Early in September, when the autumn flowers are at their finest, some of
the Starworts are in bloom. Even in August they have already begun, with
the beautiful low-growing _Aster acris_, one of the brightest of flowers
of lilac or pale purple colouring. From the time this pretty plant is in
bloom to near the end of October, and even later, there is a constant
succession of these welcome Michaelmas Daisies. The number of kinds good
for garden use is now so great that the growers’ plant lists are only
bewildering, and those who do not know their Daisies should see them in
some good nursery or private garden and make their own notes. As in the
case of Phloxes, the improvement in the garden kinds is of recent years,
for I can remember the time when it was a rare thing to see in a garden
any other Michaelmas Daisy than a very poor form of _Novi-Belgii_, a
plant of such mean quality that, if it came up as a seedling in our
gardens to-day, it would be sent at once to the rubbish heap.
When the learner begins to acquire a Daisy-eye he will see what a large
proportion of the garden kinds are related to this same _Novi-Belgii_,
the Starwort of New England. The greater number of the garden varieties
are derived from North American species, but they hybridise so freely
that it is now impossible to group the garden plants with any degree of
botanical accuracy. But the amateur may well be content with a generally
useful garden classification, and he will probably learn to know his
_Novi-Belgii_ first. Then he will come to those _Novi-Belgii_ that are
from the species _lævis_, rather wider and brighter green of leaf and
only half the height. Then, once known, he cannot mistake _Novæ-Angliæ_,
with its hairy and slightly viscid stem and foliage, and strong smell,
and its two distinct colourings--rich purples and reddish pinks. Then
again, if he observes his plants in early summer, he can never mistake
the heart-shaped root-leaves of _cordifolius_ for any other. This is one
of the most beautiful of the mid-season Starworts, with its myriads of
small flowers gracefully disposed on the large spreading panicles. Of
this the best known and most useful are _A. cordifolius elegans_ and a
paler-coloured and most dainty variety called _Diana_.
Once seen he can never forget the low-growing early _A. acris_ or the
good garden varieties of _A. Amellus_, both from European species.
Several other kinds, both tall and short, early and late, will be added
to those named, but these may be taken as perhaps the best to begin
with.
Where space can be given, it is well to set apart a separate border for
these fine plants alone. This is done in the garden where Mr. Elgood
found his subject. Here the Starworts occupy a double border about eight
feet wide and eighty feet long. They are carefully but not conspicuously
staked with stiff, branching spray cut out the winter before from oaks
and chestnuts that had been felled. The spray is put in towards the end
of June, when the Asters are making strong growth. The borders are
planted and regulated with the two-fold aim of both form and colour
beauty. In some places rather tall kinds come forward; in the case of
some of the most graceful, such as _cordifolius Diana_, the growths
being rather separated to show the pretty form of the individual branch.
In others it was thought that their best use was as a flowery mass. Each
kind is treated at the time of staking according to its own character,
and so as best to display its natural form and most obvious use. Like
all the best flower gardening it is the painting of a picture with
living plants, but, unlike painting, it is done when the palette is
empty of its colours. Still the good garden-planter who has intimate
acquaintance and keen sympathy with his plants, can plant by knowledge
and faith; by knowledge in his certainty of recollection of the habit
and stature and colour of his plants; by faith in that he knows that if
he does his part well the growing thing will be docile to his sure
guidance.