HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS, ETC. 24? 



plants. For the best results the seed should be started 

 under glass at least one year before they are wanted for 

 outdoor work, at which time they should be 4 feet high 

 and in 10-inch pots. In a warm, rich soil such plants will 

 grow to 10 feet in height in a single season and nothing 

 gives a more tropical effect on the lawn or in the garden. 

 Plants may be wintered over in a warm, dry cellar or in a 



FIG. 145. ABYSSINIAN BANANA (Musa ensete). 



cool greenhouse and be made to serve two or three 

 summers' decoration. 



THE BLUE-GUM TREE (Eucalyptus globulus). The 

 beautiful blue or glaucous color of the foliage of this tree 

 together with its rapid growth makes it very useful upon 

 the lawn. It is even more glaucous than the best of the 

 Colorado blue spruces, and in contrast with the dark foliage 

 of evergreens, purple beeches, plums, etc., the effect is very 

 beautiful. The plants must be started about a year before 



