64 MKS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD'S ANNUAL CATALOGUE. 



by eight are fully expanded ; they measure twelve inches from stem to tip of petals; 

 the flower stems are covered with large yellowish green scales; the sepals are a 

 greenish yellow, the petals creamy white," an inch across; they have a satiny sheen, 

 that is very beautiful; the throat of flower is lined with a mass of silken stamens, 

 while lie like a skein of floss on one side; lying in them and rising above is the pis- 

 til, surmounted by a velvety star of greenish yellow, making a fine contrast. 



All through the summer and fall months, these exquisite silken blossoms come and 

 go ; on days when the sun is hid, they often remain open until noon, and have been 

 taken at a distance for white gulls, by strangers. 



As one gazes at this huge mass of tangled branches and grey strings, he can but 

 marvel at the mystery of the plant, for mysterious is the coming forth each year of 

 such exquisite beauty from an exterior so"rugged and unpromising. 



I will send, postpaid, a large cutting 12 inches long of this cactus, that will bloom 

 the first year, and some of the long grey strings, for 50 cts. ; small, 25 cts. 



POT POURRI LA FRANCE. 



This delightful pot pourri for rose jars, is composed principally of the petals 

 of that sweetest of all roses the La France, to which is added delicious spices and 

 odors, making a compound that rivals in fragrance the " perfumes of Araby." If 

 the rose jar is open for a few moments the room will be filled with its delightful odor, 

 at other times it should be kept tightly closed. 50 cts. per oz., 3 oz. $1.25. 



House Plants. 



There is nothing more satisfactory for a house plant than jAspidistra lurida ; 

 it is very showy and will stand for months in any part of the house, requiring only 

 an occasional watering and sponging of th<? foliage ; the two varieties of New Zea- 

 land Flax make very stately plants for the house. Palms and Dracaenas are also 

 invaluable for this purpose. Begonias are also very satisfactory ; a fine specimen of 

 my new tree Begonia, when grown in a bay window, where "the light can shine 

 through the beautiful leaves and exquisite flowers, is lovely beyond description. 



}la9§iQ<3 Baskets, U/ipdou/ Boxes ar?d Fustic pots. 



The window boxes and pots are made of the bark of the Fan Palm, and are 

 very pretty and effective. I furnish these filled with plants, at reasonable prices. 

 Hanging baskets with plants from 75 cts. to $3.00 each. 



WindOW Boxes ^ ery pretty ones can be made of boxes covered with rice 

 * matting, or art matting banded with bamboo, or with 

 bark ©f the California Fan Palm, banded with stems of the palm leaves. I furnish 

 bamboo, and palm bark for the purpose, or boxes made up on application. 



Great care should be exercised in setting out plants. Many choice things are 

 lost by not being planted firmly in the ground. Never set out a plant when the soil 

 is too wet, or it will pack ; it should be mellow and crumbly. The roots of plants 

 should be spread carefully if without soil; if balled, they should be loosened a little 

 around the ball to induce them to grow outward. After pulverizing the soil around 

 the plant, press it firmly with the foot, after which water thoroughly and deep. 

 When the water has settled around the plant cover with dry soil. Watch the plant 

 carefully until well established and see that the soil does not become porous through 

 evaporation and the air dry up the roots. Small plants should be carefully shaded 

 till established. 



When plants from pots are set in the ground, the outer roots should be loos- 

 ened to grow into the new soil, which, if packed against a ball of matted roots, will 

 prevent growth and cause the plant to die slowly. 



Everyone who cultivates a garden should havesome favorite flower, and bring 

 it to its highest state of perfection ; learn how to hybridize, and bring into existence 

 new varieties of the old favorite. 



It is a very pretty idea to have a little white garden off by itself, where white 

 flowers are cultivated only, and if there is room and time, a piuk, red, or blue bed in 

 proximity will add greatly to the effect. 



ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS XAXUS. I furnish cut strings and sprays of this beau- 

 tiful decorative plant. See page 18. Sprays 15 to 18 inches long. 75 cts. perdoz., 

 $5.00 per 100; 3 to 15 inches long, 40 cts. per doz., $3.00 per 100; 5 to 6 inches 

 long, $1.00 per 100. Beautiful strings from 20 to 30 cts. per yard, according to 

 the length of sprays. Strings are from 5 to 8 feet in length. These are very 

 beautiful for bouquets aud table decorations, and keep their beauty for months; 

 handsome for festooning over pictures. 



