Chapter 18

Veronica.--This graceful evergreen, commonly called Speedwell, bears handsome spikes of autumn flowers, and makes a good conservatory or sitting-room plant. It stands the winter out of doors in a sheltered position with a dry sub-soil. The annual varieties may be sown in autumn for spring flowering. Any light, rich, moist soil suits them. The hardy perennial kinds are increased by dividing the roots, and the greenhouse varieties by seeds or cuttings. The different species flower from July to October. Height, 1 ft. to 10 ft.

Vesicaria Graeca.--A small hardy evergreen shrub, suitable for rock-work or edgings. It likes a light, dry soil and an open situation. It may be propagated by seeds, which are freely produced; but the readiest way to increase it is by cuttings of the side-shoots, taken as early as possible so as to become well rooted before cold weather sets in. It flowers from April to June. Height, 6 in. to 8 in.

Viburnum Opulus(_Guelder Rose_, or _Snowball Tree_).--A very elegant and hardy deciduous shrub, which will grow in any soil, and may be increased by layers, or by cuttings planted in the shade under glass. It blooms in June. Height, 12 ft.

Viburnum Tinus (_Laurestinus_).--This well-known and much-admired evergreen shrub produces masses of white flowers through the winter months, at which season it is especially ornamental. It is generally propagated by layers, but where a number of the plants are required they may be obtained from autumn cuttings planted in the shade and covered with a hand-glass. Height, 5 ft.

Vicia Pyrenaica.--A hardy and good perennial for rock-work, having compact tufts of green growth and producing deep crimson flowers in May and June. It will grow in any soil, and is of easy culture. It is increased by seed, also by division of the roots. Height, 1 ft.

Vinca (_Periwinkle_).--Many of these are variegated and very showy as rock-work plants, and will grow in any moist soil, enjoying a shady situation. They may be raised from seed sown early in spring in a warm situation, or may be increased by runners, which strike root at the joints like the Strawberry. They may be planted under the shade of trees. Many choice greenhouse evergreens bearing fine circular flowers and shining foliage are also included under the name of Vinca. Height, 2 ft.

Vines.--_See_ "Grapes."

Violas.--The hardy perennials are suitable for the front of flower borders or rock-work, but the smaller species succeed best when grown in pots in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. The herbaceous kinds are increased by seed or division of the roots, the shrubby varieties by cuttings planted under glass, and the annuals by seed sown in the open in spring. Height, 3 in. to 6 in.

Violets.--Plant the runners or off-sets in May in loam and leaf-mould, choosing a damp, shady situation. Russian and Neapolitan Violets may be made to flower throughout the winter and early spring by placing them in a stove or warm pit. Dog-toothed Violets will grow in any light soil. Autumn is the best time to plant them, and 1 in. of silver sand round the roots prevents decay; they are hardy and early, but will not bloom unless planted 9 in. deep. White Violets like a chalky soil. One of the best manures for Violets is the ash from bonfires. They may be multiplied to any extent by pegging down the side-shoots in April. The common Violet flowers in March and April. Height, 6 in.

Virgilia.--For the most part greenhouse shrubs, requiring to be grown in a compost of loam, peat, and sand. Young cuttings planted in sandy loam and covered with glass will strike. The hardy kinds, such as V. Lutea, grow in any light soil, and are increased by laying down shoots in autumn or spring. July is the month in which they flower. Height, from 2 ft. to 12 ft.

Virginian Creeper (_Ampelopsis Hederacea_).--May be propagated by layers or cuttings, and will grow in any common garden soil. The plant is also known as the Five-leaved Ivy, is a rapid grower, and a favourite for covering unsightly walls.

Virginian Stock.--This pretty little hardy annual is readily raised from seed sown on a border in autumn or spring. It is not particular as to soil. Height, 9 in.

Virgin's Bower.--_See_ "Clematis."

Viscaria Coeli Rosa (_the Rose of Heaven_).--Sow in April, or on a warm, dry, sheltered spot in September. Other varieties of Viscaria are graceful and effective in beds, masses, or lines, and only require the usual care bestowed upon hardy annuals. The flowers are produced in June and July. Height, 1 ft.

Vitis Heterophylla.--These vines are hardy, and will grow in any rich soil. They are propagated by cuttings, and also by layers. V. Purpureus has purple leaves, which are very effective. V. Coignettae, or the Chinese Vine, has very noble foliage.

W

Wahlenbergia.--The hardy perennial kinds thrive best in pots, the soil in which should be kept moist. The annuals, which are raised on a hotbed in March, may be planted out in May in a warm situation.

Waitzia.--Very beautiful half-hardy annuals, but more suitable for the greenhouse than the open flower-bed. They require a sandy peat and leaf-mould, and the pots to be well drained, as too much water is as destructive to them as too little. They may be had in flower from May to August by making two sowings, one in September and the other in February, and keeping them in the greenhouse. When large enough to handle, pot off into 3-in. pots, putting two plants in each pot close to the sides, and shift them into larger ones when they have made sufficient growth. Place them in a dry and airy situation and near the glass. They are unable to stand the least frost, therefore, if they are planted out, it should not be done before the beginning of June. Height, 11/2 ft.

Waldsteina Fragarioides.--A hardy and pretty trailing rock plant, with deep green foliage. From March to May it bears yellow Strawberry-like flowers. Any soil suits it, and it may be increased by seed or division. Height, 6 in.

Wall-flower (_Cheiranthus_).--These favourite hardy perennials prefer a rich, light, sandy soil, and a dry situation. The seed may be sown where it is intended for them to bloom either in autumn or spring. Thin out to 2 ft. apart. They may also be increased by shoots torn from the stems of old plants. As well as flowering early in spring, they often bloom in the autumn. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Walnuts.--The Nuts for raising young trees may be planted at any time between October and the end of February, 3 in. deep and 1-1/2 ft. apart. Train to a single stem 8 to 10 ft. high, removing all the side branches as soon as they make an appearance. The following year they may be planted in their permanent position, which should be high, yet sheltered from frost. Two of the best tall-growing varieties are Thin-shelled and Noyer à Bijou. The Dwarf Prolific makes a good bush tree.

Wand Plant.--_See_ "Galax."

Wasps.--To destroy Wasps rinse a large bottle with spirits of turpentine, and thrust the neck into the principal entrance to their nest, stopping up all the other holes to prevent their escape. In a few days the nest may be dug up. The fumes of the spirit first stupefies and eventually destroys the insects.

Water-cress.--Sow in prepared places, during spring, in sluggish brooks and moist situations; or it may be grown on a shady border if kept moist by frequent waterings. It may also be grown in a frame in September from cuttings placed 6 in. apart, sprinkling them daily, but keeping the frame closed for two or three weeks, then watering once a week. Give all the air possible in fine weather, but cover the frame with mats during frosts. It is best when grown quickly.

Watsonia.--Plant the bulbs during January in sandy loam with a little peat. They flower in April. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Weeds in Paths.--These may be destroyed by strong brine, applied when hot. Or mix 1/2 lb. of oil of vitriol with 6 gallons of water, and apply, taking care not to get the vitriol on the hands or clothes.

Weigelia.--Free-flowering, hardy, deciduous shrubs, the flowers being produced in profusion along the shoots in April, and varying in colour from white to deep crimson. The plants will grow in any soil, and require no special culture. All the varieties force well, and may be increased by cuttings. Height, 6 ft.

White Scale.--_See_ "Scale."

Whitlavia.--A hardy annual, needing no special treatment. It may be sown in autumn, and protected during winter in a frame, or it may be raised in spring in the open ground, where it will bloom in June. Height, 2 ft.

Whortleberry.--_See_ "Vaccineum."

Wigandia Caraccasana.--A stove deciduous shrub which thrives best in a mixture of loam and peat. Cuttings in sand will strike if placed under glass and in heat. It flowers in April. Height, 10 ft.

Windflowers.--_See_ "Anemones."

Winter Aconite (_Eranthis Hyemalis_).--This is one of the very first of flowers to bloom, being in advance of the Snowdrop. In the bleakest days of winter this little flower covers the ground with its gilt spangles. Plant in early autumn. Any soil or situation suits it, but it does best in a light mould and a moist, shady position, or under trees. Most effective when planted in masses. The tubers may remain permanently in the ground, or they may be lifted and divided in summer, as soon as the foliage dies down. Flowers are produced from December to February.

Winter Cherry.--_See_ "Physalis."

Winter Heliotrope.--_See_ "Tussilago."

Wire-worms.--Before using mould for potting purposes it is advisable to examine it carefully and pick out any Wire-worms that are in it. For the border the best traps are small potatoes with a hole cut in them, buried at intervals just beneath the surface of the soil.

Wistaria.--This noble wall plant may be abundantly produced, as a long layer will root at every joint. It will also grow from cuttings of the plant and root. Though of slow growth at first, when well established it is very free-growing and perfectly hardy. It may also be grown as a small tree for the lawn or centres of large beds by keeping the long twining shoots pinched in.

Witch Hazel.--_See_ "Hamamelis."

Withania Origanifolia (_Pampas Lily-of-the-Valley_).--A hardy climbing plant, attaining a height of 20 or 30 ft. in a very short period. The foliage is small, but very dense and of a dark green, the flowers being white. It may be raised from seed, and when once established the roots may remain undisturbed for any length of time, merely removing the stems as soon as they are destroyed by frost.

Wolf's Bane.--_See_ "Aconite."

Wood, to Preserve.--In order to prevent wooden posts, piles, etc., from rotting, dip the parts to be sunk in the earth in the following composition:--Fine, hard sand, three hundred parts; powdered chalk, forty parts; resin, fifty parts; linseed oil, four parts. Heat these together in a boiler, then add red lead, one part; sulphuric acid, one part. Mix well together, and use while hot. If too thick, more linseed oil may be added. This composition when dry attains the consistency of varnish, and becomes extremely hard.

Wood Lily.--_See_ "Trillium."

Woodruff.--_See_ "Asperula."

Worms, to Destroy.--To each 5 lbs. of newly-slaked lime add 15 gallons of water. Stir it well, let it settle, draw off the clear portion, and with it water the surface of the lawn, etc. The Worms will come to the top and may be swept up. Worms in pots may be brought to the top by sprinkling a little dry mustard on the surface of the soil, and then giving the plant a good watering.

Wulfenia Carinthiaca.--A pretty and hardy perennial from the Corinthian Alps, suitable alike for rock-work or the border, throwing up spikes of blue flowers from May to July. During winter place it in a frame, as it is liable to rot in the open. It needs a light, rich, sandy soil and plenty of moisture when in growth. Cuttings will strike in sand; it may also be propagated by seeds or division. Height, 1 ft.

X

Xeranthemum.--These charming everlasting annuals retain, in a dried state, their form and colour for several years. They are of the easiest culture, merely requiring to be sown in spring in light, rich soil to produce flowers in July. Height, 2 ft.

Xerophyllum Asphodeloides (_Turkey's Beard_).--A showy hardy perennial with tufts of graceful, curving, slender foliage. From May to July, when it bears spikes of white flowers, it is very handsome. It does best in a peat border, and may be increased by well-ripened seed or by division. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Xerotes.--Herbaceous plants, which thrive well in any light, rich soil, and are readily increased by dividing the roots. They flower in June. Height, 2 ft.

Y

Yew (_Taxus_).--For landscape gardening the old gold-striped (_Baccata Aurea Variegata_) is most effective. The Japanese variety, T. Adpressa, is a pleasing evergreen having dark green leaves and large scarlet berries; it is very suitable for the front of large borders. The Common Yew (_Baccata_) grows dense and bushy, and is excellent for hedges. The dark green leaves of the Irish Yew (_Baccata Fastigiata_) make a fine contrast with lighter foliage. Dovastonii is a fine Weeping Yew with long dark green leaves and extra large red berries. There are many other good sorts. The Yew likes shade and moisture, but it is not very particular as to soil, loams and clays suiting it admirably.

Yucca.--This plant, popularly known as Adam's Needle thrives best in dry, sandy loam. It is quite hardy, and does well on rock-work, to which it imparts a tropical aspect, Yucca Recurva has fine drooping leaves, and is suitable for vases, etc. It bears a white flower. Yuccas are mostly evergreen shrubs, are very beautiful, and have the habit of palm-trees. A light, rich soil suits them all. They are increased by suckers from the root. They make handsome plants for lawns, terraces, ornamental vases, the centre of beds, or sub-tropical gardens, and bloom in September. Height, 2 ft.

Z

Zauschneria.--A Californian half-hardy perennial plant which bears a profusion of scarlet tube-shaped flowers from June to October. It grows freely in a sunny position in any dry, light, gravelly, rich soil, and is increased by division of roots or by cuttings. Height, 1 ft.

Zea (_Indian Corn_).--This is best raised in a hotbed early in spring, but it will germinate in ordinary soil in May. It requires a sunny situation. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Zea Japonica Variegata (_Striped Japanese Maize_).--A fine half-hardy annual ornamental grass, the foliage being striped green and white, and growing to the height of 3 ft. The cultivation is the same as the foregoing.

Zephyranthes (_Swamp Lilies_).--Plant on a warm border in a rather sandy, well-drained soil. Give protection in severe weather, and supply with water during the growing season. Take up and divide every second or third year. The flowers are produced in July. Height, 9 in.

Zinnia.--A genus of very pretty annuals, well deserving of cultivation. The seeds must be raised on a gentle hotbed in spring, and planted out in June 1 ft. apart in the richest of loamy soil and warmest and most sheltered position. Height 1 ft. to 11/2 ft.

End of Project Gutenberg's Gardening for the Million, by Alfred Pink