XV 
BASKETS, VASES, AND WINDOW BOXES 
ANY trailing plants and vines are well suited fo1 
growing in hanging baskets, vases, and window 
boxes. Baskets can be made either of earthenware 
or china, or of pieces of wood, or iron or copper 
wire. Baskets of the latter type must be clothed 
with moss to keep the soil in position, and by reason of the 
excellent drainage are eminently suited to Ferns and Orchids. 
‘« Baskets’? of china or earthenware are rather more orna- 
mental and better fitted to plants of more solid growth, such 
as Ivy-leaved Geraniums, Ivy, and even small Palms and Dra- 
cenas. In planting baskets care should be taken to make the 
bottom solid, so as not to risk the falling out of the soil after- 
ward when least expected. 
Vases are suitable ornaments for stoops and entrances to a 
house. Filled with Palms, large Century-plants, or Dracenas, 
they make a beautiful effect. Even in the house, on the newels 
of staircases or on single stands, vases with suitable plants are 
very ornamental. Large cast-iron vases, such as are usually 
used in cemeteries and gardens, can be made very attractive by 
planting with a variety of plants. One way is to plant a large 
Palm or Dracena in the centre and fill out with various foliage 
and flowering plants, such as Begonias, Marguerites, Ivy, and 
Coleus ; and for edging, Verbenas, Lobelias, and various kinds 
