Chromatella (Marliac Yellow) — Marliac White — Marliac Pink 
Marliac 
Trio 
PREPAID 
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 lilies 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 hardy Water Lilies, Water Plants, and Iris will be 
shipped parcel post prepaid, on orders amounting to $1.00 
or more. For orders under $1.00, add 10c for postage. 
All Tropical lilies, goldfish, and all other articles listed 
in this catalogue, will be shipped express collect. 
On 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 condi¬ 
tions 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 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 after¬ 
noon. A 7 ou are assured of several flowers from 
each root every day throughout the season. Each 
individual blossom lasts about four days. 
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 un¬ 
pack 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 submerge 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 neces¬ 
sary floating and bog plants very nicely. A pool 
twelve feet in diameter will accommodate 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 basement during the winter. 
SAND TO COVER THE BOXES—One inch 
layer of sand or gravel over the boxes after plant¬ 
ing will help to keep the water clear. 
INSECT ENEMIES—Plant lice 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 
plants of this louse. 
Mosquitoes and Goldfish 
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 keep¬ 
ing 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 climates where 
the pool freezes over it is recommended that they 
be removed to the basement in a tank or large 
tubs. Feed very sparingly. 
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