HORTICULTURE 



September 23, 1905 



becomes vulgar and disproportionate. A Lawson car- 

 nation is large enough ; one five or six inches in diameter 

 would not be so elegant. Chrysanthemums are not so 

 pleasing when grown on a single tall stem with a flower 

 on the top which might be mistaken for a floral mop, as 

 are specimen plants with graceful stems and moderate- 

 sized flowers. It is true that the large blossoms answer 

 admirably for large decorative work, but the smaller ones 

 appeal more directly to sesthetic tastes. 



The true success of the florist, whether he be hybridist, 



grower or decoi'ator, depends upon his ability to follow 

 nature on natural lines, not to distort her. The sooner 

 the reading public are educated to view the subject in 

 this light the less likely it will be to be misled by these 

 horticultural moulders, and the letter alike to appreciate 

 and enjoy the results of true science. 



Winter Asparagus 



Florists who force vegetables as a side-issue, to utilize 

 vacant space during dull times, should try the common 

 garden asparagus (Asparagus officinalis), for which 

 there is generally quite a demand. 



For forcing, old roots, at least three years old, are 

 dug in the fall and stored until wanted in some cool 

 place, as a pit or cellar. 



Any place where a temperature of 50-60 degrees can 

 be maintained will serve for asparagus raising. Space 

 under or on benches, in pits, cellars, cold or hot frames 

 can all be used with profit. The plants occupy the 

 ground for only about ten weeks, so that a crop can, 

 in many cases, be grown between regular florist crops, 

 when the space is not needed for anything else. 



Planting may be done at any time. Set in sandy, 

 extra well drained loam, placing the roots close together 

 without crowding, six inches apart each way being suf- 

 ficient for small ones. Water thoroughly. Do not 

 force too fast — a night temperature of 50 degrees, let- 

 ting it run up to 65 or 70 degrees during the day, is 



high enough for the first ten days or until the plants are 

 established. Then the house may be run with a night 

 temperature of 55 to 60 degrees and a corresponding 

 higher temperature during the day. 



Give plenty of luke-warm water, as the asparagus is a 

 thirsty plant, but be sure that all superfluous water will 

 drain off readily. 



If a succession is desired bring in a few plants every 

 two or three weeks. Cutting will begin in about six 

 weeks from setting out, and continue until the strength 

 of the plants is exhausted. After they are through 

 bearing the space can be reset with new roots from the 

 storage quarters. The old ones are of no further value. 



For market demanding a bleached article grow the 

 plants entirely in the dark. 



The best forcing varieties are Columbian, Conover's 

 Colossal and Palmetto. 



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We hope our readers will, as 

 far as possible, buy everything 

 they need from Horticulture's 

 Advertisers, 



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