40 
BEAUTIFUL GARDEN FLOWERS. 
should be protected from frost by a covering of leaves 
or litter. Both species should be planted in bold 
masses and may be most easily increased by carefully 
dividing the rootstocks in spring. The common British 
Reed (A. Phragmites ) and its variegated form are also 
attractive plants, growing from 6 to 10 feet high. 
They flourish near water. 
ASPERULA odorata ( Sweet Woodruff ) . — This is a 
charming old native plant, recognised by its square 
stems, whorls of minutely-toothed leaves, and masses 
of small white sweet-scented flowers in May and June. 
It is an excellent little plant for the rockery or front 
of the flower border, and may be easily increased by 
division in spring or early autumn. 
ASPHODELUS ramosus. — This graceful plant is 
probably the best known of the several species of 
Asphodel. It grows 4 to 5 feet high, and during 
summer its erect spikes of white flowers stand well 
above the stiffish sword-like leaves. Other white- 
flowered Asphodels are albus, comosus, fistulosns, and 
subalpinus, all about 2 feet high. To these may be 
added the yellow-flowered “King’s Spear,” A. luteus 
(or Asphodeline latea) and its double-flowered variety. 
The Asphodels flourish in ordinary good garden soil 
that has been well dug and manured. They may be 
increased by dividing the rootstocks in spring. 
ASTER (Starwort ; Michaelmas Daisy). — These 
Starworts or Michaelmas Daisies proper, are, for the 
most part, ornamental plants that flower from the end 
of August, until cut down by the frost. Several 
species, however, blossom as early as May and June. 
Most of the Michaelmas Daisies grow . so easily in 
