CHAPTER XXXIV 



BASKET PLANTS 



The Lobelia 



This is a most charming plant for a basket. L. 

 erinus compacta has rich blue flowers, small, it is true, 

 but borne in such profusion that the plant seems cov- 

 ered with a summer cloud. L. erinus alba is similar in 

 habit, but pure white in color. If these two are grown 

 together the effect is very fine. I know of no more 

 delicate flowering plant for basket use than this. It 

 blooms during the greater part of the season if sown 

 in May. For winter use, sow in November. Prevent 

 the formation of seed as much as possible, if you 

 would have the greatest possible number of flowers. 

 Shower well daily, to keep the red spider down. Give 

 a shady place. 



The Othonna 



Othonna crassifolia is one of those cheerful look- 

 ing plants which always win your friendship as well as 

 your admiration. It has thick, round foliage, which, 

 from its peculiar shape, has given it the name of Pickle 

 Plant in some sections of the country. It is a dense 

 grower, completely covering the basket with its droop- 

 ing stems in a short time. It has bright yellow flowers, 

 very much like a small, single Dandelion, and quite as 

 cheerful in appearance. In order to secure these 

 flowers in profusion you must give the plant plenty of 

 sunshine. This furnished, there will be a score of them 

 out every day. Indeed the plant will seem to be 

 covered with little stars. It is one of the easiest of all 

 plants to grow. Any little piece of vine will take root, 



