ON ASTERS 23 



supply, has been soaked for several hours. Or dust 

 some tobacco powder on them, and wash it off a few 

 hours later. 



No small part of the value of China Asters lies in 

 their adaptability for bedding. Those who fill their 

 flower-beds with bulbs, Wallflowers, and Forget-me-nots 

 in autumn, should always raise or buy a supply of Asters 

 in spring, so that when the spring flowers are over they 

 can be cleared off at once, and the beds, after being 

 dug, replanted at once. The beds can either be filled 

 with Asters alone, or with Asters associated with graceful 

 Salpiglossis, Tobacco (Nicotiana), and Snapdragons, 

 which can also be raised from seed in spring. 



The soil need not be manured heavily for any of the 

 plants which I have named, and particularly for the 

 Asters. If very poor, a light dressing of decayed manure 

 can be worked in, otherwise it will suffice to dig in some 

 burnt refuse, saved from the last garden fire. 



I need hardly say that the use of China Asters is not 

 limited to bedding. Groups of them look charming in 

 herbaceous borders, if the colour blends with those of 

 the permanent plants. Wherever there is a gap in the 

 garden, be it in bed or border, Asters may be pressed 

 into service ; and the sensible flower - gardener will 

 always have a box or two of sturdy seedlings by him 

 in May, ready for strengthening any weak spot. 



