The Arabises, Or Rock Cresses

The Arabises, Or Rock Cresses, are well-known dwarf plants, which form cushions of grey-green foliage on stones and in beds, and flower profusely in spring, lasting until early summer. They are very useful for carpeting flower beds in autumn, as they rob the soil of its bareness.

The Armerias

The Armerias are interesting because they include the common Thrift and the Sea Pink. A variety of the latter called Laucheana is a particularly good plant, as it not only forms a dense cushion of fine, green foliage, but bears large quantities of crimson flowers. A white variety can also be got, but the red is a much more useful plant.

Arnebia (Or Macrotomid) Echioides

Arnebia (Or Macrotomid) Echioides, commonly called the Prophet Flower, which has bright yellow flowers marked with black spots, is a pretty little rockery plant.

Arundo Donax

Arundo Donax, the Provence Reed, is a stately Bamboo-like plant that may rise to a height of ten or twelve feet. A covering of litter should be placed over the root stock in winter.

Asckpias Tuberosa

Asckpias Tuberosa, the Swallow-Wort, produces orange flowers, and is a showy plant.

Asperula Odorata

Asperula Odorata, the sweet White Woodruff, is an old favourite.

Asphodelus Aldus

Asphodelus Aldus is the old White Asphodel, an interesting plant.

Asters (Michaelmas Daisies)

Asters (Michaelmas Daisies) can be raised from seed. The species come true, but the varieties cannot be relied upon.

Aubrietias Or Purple Rock Cresses

Aubrietias Or Purple Rock Cresses are nearly, if not quite, as useful as the Arabises, to which they form companion plants. They are charming for carpeting, or for rockwork. Their regular flowering season is spring, but they will often bloom twice, flowering in mild weather in autumn. Bougainvillea, lilac; Deltoidea, purple; Leichtlini, crimson; and Violacea, violet, are all good.

Alpine Auriculas

Alpine Auriculas may be used with Primroses and Polyanthuses for spring bedding. They are beautiful flowers, and full of interest. The large scented yellow is a delightful plant.

Bellis Perennis

Bellis Perennis ft. pl. is the Latin name of the double Daisy, which many esteem highly for spring bedding. Neat in growth, with large double flowers, the best modern varieties make beautiful edgings. One can get separate colours, such as red, rose, white with red centre, blush, and white.

Bocconia Cordata

Bocconia Cordata is the Giant Plume Poppy, a tall plant with broad, handsome leaves and spikes of creamy flowers in dense clusters. I have had splendid results with this plant on strong, moist, clay soil, where it assumed stately proportions and stood out as one of the noblest plants in the garden.