130 Subtropical Ga/ deninff. 



required in comparison to the size of plants is small, and many species can be stored 

 better in a dry cellar just free from frost than in a greenhouse. 



I will mention a few of the most showy and easily grown plants, such as may be 

 termed everybody's plants. 



First, I must place Cannas, of which we have now varieties with very handsome 

 foliage and also large and very showy flowers. Some of the varieties, as Heliconi- 

 folia and Auguste Ferrier, will grow eight or more feet high, with large musci-like 

 foliage, while Adele Levalloie will display its dazzling crimson flowers when but two 

 feet high, while Tricolor gives us beautiful variegated foliage. These plants will 

 grow in any rich soil in full sun or shade, but much better in former, and can be 

 stored like potatoes in the winter. 



Another fine plant is the Aralia Papyrifera. Its large palmata leaves are very 

 striking. This grows as free as the Cauna in rich soil, and may be laid by the roots 

 in soil in the cellar, and planted out again in May. 



The Phormium Tenax, or New Zealand Flax, is another very useful plant; also 

 the beautiful, variegated variety of the above ; but this is rather scarce and high- 

 priced. These are best planted in a moist place, or supplied with abundance of 

 water ; and to be kept in a moderate light place in winter. A little frost will not 

 hurt these. 



The Acorae Japonicae Variegata? is a very beautiful plant for edging beds or bor- 

 ders of other foliage plants, or for planting clumps or margins of ponds and lakes. 

 It is most satisfactory in moist ground. This can remain in ground during winter; 

 it is perfectly hardy. 



Arundo Donax Versicolor is a magnificent plant for a large patch near water, 

 the center of large beds, or the back of a border. It will grow ten feet high, and 

 has a very light and graceful looK, when its beautiful, variegated leaves are waved 

 by the wind. This is said to be hardy ; but I prefer taking it up and preserving it 

 from hard frost. The tall stems can be cut down ; it will push others from the 

 bottom. 



Many of the Solanums may be raised from seed and are ornamental ; some for 

 foliage, and others, as Ciliata, for the fruit. 



The finest varieties of Caladiums are also very desirable for the above purpose. 

 I planted out over twenty sorts, and most of them made large and beautiful colored 

 leaves, many of them superior in color to the same kinds inside. Keep this, in 

 winter, with Tuberose roots. 



The Alternantheras are indispensable for hedgings, and the color of grandifolia and 

 amabilis tricolor is very striking ; but they require keeping during winter in a warm 

 greenhouse. 



Coleus are so well known that I need not say much in praise of them, and we 

 have so many sorts, it is difficult to select, but as many of the rich colors indoors are 

 not at all the same planted out, I will mention Verschaff'eltii as best dark, and 

 Princess Royal as best golden. 



In a future article I will mention a few of the more rare ornamental plants which 

 are very desirable for this purpose. In this I have confined myself to a few easily 

 managed by any novice. 



