(canoer ~creeuse aN TT 
123 
Fern Disn Firvep witH ASPARAGUS WITH A Few FLowirs STUCK IN FOR 
TaBLE DECORATION AS SUGGESTED IN Mr. RexrForp’s ARTICLE. 
ASPARAGUS. 
The following article has been written expressly for this book 
by the well-known amateur and writer, Eben. E. Rexford: 
“Tf there is a better plant for table decoration than A. plu- 
mosus nanus, 1 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 
ibe developed which are like the fronds of some varieties of Fern 
in general outline; hence, the popular name of ‘‘Asparagus 
Ferm,”’ <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 su- 
perior, artistically, to most expensive decorations prepared for 
ASPIDISTRA. 
Mr. Eben. E. Rexford writes the following especially for this 
book: 
«<The Aspidistra is the easiest of all the decorative plants to 
grow well. Indeed, 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, in- 
creasing in beauty as it becomes older and larger,”’ 
Japonica, Strong bushy plants, 12 inches high, 35 cts. each; 
specimen plants, 1} 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. 
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 of sandy loam. 
moderation. Keep out of the sunshine. 
a similar soil, but expose it to full sunshine. 
Plumosus Nanus (Asparagus Fern). 
cts. each; $1.50 and $2.50 per doz. 
Sprengeri (Hmerald Feather). 
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 23 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 68. 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. 
Water with 
Give Sprengeri 
15 cts. and 25 
15 cts. and 25 cts. 
Each. Doz, 
First size, 36 to 45 inches in cir............ $1.50 $15.00 
Second size, 36 inches in cir........-... sad 1eQ0)  1O.00 
Ebhindesizeso0sinchestinuciry sent ne sek sei a) Fotd10) 
Hounthysizess24einchesimiGlt sass). sees fe ee 50 8.00 
Specimen plants, 5 feet in circumference, $4.00 each; 
$45.00 per doz. 
AsprpIstTRA LURIDA VARIEGATA. 
THE TRIO OF GOLD MEDAL ROSES shown in colors and offered on page 160 are extra choice. 
