158 How to Make a Flower Garden 



than V. regia, and is often difficult to raise. It is ruinous to seedlings, if 

 they are at all late, to try to force them. The growth will be soft and liable 

 to attacks of plant-lice, and when plant-lice take up their abode on a young 

 leaf and remain unmolested the plant is soon crippled for life. The seed of 

 V . Trickeri germinates in a temperature of from sixty-five to seventy-five 

 degrees, and seventy-five to eighty-five degrees is the limit. Every precau- 

 tion must be taken against greenfly, and there must be an abundance of 

 light and ventilation as long as the plants remain under glass. Plants may 

 be set out in the open with more certainty of success than with V . regia, but 

 seldom before the end of June. However, if a temperature of seventy-five 

 can be assured before then, it is safe to plant out Victorias. When an artificial 

 temperature of eighty degrees can be maintained, even if it is by the middle 

 of May, plant out in summer quarters, and by the end of June it will be safe 

 to remove all protecting devices, such as steam pipes, frames, or sashes. 



Nymphseas, nelumbiums and Victorias are the favourites, but there 

 are numerous other plants that deserve attention and which add considerably 

 to the general appearance of a water garden. Where an assortment of 

 nymphasas is planted, the tender or tropical varieties break the monotony 

 by throwing their flowers well above the foliage, although this feature is 

 objectionable to some because it is so unlike the habit of our native pond- 

 lilies. Something strong-growing and tall is really needed. Clumps of 

 papyrus can be grown on the margin of the pond. Their tall, graceful plumes 

 are unequalled by any other aquatic or subaquatic plant. The umbrella 

 plant, Cyperus altermfolius, is another useful plant. The hedychium, or 

 butterfly lily, with its canna-like foliage and white flowers, is worth growing; 

 also the giant arrow-head, Sagittaria Montevidensis, Sagittaria falcata, and 

 Jiissicra longifoUa are very desirable plants. These are all tendei, and need 

 the protection of a greenhouse or warm shelter in winter. 



Among hardy plants I would mention Sagittaria Japonica fl. pi., 

 Acorns Japoniciis variegatus, Typha latifolia, Pontederia cordata, and Lythrum 

 roseum siiperbiini. 



A few of the minor aquatic plants may also find shelter in the large 

 aquatic basm, but they must be watched carefully, for, although they are 

 diminutive, they are rapid growers, soon interfering with the develop- 

 ment of the nymphasas if not kept in bounds. The water hyacinths, Eichhornia 

 crassipes major and E. aziirea, are more curious than beautiful. The water- 

 poppy, Limnocharis Hmnboldtii, is a very striking yellow flower, and blooms 



