148 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



Araucaria. A class of large trees nearly related to the Firs, and 

 very symmetrical in growth. The most generally grown is the Norfolk 

 Island Pine (A. excelsa), which has bright green branches produced in 

 regular tiers. This plant must not be put in too large a pot, as effective 

 specimens may be grown in a comparatively small size. Other rarer 

 kinds are A. Bidwilli, A. Cunningham^ and A. Cooki. 



Arum Lily. See Kichardia. 



Asparagus. A beautiful class of climbing plants, many of which 

 are remarkable for their delicate, frond-like branches. From this cir- 

 cumstance A. plumosus nanus is known as the Asparagus Fern, though 

 it is in no way related to the Fern family. Grown in small pots these 

 make effective decorative plants for a long while before they commence 

 to climb. They need ordinary potting compost, and should be freely 

 syringed during the summer months. The best are A. plumosus, A. 

 plumosus nanus, A. retrofractus, A. Sprengeri, and A. tenuissimus. 



Asparagus Fern. See Asparagus. 



Aspidistra lurida. A well-known and popular plant for the 

 dwelling-house, with dark green leathery leaves. There is also a varie- 

 gated variety. No plant is more useful for smoky towns and under 

 other adverse conditions; its principal requirements are an occasional 

 sponging and water when necessary. It succeeds in ordinary potting 

 compost, and is increased by division, which should be carried out 

 during the latter part of April or early in May. 



Azalea. The species that requires the protection of a greenhouse 

 is that known as the Indian Azalea, of which there are many varieties, 

 the different tints of white, pink, purplish-rose, and bright red being 

 represented. They are largely grown in Belgium, and are sent to this 

 country every autumn in considerable quantities in the shape of neat 

 little bushes studded with flower-buds. They are usually grafted on to 

 clear stems from six inches to nine inches high. When received these 

 Azaleas are potted firmly into sandy peat, and placed in the greenhouse, 

 where, if properly supplied with water and occasionally syringed, the 

 roots will soon start into the new soil. They flower during the spring 

 months, and to have them in good condition for the following season 

 directly the blossoms are over, straggling branches must be cut back. 

 Then, as soon as young shoots are visible on the cut portions, the plant 

 must be potted if necessary. For this purpose sandy peat alone should 

 be used, and in potting it must be rammed down firmly. The plants 

 must then be returned to the greenhouse for a time, carefully watered, 

 and liberally syringed. Never use too large a pot, and as the plants 

 get old they will stand for years, keep in good health, and flower well, 

 without being disturbed at the roots. Whether repotted or not the 

 Azaleas must, after flowering, be syringed three or four times a day if 

 possible, except during dull weather, to encourage a free growth. By 

 the end of May or in June place them out of doors, and lightly shade 

 them at first from the full rays of the sun. Take care that they are 

 well supplied with water throughout the summer, and syringe morning 

 and evening. Under such conditions the plants will not only grow 

 freely but plenty of flower-buds will appear, which, during the follow 



