HOW TO ORDER 
TERMS AND POLICIES —Order early. This is most important. In 
May and early June we are always crowded, so to have the plants at 
the time you wish them it is better to have your order in early. 
HOW AND WHEN WE SHIP— Water I ilies and aquatic plants may 
be shipped any time in the year. Water lilies may be planted at any 
time but we can not ordinarily take them from the pools before the 
end of March. 
SHIPPING COSTS —All pla nts will be shipped parcel post prepaid. 
If you wish your plants by express they will be sent collect. 
In all orders for goldfish add fifty cents for shipping can. All 
fish are shipped express collect including those in collections. 
REMITTANCES —Make all checks and money orders payable 
to Smiley’s Water Gardens. We do not ship C.O.D. 
GUARANTEE— All plants are guaranteed to be true to name 
and in good condition when shipped. Due to conditions over 
which we have no control, weather and care, we do not assume 
any responsibility for results after planting. Complaints, if any, 
can be considered only when tendered at the time when plants 
are received. 
Culture of Water Lilies 
Water lilies are so easily and successfully grown by those that 
have had no previous experience that by following these simple 
directions one may be assured of an abundance of beautiful 
flowers throughout the season. Once planted, the pool needs 
very little care, no hoeing, nor watering that is so necessary for 
growing most other varieties of flowers. All that is required to 
grow water lilies is fertile soil, still water and plenty of sunlight. 
It is unnecessary to drain the pool during the growing season; 
simply replace the evaporation. Shortly after planting the water 
may become green from the fertilizer used in the soil. Allow 
the water to run in and overflow the pool if this condition arises. 
Establishing the Water Garden 
FERTILIZERS —Most any garden loam will give good results. 
The best fertilizers are cow manure well rotted if possible and 
bone meal. Cow manure at the rate of one part to five parts 
garden loam. Commercial fertilizers, one pound to each cubic 
foot of soil. 
TIME OF PLANTING —Hardy water lilies may be planted as 
soon as they begin to show growth in the spring, usually about 
April first and they may be planted up to the last of August with 
good results. 
DURATION OF BLOOM —Hardy water lilies begin blooming 
early in May in this section of the country and continue until 
frost. The flowers open every morning and close late in the 
afternoon. You are assured of several flowers from each root 
every day throughout the season. Each individual blossom lasts 
about four days. 
Splendida 
COLOR —Hardy water lilies may be obtained in white, several 
tones of red, yellow and many shades of both light and dark 
pink, also copper and changeable colors. There are no blue hardy 
water lilies. 
Important 
When you receive your shipment of roots unpack at once 
and place them in water until ready to plant. Should you need 
to keep them for some time before planting it is best to sub¬ 
merge fully one-half the root in mud and cover with water. 
How to Plant 
Two methods are used in planting, in boxes or by spreading 
the soil over the bottom of the pool to the required depth. Both 
have their good points. Plants will do much better when they 
have plenty of root room. If you use boxes make them one foot 
square and one foot deep. Each lily should have at least one 
cubic foot of soil. 
DISTANCE APART TO PLANT —A pool six by six will 
accommodate four lilies and the necessary floating and bog 
plants very nicely. A pool twelve feet in diameter will accom¬ 
modate up to ten lilies together with the other plants necessary 
to complete the pool. 
CONTAINERS FOR THE PLANTS —We like the large size 
candy pails for a single lily. If these are not available boxes may 
be made from any rough boards one inch thick and twelve inches 
wide. Permanent boxes may be built of brick or concrete but 
movable boxes are preferred as they may be placed in the base¬ 
ment during the winter. 
SAND TO COVER THE BOXES —One inch layer of sand or 
gravel over the boxes after planting will help to keep the water 
clear. 
INSECT ENEMIES —Plant I ice or aphis are the only common 
pests of water lilies. They are easily controlled by washing off 
with a strong spray from the hose and the fish eat them. “Black 
Leaf 40’’ mixed according to directions rids the plant of this 
louse. 
Mosquitoes and Goldfish 
Gladstone 
It is recommended that goldfish be kept in all water lily pools. Not only are they 
interesting but they will eat the mosquito larvae and aid in keeping the water clear. 
Twelve fish to a four by six pool is the best proportion. 
Winter Care of the Pool 
Hardy water lilies need no protection other than from direct freezing of the roots. 
Artificial pools should be emptied to prevent damage to the walls from ice. It is best to 
empty the pool and fill with straw or any other litter and cover over with boards. The 
lilies may be removed to the basement and kept moist and protected from mice. 
CARE OF GOLDFISH— In cl imates where the pool freezes over it is recommended 
that they be removed to the basement in a tank or large tubs. Feed very sparingly. 
