Ulex Europaeus Flore Pleno (Double Furze).--This elegant, hardy,
evergreen shrub likes a rich, sandy soil, and may be increased by
cuttings planted in a shady border and covered with a hand-glass.
Height, 5 ft.
Umbilicus Chrysanthus.--This little Alpine plant should occupy a warm,
sheltered, and dry situation, and be protected with an overhead screen
in wet seasons. The soil it most enjoys is a mixture of peat and
coarse sand. Its procumbent stalks emit roots. This new growth may be
transplanted in the spring or early summer months. Height, 6 in.
Uvularia.--Beautiful hardy perennials, producing drooping flowers from
May to July. They succeed best in a light, sandy soil, and may be
increased by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.
V
Vaccineum Myrtillus and V. Uliginosum.--Attractive deciduous shrubs.
They require to be grown in peat or very sandy loam. In April or May
they produce flowers. They can be increased by dividing the creeping
roots. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Vaccineum Vitis-Idaea (Red Whortleberry).--A neat native shrub
which, with its flowers and clusters of bright red berries, is very
attractive in autumn. A rich, light, sandy soil, moist but well
drained, is necessary, and the position should be sunny so as to ripen
the berries. It may be increased at any time by division. It flowers
from May to October. Height, 9 in.
Valeriana.--An ornamental hardy perennial. It will succeed in any
garden soil, and merely requires the same treatment as ordinary
perennials. It is readily increased by dividing the roots, and
produces its flowers in July. Height, 1 ft.
Vegetable Marrow.--Sow in pots during March or April, and place in a
cucumber frame or on a hotbed, and cover with a hand-glass. Harden
off, and plant out about the third week in May in ground previously
prepared with a heavy dressing of good stable or farmyard manure,
protecting the plants at night for the first week or so with a
handglass or large flower-pot. Do not allow the roots to feel the want
of water, and keep a sharp look-out for slugs. Seed may also be sown
in May in the open. The best way of proceeding in this case is to
dig a pit 2 ft. deep and the same in width, fill it with fermenting
manure, and put 1 ft. of light mould on top. Let it remain for a week
so that the soil may get warm, then sow the seed, and cover it with a
hand-glass. Train the shoots so that they may have plenty of room, and
pinch off the tops when the plant has attained its desired length.
Venidium.--Hardy annuals, which are best raised from seed sown early