National Republican., 1884-03-04
THE CITY OF FLOWERS.
Preparing to Grow the Blossoms Of May while
the Shows of March are Falling.
The Congressional Gardener Details His
Plans Tor OrnRmenting the Capitol.

Having learned that preparations are being
made to begin horticultural operations in the
capitol parks, sometimes called the national
flower garden, REPUBLICAN, reporter made
some inquiries about the matter yesterday
and Cleaned facts that will be of value to the
fower-loving residents of Washington. Mr..
W. ]. Cogan, congressional gardener. also
secretary of tho District horticultural
society, was found in the capitol conservatory
busily engaged among many pretty and
fragrant plants
1--WE will begin planting as soon as this cold
snap is over" he said. eve will have some
very fine bulb plants this season. including
hyacinths, snow drops, crocuses, tulips, sell
las cycamen, and beautiful small bulb
plant, known as glory of tho snow on &C.
count of its pretty white color, The flowers
this year, while variegated and in many
cases fragrant will all be of hardy varieties"
II have heard that there is national fruit
orchard somewhere in one Of the capital
parks" said tho reporter.
There is,' replied Mr.. Cogan; "but IL is
very limited affair. consisting of only two
trees, q walnut and a small japanese cherry
bush. The latter is remarkably pretty
affair. II is known as the Japonica flora
plona, and bears a double flower of light pink
which Is succeeded by edible cherries"
"Aro there many foreign plants in the
park" asked the reporter.
quite q variety" was the reply "and we
arc daily expecting consignment from
Europe. The shipment will include lot of
phillyrea, sn ornamental shrub, valuable by
reason of its deep green foliage. Its flowers
are small and the shrub will grow in common
soil, while IL can be easily multiplied by clip
pings The phillyrea is intended for the
grounds approaching the house of representa-
tives. Another feature of the park this sea-
son will be specimens of the abelia rupestris,
an evergreen branching hairy shrub. with
small ovate, remotely serrate leaves This
shrub bears small pink flowers at the ends of
the branches. Its general effect is very pretty,
aud it is q desirable shrub for small yards or
terrace parks"
Here is very nice plant" said Mr..
Cogan, holding up potted flower. ut is
the dictamnus. The name is ancient, and is
supposed to have been given to it because the
leaves resemble those of the ash. 1t is n
genius of very ornamental plants, and de-
serves place in every flower border. When
rubbed this plant emits fine odor similar to
lemon peel. 1t will grow we'll in common
soil"
"Are you going to introduce any now
flower plat designs in the parks this year?"
asked the reporter.
"No; am opposed to designs and massing
plants in bedding out" was the reply.
"Flowers are more beautiful than designs.
One might as we'll make design of canvas or
wood and paint 1t as to make floral stars and
hearts. The natural beauty of flowers doeF
not need artificial designing"
as the climate of Washington well adapted
to the cultivation of flowers
ut is rs favorable as any climate know Of
Plants grow we'll here that won't grow either
in the north or south. European plants are
peculiarly adapted to the climate of Wash
ington. The magnolia (grandiiora) will not
thrive further north than this city. English
and Irish ivies flourish here. They would
not do we'll in the north nor in the south
except, in the latter country, they are planted
in the shade"
"when is the best time to plant flowers in
this city?"
During the first two weeks in May is the
best time," was the reply; after all danger
from spring frosts is over. Perennial seeds
may be planted now, if they be protected
from sudden cold weather."
In conclusion Mr.. Cogan stated that the
wild garden is modern style. A place is
set aside for such hardy plants as will take
care of themselves All of the native wild
plants can be brought into it as well as hardy
perennials from other countries. They are
all mixed in a beautiful and fragrant chaos
producing novel and pretty effect. To better
protect the trees and shrubs quantity of sign
are being prepared, one of which will be
placed before each tree and plant along the
walks The electric lamps were placed out
into the main west walk to prevent them
from being shaded by the trees Their brill.
iant light will give the surrounding flower
| beds weird and picturesque effect next sum
mer. The flower beds on the senate approach
will be the prettiest in the city. Plants were
specially selected that will form continuous
mass of bloom from spring until frost.
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