Although a fairly large number of herbaceous plants seem to succeed in smoky localities, yet the list of such as really thrive satisfactorily for a number of years without renewal is by no means a long one. There are a few, however, that under very unfavourable conditions as to soot and smoke, but particularly when carefully planted in suitable soil, do really succeed and give little or no trouble for a number of years. Others, again, owing to strong clumps having been planted, look well and flower freely enough for a time, but gradually the constitution becomes impaired and they die out prematurely. Some of the best would include Acanthus spinosus, with its spiny leaves and freely produced purple and white flowers.

Achillea Ptarmica

Achillea Ptarmica fl. pl. also does well and produces an abundance of its pure white double flowers.

Anchusa Italica

Anchusa Italica, with its sky-blue flowers and noble port, is a worthy plant for the town garden, while the Dropmore form is even more suitable for the same situation and a superb variety in every way. Many species of Aster are well suited for planting where impurities of the atmosphere abound, some of the best being A. Amellus and A. multiflorus.

Bocconia cordata, with its beautifully cut leaves and panicles of brownish flowers, is a desirable species for town planting, which may also be said of several of the larger-growing Campanulas. The Burning Bush (Dictamnus Fraxinelld) has few equals either as a flowering plant or for succeeding where the air is vitiated and impure, and should find a position wherever herbaceous plants are cultivated.

Doronicum Harpur

Doronicum Harpur Crewe, with its beautiful yellow flowers, would also appear to be well suited for planting where smoke abounds, which may also be said of the Lyme grass (Elymus glaucifolius) with its glaucous blue foliage and feathery habit of growth. Euphorbia Cyparissias has few equals as a town plant and has been for many years established in a London garden. It flowers freely and is a plant of striking appearance. One or two species of Funkia do well in smoky localities, the best being F. Sieboldii and the variegated-leaved varieties. Several species of Sunflower (Helianthus) can be recommended for planting where the atmosphere is not too impure, notably H. laetiflorus, H. multiflorus, H. giganteus, and H. rigidus. Henterocallis flava and H. fulva are both excellent town plants and are showy both in leaf and flower. They want fairly rich soil and can succeed in partial shade. The Cow Parsnip (Heracleum giganteum), with its noble stem, finely cut leaves, and dense heads of creamy white flowers, has few equals for planting in smoky localities. Most species of Iris are excellent town plants and succeed in very poor soil and with a minimum of attention. A few of the best would include I. Pseudo acorns, with golden yellow flowers; I. pumila ccerulea, having rich, clear blue flowers; I. sibirica, I. reticulata, violet and yellow; and I. stylosa, which is delightfully fragrant. But other species and varieties also do well and should be planted, particularly some of the English and German kinds. Lythrum salicaria roseum is a beautiful town plant that succeeds best in rather dampish positions or by the water side, while another excellent variety, with deep rose flowers and growing to nearly 5 ft. in height, is named superbum. The Oswego Tea (Monarda didyma), with its pleasantly perfumed leaves and bright scarlet flowers, also succeeds well in smoky localities, and so do the well-marked varieties rosea and Cambridge Scarlet. Of the Evening Primroses (CEnothera), several may be relied on as suitable for the town garden, two of the most desirable being Youngii and Lamarckiana. Plumbago Larpentce, with terminal heads of rich blue flowers and beautifully autumn-tinted leaves, is another choice subject for planting when smoke and chemical fumes are present in the air. Two species at least of the Knot-weed or Snakeweed (Polygonum) do well under similar conditions, these being P. bis-torta with pinky flowers, and P. Brunonis.

Herbaceous Plants In A Town Garden. To face page 130

Herbaceous Plants In A Town Garden. To face page 130.