The Gentians

The Gentians give us blue of so deep a tone that "Gentian blue " has come to be referred to as a standard of richness by gardeners. The plants are hardy perennials of dwarf growth, suitable for rockwork or the front of borders. The Gentianella (G. Acaulis) is one of the finest, the flowers being not only extraordinarily brilliant in colour, but of large size. It is glorious in a mass in spring. One finds the plant a little baffling sometimes. It may grow freely, be perfectly healthy, and form a number of buds, yet fail to expand any flowers. This is sometimes - perhaps generally - due to drought, and if the soil is dry when the plant is in bud a soaking of water may be given; followed, if the ground is light and poor, with liquid manure. Asclepiadea, the "Willow Gentian," does best in shade. It is taller than the majority, growing to eighteen inches or two feet high. Bavarica is a beautiful species, and likes moist soil. Pneumonanthe, the "Calathian Violet," is also good. Septemfida, azure blue, is a pretty and easily grown species; and Verna, blue, with white centre, is also an accommodating as well as a most beautiful plant. The grower of Gentians from seed may find that he has to exercise patience, as germination is often slow unless the seed is perfectly fresh.

The Hardy Geraniums Or Crane's Bills

The Hardy Geraniums Or Crane's Bills are brilliant if somewhat loose-growing plants. Lancastriense, a pink-flowered trailer, is one of the most useful.

The Geums

The Geums give brilliancy of colour, notably Coc-cineum, which is bright scarlet. Montanum, a yellow species, flowering in spring, is very useful.

An interesting and very beautiful plant, which has come into prominence during recent years, is Gilia Coronopifolia. It grows about two feet high, produces Fern-like foliage, and has Phlox-like trusses of shining rose flowers. A hardy biennial, it may be raised from seed every year like a Sweet William.

Glaucium Flavum

Glaucium Flavum, the yellow "Horn Poppy," is a beautiful hardy perennial, growing eighteen inches to two feet high, and with large, showy flowers.

The Pearl Everlasting (Gnaphalium Margaritaceum)

The Pearl Everlasting (Gnaphalium Margaritaceum) bears heads of white flowers, and may be used for winter decorations.

One of the finest foliage plants for a moist place is Gunnera Manicata, the leaf stems of which are as thick as a wrestler's biceps, and the leaves six to eight feet across. It makes a grand isolated clump in a bog garden.

The Well-Known Pampas Grass (Gynerium, Or Corta-Deria Argenteum)

The Well-Known Pampas Grass (Gynerium, Or Corta-Deria Argenteum), with its stately silver flowers in autumn, comes readily from seed. There is a pretty rose variety of it, and also one with variegated leaves.

The Gauze Flower (Gypsophila Paniculata)

The Gauze Flower (Gypsophila Paniculata) comes readily from seed, and may well be grown in quantity, because it is so useful to mix in bouquets and vases. Unlike Ferns and Asparagus, it is the flower heads that are used. The blossoms are very small, and are borne in a gauzy mass that looks very graceful and pleasing when spangled over a bunch of large, bright flowers, such as Sweet Peas. It grows three feet high. There is a dwarf form of it called Compacta. Gypsophila Repens is a white-flowered trailing plant for the rockery, and there is a blush variety of it.