24 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



pound of salt are found to be as productive as those having 

 received an annual dressing. Nevertheless, a salt dressing 

 is recommended. In stubborn, heavy soil the best method 

 to pursue in making a permanent bed would be to throw out 

 all the dirt from the trench and replace with good, fibrous 

 loam. Two rows of Asparagus 25 ft. long and 3 ft. apart would 

 supply a large family with an abundance throughout the 

 season, and if well taken care of will last a number of years. 

 Conover's Colossal is the variety most generally grown, 

 and is perhaps the most satisfactory sort. Palmetto, a 

 variety originating at the south, is also very popular. A 

 newer variety, called Donald White, originating near Elmira, 

 N. Y., is recommended by the trade. 



Asperula. Hardy annuals and perennials. 

 The low- growing Asperula, with its blue or white flowers, 

 is not as often used as it should be. The profusion of small 

 flowers and the long season entitle it to a place in low borders. 

 The flowers have a pleasing fragrance. Asperulas may be 

 used effectively on rockwork. The common white species, or 

 Woodruff, grows less than 1 foot. Grown readily from 

 seeds, and blooms the first year. All Asperulas thrive best 

 in a rather moist soil. 



Asters, China. Half-hardy annuals, of easy 

 culture. The China Aster has been for years a great 

 favorite in both old-fashioned and modern gardens. With 

 the improvements in shapes and colors, they are now 

 the rivals of the chrysanthemum. As early as 1731 single 

 white and red Asters were grown and described in Eng- 

 land, and by 1845 they are mentioned as being very nu- 

 merous in New England. The Germans were, perhaps, the 

 first to improve the Asters, and the type most admired and 

 sought fifty years ago was the full -quilled varieties. Now, 

 however, the informal type replaces the stiff, formal quilled 

 flowers of that period. Compare the Comet Aster of to-day 

 with the Asters of even twenty years ago, and note the 

 looseness of its broad rays, giving an artistic value 



