Evening star., 1939-09-16

usual, QeIIlUIlSlI dllIlS lllelI Vdluc do
shrub or hedge. The double -f1owered
forms are supposed to be extra
choice, but many of the singles are
very attractive. The altheas are ex-
cellent shrubs for unfavorable situ-
ations in the city. In favorable situ-
ations they make such strong growth
that they need severe pruning, which
tends to increase the floral display.
They are so prolific of seedlings that
they are almost weed in some
yards. The transplanting of seed
lings should be completed as soon
as possible, since the young plants
must be we'll rooted If they are to
Withstand the heaving action of
winters freezes.
The Hardy Ageratum (Eupato-
rium) is making colorful display
in many gardens. 1t is native and
a weed if not confined. Some peo-
pie have attempted to use them as
an edging, as the true ageratum is
so commonly employed. The ager-
atum is an annual that stays put,
but not so the eupatorium, which
spreads by underground roots. 1t
does, however, give color to the gar
den and is not bad for cutting. Plant
in the wild flower garden or In a
moist spot where it can spread with
out crowding other plants and it
will be found useful.
Some gardeners seem to be dis
appointed with some of the dwarf
hardy asters, claiming that the
flowers are too small. Perhaps so,
but if the plants had been observed
in a neighbor's garden disappoint-
ment might have been avoided. Only
few of the dwarf asters have
flowers as large as those of the taller
varieties, but they make up for lack
of size by freedom of flower. Purple
Emperor, however, does have fairly
large sized flowers.
Aster acris, a species of dwarf
habit with pale lavender flowers, Is
reported to be fully as useful as the
named varieties. An early bloomer,
the bushy plants are covered with
medium sized flowers.
In dividing peonies it is we'll to dig
and allow the roots to wilt before
attempting to cut them apart. About
five eyes make the usual planting
size division.
The current literature on peonies
carries rather interesting accounts
of the beauty and usefulness of the
tree peony. So far I have not seer
them growing in this area, but since
they are hardy, the limiting factol
may be the heat and humidity. Un.
less one has observed them growing
in local gardens, he should be care.
full to select only the earliest flower.
ing kinds. They are more costly
than the common (Chinese) type.
The Pfitzer juniper is widel!
grown as a foundation shrub, where
its low growth makes it quite use
full. It, however, has other uses ant
can be trained into an attractive
hedge of medium height. The chic
value of the Pfitzer is that it grow
well under local soil and climatic
conditions. 1t will tolerate shad'
and will also grow on the south sid
of building in fun sun. Under ex
ceptionally favorable growing condi
tions the Pfitzer will reach heigh
of 6 feet. Under normal growinl
conditions it seldom exceeds 4 feet
and by pruning can be kept ever
lower.
A recent study by the Connecticu
Agricultural Experiment Station in
dicates that the Garland flowe
Daphne cneorum) benefits by rath
er drastic pruning. Plants given
severe pruning in the early sprin
were well covered with flower clus
ters compared with those that re
ceived no pruning. .-
The cool nights and humid day
have produced IN unusually wide