168 Milady's House Plants 



Twelve to eighteen inches, according to the size of 

 the room, is a convenient width, and the entire shelf 

 should be covered with galvanized iron turned up at 

 the sides aj^ inches so as to form a trough. This can 

 be made in sections three to five feet long, for con- 

 venience in handling, and painted outside either green 

 or the color of the interior finish. Two inches in 

 depth of the white pebbles, to which reference has 

 been made, spread evenly over this shelf, will form 

 an absolutely ideal surface on which to stand the 

 plants. It will receive all the water that runs through 

 the plants, after watering them, and if this is not 

 sufficient to maintain a level of water almost to the 

 surface of the pebbles, enough more should be added 

 from the hose to do so. In this way, a constant 

 evaporation is going on, giving health to the plants 

 and furnishing a delightful, moistened atmosphere 

 for the whole room. 



Large palms and other plants may be set about 

 the floor to furnish the rest of the room while hanging 

 pots are suspended from the ceiHng. Brackets can be 

 screwed to the window frames and English Ivy in 

 large pots can be trained in any available space. 

 Birds and aquariums may be introduced and the con- 

 servatory, if large enough to seat several people, will 

 be the most attractive room in the house. 



Sun Protection 



Roller shades should be fitted to all the lower win- 

 dows and these should be white or of light- color. 

 They will form a welcome shade during the hot sunny 

 days of Spring, Summer, and early Fall, and also 

 secure privacy for the room in the evening. Draperies 



