For Frhnu.ry. i<)23 



37 



Anthericum 



RICHARD ROTHE 



CONSIDKRIXG the great diversity in i^enera and 

 species offered in hardy herbaceous plant catalogues 

 the outsider is apt to take it for certain that he will 

 find in modern American gardens adequate richness in va- 

 riety, heightened by discrimination in selecting the ma- 

 terial and subsequent originality in floral effects. As far 

 as the average comes in question, I am afraid, in the main, 

 we fail to come up to reasonable expectations. In looking 

 over the contents we find ourselves confronted with a re- 

 markable sameness both in plant material and its arange- 

 inent. Ciranted, we employ species of merit ; we give 

 proof of our sensitiveness in regard to harmony in color 

 combinations, Ixit after all, we remain loath to avail our- 

 selves of anvthing bevond the well known traditional lines. 



.-Iiitlicricitiii liliiisinii! ^[i:^;iiiir< mil 



This self-confinement to a very limited number of species 

 deprives us more or less of our opportunities to exert in- 

 dividual ingenuitv. The garden owner, as amateur, looks 

 to the horticulturist for practical leadership and the rank 

 and file of the latter apparently lack ambition. Certainly, 

 we have as exceptions here and there — gardens testifying 

 to the mastership of their originators in handling and tak- 

 ing full advantage of the present wealth of beautiful plant 

 material at our disposal. These are examples which at a 

 glance show the thorough familiarity with the practical 

 growing part of designer and caretaker ; examples testify- 

 ing to an innate love for the work done. Without those 

 qualities we are bound to fail. Love creates the enthusi- 

 asm necessary for extraordinary results : the experience 

 as growers keeps us aware of the limitations set by the 

 cultural requirements of plant species. Practical knowl- 

 edge alone safeguards artistic ingenuity from indulging in 

 iiiere fantastical exploits, which, as utter failures, bring 

 discouragement, blocking our road for advance. Object 

 lessons of this kind demonstrating the present need of ex- 

 perience in the field of practical growing are by no means 

 rare. 



At a recent visit to one of Philadelphia's most advanced 

 herbaceous gardens your correspondent had the pleasure 

 of enjoying the attractive old-time picture of a few clumps 

 of Anthericum Liliastrum, the well known St. Bruno's 

 lily. The narrow grass-like foliage and the long spikes 

 of small white flowers, sweetly fragrant, awakened in the 

 beholder's mind vivid reminiscences of the past. We have 



lost sight of this garden inmate of bygone days and are 

 delighted to see it again. Similar impressions are gained 

 when we find ourselves confronted with plantations of the 

 St. Bernard's lily, Anthericum Liliago. But both sjjecies, 

 of late, have been by far eclipsed by Anthericum Lilias- 

 trum giganteum. This new giant form of the old St. 

 liruno's lily, bearing stately spikes of large white flowers, 

 resembling miniature Aladonna lilies, represents one of the 

 choicest materials for the refined garden of today. Planta- 

 tions of the size shown by our illustration possess an ir- 

 resistible charm. Perfectly hardy, a rather light, but well 

 enriched soil with ample drainage is essential for thrifty 

 growth. For n<irthern districts the open sunnv exposure 

 is a necessity. In the Middle Atlantic States light partial 

 shade seems to prolong the flowering season during June 

 and early July. Anthericum Liliastrum giganteum may 

 be raised from seed sown in early spring. To a limited 

 extent we can propagate by division of the root-stocks. 

 Leaf-covering during Winter will prove the best material 

 for protection. 



1 



WHAT TO DO WITH FROZEN PLANTS 



r is safe to state that nt)t a Winter passes by without 

 a number of plants being destroyed by frost. Pot 

 l^lants in particular, many of which could undoubtedly 

 be saved did their owners know what to do with them 

 when King Frost holds them in his icy embrace. 



In order that we may better understand the treat- 

 ment of frozen plants, it will be wise to briefly consider 

 what happens when frost reaches them. The hquid con- 

 tents of the cells become frozen and expand, the cell walls 

 are ruptured, and the plant's tissues in general are dis- 

 organized. It is now a fairly well-known "fact that a plant 

 whose cells contain only a comparatively small amount 

 of water will stand, without injury, several degrees more 

 frost than a similar plant whose cells are turgid with 

 liquid : therefore it is excellent practice, as a preventive 

 of injury by frost, to keep plants as dry as possible with- 

 out injury during the Winter months. ' 



But supposing a plant or plants have been badly frozen, 

 what are we to do to save their lives? The whole answer 

 is given in three words, viz., thaw them slowly. It has 

 been proved over and over again that if a plant is thawed 

 sufficiently slowly, the cells are able to once more absorb 

 their contents that have been displaced by expansion, and 

 the plant is little the worse for the disorganization that 

 has occurred. If it is a window or room plant that is 

 aft'ected, stand it in a very cool corner where the tem- 

 l^erature is only slightly above freezing point, and keep it 

 there until it has thawed. 



The occupants of cold frames are often badly frozen, 

 and if a sudden burst of sunshine is allowed to reach 

 them much damage will be done. Keep the mats or 

 other covering over them until a slow or gradual thaw 

 takes place. But it is when the whole of the occupants 

 of the greenhouse, owing .to some defect in the heating 

 arrangements, become frozen that the most destruction 

 is likely to occur, and prompt measures must be taken 

 if any of the plants are tO' be saved. As soon as such a 

 condition is noticed, take care that the heating apparatus 

 does not right itself and thus send up the temperature 

 quickly. Then cover the glass with thick mats, straw 

 or other shading material, in case the sun comes out and 

 ( Continued on page 42) 



