A FLOWER WEEK.
We have had the great flower week of the year, though it remains something of a mystery how the professional gardeners provide blossoms of plants that have very different natural dates, all at the same time. Most of us perhaps are a little overpowered by the wealth and variety of blossom exhibited at Chelsea or any show that compares with it ; but out of the kaleidoscope we generally come away with one or two impres- sions or discoveries that have a definite influence on our own garden, however small. To quote a personal experience, Chelsea provided me this year with the knowledge that my favourite among flowering shrubs has a cousin at least equally good, and what is more, much earlier. The old favourite is Viburnum fragrans, whose blossom is endowed with a scent that does not yield even to honeysuckle or lilac ; and though the blossom is not as beautiful as these it has a cheerful smile that shines out from a strong and healthy face. Its cousin is held by sonic to be even sweeter ; and whether this be so or not, every garden would benefit by the succession of blossoms if both were grown. Mr. Jason Hill in a wholly delightful book published last month (The Curious Gardener. Faber and Faber. 7s. 6d.), writes of Viburnum Carlesii that it is reckoned by some " the best hardy plant introduced in the last fifty years " ; and describes its scent about as well as scent can be described. " Its scent, of the Tuberose type, is lightly touched with a suggestion of the Clove Carnation," which gives to it a finish of perfection matching the faint pink that warms the waxen white of its petals."
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