FLOWER GARDEN

The genus of grasses known as bamboos belong to three groups, Arundinaria, Phyllostachys and Bambusa. They are graceful evergreens which flourish best in moist soil and a sheltered position. They are most attractive from midsummer to early spring; between February and July the leaves become shabby.

They do well by the side of a stream or pond; if the soil in which they are planted is not naturally moist they must be watered very freely in dry weather. The best time to plant or transplant bamboos is in April or September, Bamboos which flower usually perish a short time afterwards; they can be increased by sowing seeds under glass and subsequently planting the seedlings out of doors. The way to prune bamboos is, in April, to cut out some of the old shabby stems right to the base. Some of the best hardy bamboos for British gardens are Arundinaria anceps, 8-10 feet, A. nitida, 8-10 feet, A. Simoni, 12-16 feet; Phyllostachys fastuosa, 15-20 feet, and P. nigra. 8 feet Attractive low-growing kinds are Bambusa tessellata. 3 feet, with very large leaves: pygmaea, 15 inches, 15 inches The two last named are improved by being cut down almost to the ground each year.