IHHIRrADRKR^HIIAOfLPHIAWlifllARDfN^ORfEflHOUSf PLANTS I 



Fern Dish Filled with Asparagus with a Few Flowers Stuck in for 

 Table Decoration as Suggested in Mr. Rexford's At.t;ci.e. 



ASPARAGUS. 



The following cultural notes have been written expressly for 

 this book by Eben. E Rexford: 



" If there is a better plant for table decoration than A. plu- 

 mosus nanus, I do not know what it is. The foliage of this 

 plant is more delicate than that of the finest Fern, being lace- 

 like in its filminess. If allowed to grow without limitation, the 

 young shoots develop into miniature vines, but if these are 

 pinched off when a foot or eight inches tall, side branches will 

 be developed which are like the fronds of some varieties of Fern 

 in generai outline; hence, the popular name of 'Asparagus 

 Fern.' A plant with half a dozen such stalks is a mass of 

 dainty, misty green, among which the stems of a few flowers can 

 be thrust in such a manner as to make the combination far supe- 

 rior, artistically, to most expensive decorations prepared for 

 the table by the professional florist. Half a dozen Carnations 

 used in connection with such a plant will make a superb 

 ornament for the table. There is no limit to the variety 

 which can be evolved with a few flowers of almost any kind 

 with one of these plants to serve as the basis of operations. 

 Its value to the woman who takes pleasure in making her 

 table attractive will, therefore, be readily understood. 



"A. Sprengeri is excellent for hanging-baskets, for bracket 

 use, and for cutting. It is one of the best of all plants for 

 the window-box, when planted on the outside, where it 

 can droop over the edge of the box. 



"Give plumosus nanus a soil ol sandy loam. Water 

 with moderation. Keep out of the sunshine. Give Spren- 

 geri a similar soil, but expose it to full sunshine." 

 Plumosus Nanus (Asparagus Fern). 15 cts. and 25 



cts. each; $1.50 and $2.50 per doz. 

 Sprengeri {Emerald Feather). 15 cts. and 25 cts. 



each; $1.50 and $2.50 per doz. 



SUPERB BRANCHING ASTERS. 



This is the finest type of China Aster for the amateur, being 

 of strong, robust habit, growing 2J- feet high and bearing their 

 large Chrysanthemum-like flowers in August and September. 

 We can supply nice plants in May and June of the eight distinct 

 colors offered on page 74. 60 cts. per doz.; $4.00 per 100. 



CHINESE AZALEAS. 



These beautiful plants are deservedly popular for window 

 and conservatory decorations. The plants we offer comprise 

 the cream of the best European establishments. 



Each. Dozen. 



First size, 36 to 45 inches in cir $1.50 $15.00 



Second size, 36 inches in cir 1.00 10.00 



Third size, 30 inches in cir 75 7.50 



Fourth size, 24 inches in cir .50 5.00 



Specimen plants, 5 feet in circumference, $4.00 each; 

 $45.00 per doz. 



ASPIDISTRA. 



Mr. Eben. E. Rexford writes the following cultural notes 

 especially for this book: 



" The Aspidistra is the easiest of all the decorative plants to 

 grow well. IndeedJ I know of no other plant that will flourish 

 with so little care. Give it a loamy soil and plenty of water, 

 and it will ask for nothing more. 



" For veranda decoration in summer it is unexcelled. It is 

 admirably adapted for use in front of a grate in summer because 

 of its low, spreading habit of growth. In the hall, at any season 

 of the year, it will attract more attention than almost any plant 

 that can be grown there. It is never injured by insects. Those 

 who have 'no luck' with other decorative plants ought by all 

 means to try this. Simply keep it well watered and fertilized 

 and it will grow for anyone. I know no plant better adapted 

 to use in shady corners or places away from the light. Indeed, 

 it seems to do as well at the side of a room opposite a window 

 as it does near the glass." 



Lurida. Green-leaved. 50 cts., 75 cts. and $1.00 each. 

 Lurida Variegata. A pretty variegated form, the foliage 



being striped with white. 75 cts. and $1.00 each. 



AUCUBA. 



Mr. Eben. E. Rexford writes the following especially for 

 this book: 



"This is a plant deserving a great deal more attention than 

 it receives. Its foliage is of the richest, glossiest green, thickly 

 spotted with yellow. For hall decoration it is as attractive as 

 any Palm. In summer it makes a most charming decoration for 

 the veranda. It does well in soil of good loam. I consider it 

 superior to the expensive Bay in decorative effect. It is one 

 of those plants which is good for years if properly cared for, 

 increasing in beauty as it becomes older and larger." 

 Japonica. Strong, bushy plants, 12 inches high, 35 cts. each; 



specimen plants, H feet high, 75 cts. each; 2 feet high, $1.50 



each; 3 feet high, "$4.00 each. 



BLAKEA. 



Trinervia. A handsome shrub-like plant for the warm con- 

 servatory, of attractive habit, with dark green leaves and 

 large rose-colored flowers in June. 50 cts. each. 



Aspidistra Lurida Variegata. 



THE " INTERNATIONAL" COLLECTION OF ROSES shown in colon and offered on page 176 are extra choice. 



