Aquilegia Asparagus Aster 



the following season. Leave the plants in the seed-bed until large 

 enough for transplanting to final positions, and select a moist day for 

 the operation. 



AQUILEGIA 



Columbine. Hardy perennial 



THIS flower has acquired considerable importance of late years owing 

 to the introduction of many fine varieties, all of which are thoroughly 

 hardy. Sow early in March, in a frame, and plant out when strong 

 enough ; or sow in June, in an open border. If the season is favour- 

 able, most of those sown in March will flower the first year; the 

 remainder will bloom in the year following. 



ASPARAGUS 



Greenhouse varieties. Half-hardy perennials 



THE finely laciniated foliage of A. plumosus is greatly prized for 

 bouquets, and the plant invariably commands attention as a decora- 

 tive subject on the table or in the conservatory. A. decumbens has 

 long tremulous branches of elegant dark green foliage, and the plant 

 is admirably adapted for hanging baskets. A. Sprengeri is distinct 

 from both, but is also very ornamental in baskets. Sow all three 

 varieties in pans during February or March, in heat ; prick off the 

 seedlings immediately they are large enough to handle, and grow on 

 in gentle heat until the beginning of June, when cool-house treatment 

 will suit them. 



ASTER 



Callistephus sinensis. Half-hardy annual 



To SECURE a long-continued display of bloom there must be several 

 sowings, and the earliest will need the aid of artificial heat. One 

 secret of successful culture is to give no check to the plant from its 

 first appearance until the time of flowering ; and if there is to be a 

 grand display of bloom, instead of the drawn, puny things frequently 



217 



