ON ROOM PLANTS. 783 



themselves. None are prettier or more effective than C. isophylla 

 (blue) and C. i. alba (white), though C. fragilis runs them close, 

 with its graceful habit and pretty pale blue flowers. Lysimachia 

 Nummularia (Creeping Jenny) and its variegated form are 

 also excellent so grown — hardy to a degree, free, and decorative 

 alike as to flowers and foliage. Ivies of sorts, but especially 

 the variegated kinds, are most essential, as they can be 

 utilised for outdoor baskets the year through. Variegated 

 Stonecrops (Sedums), Zebrina pendula (more familiarly known as 

 Tradescantia zebrina), the common Musk, Isolepis gracilis, Saxifraga 

 sarmentosa, the time-honoured Kenilworth Ivy {Linaria Cymba- 

 laria), whose delicately-beautiful lilac flowers frequently adorn 

 old walls, and Othonna crassifolia, a very distinct plant, are 

 some few others which occur readily to the mind. The last is a 

 veritable sun-lover, -and must be provided for accordingly, or its 

 yellow blossoms are not likely to be produced with any freedom. 

 Distinct, too, is the half-hardy Nierembergia gracilis, whose 

 showy flowers — a combination of white, purple, and yellow — 'are 

 produced in summer. This plant delights in a light, rich soil. 

 Tropaolum polyphyllum is another ideal basket-plant for a sunny 

 aspect ; its flowers are yellow. A light, rich soil, and to be kept 

 on 'the dry side, are the other conditions which conduce to the 

 successful culture of this hardy plant. 



As already hinted, there are some species ©f Ferns which are 

 admirably adapted for hanging-baskets ; such are Asplenium 

 caudatum, A. longissimum, Davallia retusa, Nephrolepis exaltata, 

 N. acuta, N. pluma, and Woodwardia radicans. Many more 

 are enumerated in the Chapter "On Ferns." None, however, are 

 more beautiful than the species of Nephrolepis, which if planted 

 in equal parts fibrous peat, chopped sphagnum, and sand, thrive 

 splendidly. They like plenty of water in summer. 



Window = Boxes. 



In some few places — crowded cities and towns — these receptacles 

 may be said to constitute the whole of the outside garden. 

 They are, however, so intimately associated with rooms, that it 

 has been thought advisable to treat them as a section of the 

 present chapter. Usually the average window-box does not call 

 for special mention on either the score of its novelty, variety, 

 colour-scheme, or its general effect. There is too great a same- 

 ness — highly suggestive of a whole terrace or street having been 

 filled by contract. Why there should be such monotony shown 

 passes comprehension when one considers the plants available 

 for the purpose. 



Those who make a speciality of this form of gardening some- 

 times have two sets of window-boxes, which are readily 

 interchangeable as soon as one gets shabby. The plan has 

 much to commend it, and often enables the amateur to get 



