Garden Notes - Sweet Bergamot

Sweet Bergamot

A hardy perennial herbaceous plant suitable for growing in borders or beds. Propagated by division of the old plants in autumn or early spring. The leaves, when crushed emit a very pleasing fragrance, which gives rise to the popular name. Will thrive in any good garden soil that has been well cultivated. Height 18 inches to 2 feet.

Spire Lily

This used to be known as Hyacinthus candicans. A hardy bulbous plant admirably adapted for borders or large beds.  Propagated by offsets or seeds sown in the open in May.  Should have deeply dug and well manured soil. If the latter is mainly composed of clay each bulb should be surrounded with sand at planting time, which is march.  Height 4 feet to 5 feet.

Ranunculus

A tuberous rooted member of the Buttercup family, and one of our oldest garden flowers.  Propagated by offsets from the tubers, and by seed sown as soon as ripe, or in spring in a cold frame.  Soil should be well drained and contain a good amount of sand, but ought to be well enriched with cow manure.  The tubes are best planted about the end of March.  Height 9 inches.

Sneezewort

A hardy herbaceous plant and native of Great Britain.  Propagated by divisions of the roots in autumn, winter or spring.  The double flowered form, and the variety known as "The Pearl" are excellent border plants, thriving in any well cultivated and well enriched soil.  Very useful for cutting, as the flowers lasts well in water.  Height 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Rose Champion

A hardy perennial plant that is sometimes known as Agrostemma Flos-Fovis. Propagated by division in spring.  Owing to its woody stems and leaves it is admirably adapted for growing in dry places, such as sunny banks and the back part of the rock garden.  There is a variety named alba, which has white flowers.  Height 2 feet.