154 Milady's House Plants 



the elements are readily available; the willingness to 

 pay, easy access to the fundamental requirements in 

 design and necessary materials, yet to obtain the 

 sympathetic co-operation of an intelligent architect 

 seems almost an impossibility. One would almost 

 think, judging from the stubbornness of architects in 

 this respect, that there is a natural antagonism be- 

 tween their art and that of horticulture; or is it failure 

 on their part to recognize the growing importance of 

 the latter in the domestic life of the nation ? What- 

 ever the cause, the results are sadly apparent from 

 the plant lover's point of view, for in an extended tour 

 by the writer, searching for a good subject to photo- 

 graph, although plant rooms of one kind or another 

 were common in the newer residential districts, not 

 one was deemed worthy to offer as an illustration of a 

 practical home conservatory. 



Here seems to be an opportunity for an enterprising 

 magazine or horticultural society to offer a prize for 

 a set of designs that would embody the necessary re- 

 quirements and as well harmonize with the building 

 itself. No feature catering to the welfare of the 

 plants need be unsightly or detract from the enjoy- 

 ment of such a place as a tea room or lounge, and the 

 fact that this conservatory or sun parlor was a success 

 from every point of view would be a source of constant 

 pleasure. 



Necessary Provisions for Successful Use 



In planning a plant room or small home conserva- 

 tory, the following necessary features must be em- 

 bodied in the structure: Provision for plenty of day- 

 light, facihties for watering, airing, heating and con- 



