Shortia Galacifolia.--A hardy, creeping Alpine evergreen, having oval
leaves, slightly notched at the margins, which turn to a brilliant
crimson during the autumn and winter months. In April and May it
produces pearly-white flowers, somewhat Campanulate in form. It may be
planted in early autumn or spring. A light, rich soil suits it best,
and it delights in partial shade. It is a lovely plant for rock-work.
Height, 6 in.
Shrubs.--Deciduous shrubs may be transplanted at any time during late
autumn or winter when the ground is not too wet. Evergreen shrubs may
be moved either early in autumn or in April or May, damp, warm, but
not sunny weather being most suitable for the operation. They rejoice
in a clean, healthy soil, such as good loam; animal manure does not
agree with them, but wood ashes, or charcoal powder with a little
guano, may be used. Cuttings of shrubs or trees may be taken in
September, placed in a mixture of sandy loam and leaf-mould with 1/2
in. of sand on top, and covered with a hand-glass; 5 to 8 in. is a
good length for the cuttings, all of which, with the exception of
about 1 in., should be buried, and preferably with a heel of old wood.
Keep the soil just damp and give shade.
Shrubs for Lawns.--Monkey Puzzle (_Araucaria Imbricata_)--mix wood
ashes and burnt refuse with the soil; Thujopsis Delabrata, Thujopsis
Borealis (of taller growth), Irish Yews, Cupressus Lawsoniana Erecta
Viridis, Thujas Orientalis, Vervaeneana, Semperaurescens, Standard
Rhododendrons, Standard and Pyramid Hollies, Yucca Gloriosa (a perfect
picture), Yucca Recurva (the best hardy plant for vases). The Cercis
tree is also well adapted for lawns.
Sicyos.--This hardy annual somewhat resembles the Cucumber, but is
scarcely worth growing except as a curiosity. The seeds are sown on a
hotbed in spring, potted off when strong enough, and transferred to
the open border early in June. It is a climber, and flowers in August.
Height, 3 ft.
Sidalcea.--Very pretty hardy perennials, of easy culture. S. Candida
has pure white flowers closely arranged on the upper part of the
stems. S. Malvaeflora bears beautifully fringed, satiny pink flowers.
They will grow in any good soil from seed sown in autumn and protected
during the winter, or they may be increased by division of the roots.
Height, 3 ft.
Silene _(Catchfly_).--Elegant plants, delighting in a light, rich
soil. Sow the seeds of the annual varieties early in April where they
are intended to bloom. Silene Pendula, when sown in the autumn, makes
a pleasing show of pink flowers in the spring. The roots of the
herbaceous kinds may be divided in spring. The shrubby sorts are
increased by cuttings planted under a hand-glass. The dwarfs make fine
rock-work ornaments. Flowers are produced in June and July. Height, 2
in. to 1-1/2 ft.
Silphium Aurantiacum.--A good and hardy border perennial, which
produces during July and August large deep orange-yellow flowers
resembling a Sunflower. It is very useful for cutting, will grow
anywhere, and can be increased by dividing the root. Height, 4 ft.
Sisyrinchium Grandifolium(_Satin Flower, or Rush Lily_).--A light loam
suits this plant, which is moderately hardy. The soil should be moist,
but not wet. It does not like being disturbed, but when necessary the
crowns may be divided in autumn, taking care to spread the roots well
out. It blooms in April or May. Height, 1 ft.
Skimmia.--Neat-growing, dwarf evergreen shrubs having Laurel-like
leaves, and producing a profusion of scarlet berries in winter. They
succeed in any ordinary soil, but thrive best in peat and loam; and
are propagated by cuttings placed in heat under glass.
Slugs.--A sharp watch should be kept over all slugs, and constant
visits paid to the garden at daybreak for their destruction. If
fresh cabbage leaves are strewed about in the evening the slugs will
congregate under them, and in the morning they may be gathered up and
dropped into strong brine. The ground may also be dusted with fresh
lime, which is fatal to them, but in wet weather the lime soon loses
its power.
Smilax.--A greenhouse climbing plant that is admired for its foliage
rather than its bloom. A mixture of peat and loam or leaf-mould and
sandy loam suits it. Train the shoots up string, and freely water the
plant in summer; during the autumn and winter it does not need
much moisture. Keep the temperature of the house up to 60 degrees
throughout the winter. It is readily increased by cuttings. It flowers
in July. Fine for table decoration. Height, 4 ft.
Snails.--To prevent snails crawling up walls or fruit trees daub the
ground with a thick paste of soot and train oil. There is no remedy so
effectual for their destruction as hand-picking.