244 COME INTO THE GARDEN 



plant; and the water-flower garden is thus 

 capable of expansion or contraction on the unit 

 system. No system of piping is needed either 

 to carry water into them or away from them, 

 since they may be filled to overcome natural 

 evaporation with a hose running a gentle stream, 

 while they are taken up bodily and emptied as 

 may be desirable. In such receptacles half or 

 two thirds full of the proper soil, on which a two- 

 inch layer of clean white sand is spread to pre- 

 vent the water with which the tub is then filled 

 from becoming turgid and muddy, it is possible 

 to grow many of the loveliest water-lilies, which 

 are botanically distinguished by the name 

 nymphsea, and all of the lotus, which are nel- 

 umbium. These last do not float their flowers 

 nor their leaves upon the surface of the water, 

 but lift them clear of it from three to five feet 

 and send their great flowers up higher yet on 

 very strong stems. 



Because of this habit of growth, nelumbiums 

 are distinctly not to be used, even singly, where 

 the water effect is intended; for nothing will 

 keep them within bounds. They have the true 

 tropical capacity for quick and assertive growth, 

 and though they will not endure the northern 

 winter out of doors — the tubers are dug up and 

 taken inside in the fall — they advance so boldly 



