wander into natural little groups in the moss and grass, sometimes covering the surface with a sheet of blossoms.

Funkia.—I have spoken of the conditions in the wild garden being more suitable to many plants than those which obtain in what might seem choice positions in borders, many of the plants attaining greater beauty and remaining longer in bloom in the shade and shelter of shrubby places than when fully exposed. As an instance of this, I saw Funkia coerulea the other day, showing a size and beauty in a shady drive at Beauport, near Battle, which I never saw it attain under other circumstances. The plant was over a yard high, and bore many stately stems hung with blue flowers. The Funkias are exceedingly valuable plants for the wild garden, not being liable to accidents which are fatal to Lilies and other plants exposed to the attacks of slugs and rabbits.

Snakes–head, Fritillaria.—The beautiful British snakes–head (F. Meleagris) grows wild, as most people know, in meadows in various parts of England, and we should like to see it as well established in the grassy hollows of many a country seat. Various other Fritillarias not so pretty as this, and of a peculiar livid dark hue, which is not like to make them popular in gardens, such as F. tristis, would be worthy of a position also; while the Crown Imperial would do on the fringes of shrubberies.

Giant Fennel, Ferula.—Noble herbaceous plants belonging to the parsley order, with much and exquisitely divided leaves; when well developed forming magnificent tufts of verdure, reminding one of the most finely–cut ferns, but far larger. The leaves appear very early in spring, and disappear at the end of summer, and the best use that can be made of the plants is to plant them here and there in places occupied by spring and early summer flowers, among which they would produce a very fine effect. With the Ferulas might be grouped another handsome umbelliferous plant (Molopospermum cicutarium); and no doubt, when we know the ornamental qualities of the order better, we shall find sundry other charming plants of similar character.

Ferns.—No plants may be naturalised more successfully and with a more charming effect than ferns. The royal ferns, of which the bold foliage is reflected in the marsh waters of Northern America, will do well in the many places where our own royal fern thrives. The graceful maidenhair fern of the rich woods of the Eastern States and the Canadas will thrive perfectly in any cool, shady, narrow lane, or dyke, or in a shady wood. The small ferns that find a home on arid alpine cliffs may be established on old walls and ruins. Cheilanthes odora, which grows so freely on the sunny sides of walls in Southern France, would be well worth trying in similar positions in the south of England, the spores to be sown in mossy chinks of the walls. The climbing fern Lygodium palmatum, which goes as far north as cold Massachusetts, would twine its graceful stems up the undershrubs in an English wood too. In fact, there is no fern of the numbers that inhabit the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and America, that may not be tried with confidence in various positions, preferring for the greater number such positions as we know our native kinds to thrive best in. One could form a rich and stately type of wood–haunting fern vegetation without employing one of our native kinds at all, though, of course, generally the best way will be to associate all so far as their habits and sizes will permit. Treat them boldly; put strong kinds out in glades; imagine colonies of Daffodils among the Oak and Beech Ferns, fringed by early Aconite, in the spots overshadowed by the branches of deciduous trees. Then, again, many of these Ferns, the more delicate of them, could be used as the most graceful of carpets for bold beds or groups of flowering plants. They would form part, and a very important part, of what we have written of as evergreen herbaceous plants, and might well be associated with them in true winter gardens.ill141

Geranium, Geranium, Erodium.—Handsome and rather dwarf perennials, mostly with bluish, pinkish, or deep rose flowers, admirable for naturalisation. Some of the better kinds of the hardy geraniums, such as G. ibericum, are the very plants to take care of themselves on wild banks and similar places. With them might be associated the fine Erodium Manescavi; and where there are very bare places, on which they would not be overrun by coarser plants, the smaller Erodiums, such as E. romanum, might be tried with advantage.

Goat’s Rue, Galega.—Tall and vigorous but graceful perennials, with very numerous and handsome flowers, pink, blue, or white. G. officinalis and its white variety are among the very best of all tall border flowers, and they are equally useful for planting in rough and wild places, as is also the blue G. orientalis and G. biloba. They are all free growers.ill142

Gypsophila, Gypsophila and Tunica.—Vigorous but neat perennials, very hardy, and producing myriads of flowers, mostly small, and of a pale pinkish hue. They are best suited for rocky or sandy ground, or even old ruins, or any position where they will not be smothered by coarser vegetation. Similar in character is the pretty little Tunica saxifraga, which grows on the tops of old walls, etc., in Southern Europe, and will thrive on bare places on the level ground with us.

Gentian, Gentiana.—Dwarf, and usually evergreen, alpine or high–pasture plants, with large and numerous flowers, mostly handsome, and frequently of the most vivid and beautiful blue. The large G. acaulis (Gentianella) would grow as freely in moist places on any of our own mountains as it does on its native hills; as, indeed, it would in all moist loams, where it could not be choked by coarse and taller subjects. The tall willow Gentian (G. asclepiadea) is a handsome plant, which, in the mountain woods of Switzerland, may be seen blooming among long grass in shade of trees, and this fact is suggestive as to its use in this country.

Snowdrops, Galanthus.—The charms of our own Snowdrop when naturalised in the grass are well known to all, but many of the new kinds have claims also in that respect, such as Elwesi and G. plicatus. It is surprising how comparatively few people take advantage of the facility with which the Snowdrop grows in grass, so as to have it in pretty groups and colonies by grass–walks or drives. The accompanying illustration, which shows it on the margin of a streamlet in a Somersetshire valley, shows that it is not particular as to situation. It suggests the many places it may adorn other than the garden border.

Cow Parsnips, Heracleum.—Giant herbaceous plants, mostly from Northern Asia, with huge divided leaves, and umbels (sometimes a foot across) of white or whitish flowers. They are very suitable for rough places on the banks of rivers or artificial water, islands, or in any position in which a very vigorous and bold type of foliage may be desired. In arranging them it should be borne in mind that their foliage dies down and disappears in the end of summer. When established they sow themselves, so that seedling plants in abundance may be picked up around them. In all cases it is important that their seed should be sown immediately after being gathered. But it is also important not to allow them to monopolise the ground, as then they become objectionable. To this end it may, in certain positions, be desirable to prevent them seeding.

Day Lily, Hemerocallis.—Vigorous plants of the lily order, with long leaves and graceful habit, and large and showy red–orange or yellow flowers, sometimes scented as delicately as the primrose. There are two types, one large and strong like flava and fulva, the other short and somewhat fragile like graminea. The larger kinds are superb plants for naturalisation, growing in any soil, and taking care of themselves among coarse herbaceous plants or brambles.

Christmas Rose, Helleborus.—Stout but dwarf perennials, with showy blooms appearing in winter and spring when flowers are rare, and with handsome leathery and glossy leaves. They thrive in almost any position or soil; but to get the full benefit of their early–blooming tendency it is desirable to place them on sunny grassy banks in tufts or groups, and not far from the eye, as they are usually of unobtrusive colours. They form beautiful ornaments near wild wood walks, where the spring sun can reach them. There are various kinds useful for naturalisation.ill144

Sun Rose, Helianthemum.—Dwarf spreading shrubs, bearing myriads of flowers in a variety of showy colours. The most tasteful and satisfactory way of employing these in our gardens is to naturalise them on banks or slopes in the half–wild parts of our pleasure–grounds, mostly in sandy or warm soil. They are best suited for chalk districts or rocky ones, where they thrive most luxuriantly, and make a very brilliant display. There are many varieties, mostly differing in the hue of the flowers.

Perennial Sunflower, Helianthus, Rudbeckia, Silphium.—Stout and usually very tall perennials, with showy yellow flowers, the best known of which is Helianthus multiflorus fl. pl., of which plenty may be seen in Euston Square and other places in London. As a rule these are all better fitted for rough places than for gardens, where, like many other plants mentioned in these pages, they will tend to form a vigorous herbaceous covert. H. rigidus is a brilliantly showy plant, running very freely at the root, and an excellent subject for naturalisation. H. giganteus, common in thickets and swamps in America, and growing as high as 10 ft., is also desirable. The showy and larger American Rudbeckias, such as laciniata, triloba, and also the small but showy hirta, virtually belong to the same type. All these plants, and many others of the tall yellow–flowered composites that one sees conspicuous among herbaceous vegetation in America, would produce very showy effects in autumn, and might perhaps more particularly interest those who only visit their country seats at that time of year. The Silphiums, especially the compass plant (S. laciniatum), and the cup plant (S. perfoliatum), are allied in general aspect and character to the Helianthuses, and are suitable for the same purposes.

St. John’s Wort, Hypericum.—The well–known St. John’s wort has already in many places made good its claim as a wilderness plant, and there is scarcely one of its numerous congeners which will not thrive in wild and rough places, in any soil. They have all the same bright yellow flowers as the St. John’s wort, and are nearly all taller. Some of the newer kinds have the handsome large flowers of the St. John’s Wort. It should be noted that the common St. John’s Wort so exhausts the soil of moisture that it may be the cause of the death of trees, and should therefore be looked after. Many places have too much of it, as they have of the common Laurel.

Rocket, Hesperis.—The common single Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is a showy useful plant in copse or shrubbery, and very easily raised from seed.

Evergreen Candytuft, Iberis.—Compact little evergreens, forming spreading bushes from 3 inches to 15 inches high, and sheeted with white flowers in spring and early summer. There are no plants more suitable for naturalisation in open or bare places, or, indeed, in any position where the vegetation is not strong enough to overrun them. They, however, attain greatest perfection when fully exposed to the sun, and are admirable for every kind of rocky or stony ground and banks.

Iris, Fleur de Lis.—These plants, once so well known in our gardens, rivalling (or rather exceeding) the lilies in beauty, are varied and numerous enough to make a wild garden by themselves. The many beautiful varieties of germanica will grow in almost any soil, and may be used with good effect in woods, copses, by wood walks, or near the margin of water. I. sibirica, rather a common kind, will grow in the water; and, as this is not generally known, it is worthy the notice of any one taking an interest in aquatics. It is probable that others of the beardless kinds will also do well with their roots below the water, and if so, they will one day much improve the rather poorly adorned margins of artificial waters. On the other hand, I. pumila, and the varieties of germanica, are often seen on the tops of old walls, on thatched roofs, etc., on the Continent, flowering profusely. These facts tend to show how many different positions may be adorned by the irises.ill146