254 PLANTING THE ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS 



Plant out when there is no longer danger of frost. The 

 old (foliage) sorts may be left out late to ripen up the fleshy 

 root-stocks. Cut the tops off immediately after frost. The 

 roots are safe in the ground as .long as it does not freeze. 

 Dig, and dry or "cure" for a few days, then winter them like 

 potatoes in the cellar. It is a common mistake to dig canna 

 roots too early. The French sorts are commonly thought 

 to keep best if kept growing somewhat during the winter; 

 but if managed right, they may be carried over like the 

 others. Immediately after frost, cut off the tops next the 

 ground. Cover the stumps with a little soil and leave the roots 

 in the ground till well ripened. Clean them after digging, 

 and cure or dry them for a week or more in the open air 

 and sun, taking them indoors at night. Then place them 

 away from frost in a cool, dry place. 



MAIZE, T. The variegated Japanese corn, Zea, Japonica varie- 

 gata, is a splendid variegated plant for the center or back 

 of beds, clumps, etc. The leaves are striped with white. 

 Sow out of doors when there is no longer danger of frost. 

 It is well to have at least three plants in a group for beds. 

 This variety grows only about 4 feet high. 



RICINUS, T. This is the well-known castor oil plant. It has 

 a very tropical appearance, and may be used as a single 

 specimen on the lawn, for a hedge-like row, or for the cen- 

 ter of large beds, especially with cannas and caladiums. 

 The plant branches freely and grows to a height of 9-12 

 feet or more. Leaves large and palmate. Start the seed in 

 small pots in March in a temperature of 60 or more, and 

 plant out when the weather is settled. The seed may also 

 be started in the open ground. Give them a dry situation 

 and deep, rich soil. The variety R. Cambodgensis has bronzy 

 foliage and is one of the best, growing about 6 feet high. 

 B. JBorboniensis attains a height of 15 feet, and It, Zanzi- 

 bariensis likewise. 



WIGANDIA, T. P. This plant, although perennial, should be grown 

 from the seed each year. It has leaves 2 or 3 feet long by 

 half as wide, and grows 4 feet high. The stems are cov- 

 ered with red hairs, and the leaves are handsomely veined. 

 The plant requires room and light, and is most suitable for 

 spacious grounds, where it may be used for massing or as 



