GIANT SPIDER PLANT. One of the handsome, well-known 
annuals is Cleome Gigantea, introduced from Italy several 
years ago. The plant grows from two to three feet high, 
branching- freely, each branch bearing a cluster of spider¬ 
like flowers with showy sepals of a bright crimson color, 
the flowers developing continuously as the branches grow. 
The plant is clothed with very pretty deep-lobed leaves, 
which form a handsome setting for the clusters of bloom. The 
flowers are succeeded by long, drooping seed-pods, which 
are also ornamental and suggest the additional attractive 
name of "Electric Light Plant." The seeds are sown early 
in Spring and the plants begin to bloom in early Summer, 
continuing in bloom until after frost. The numerous, feathery 
clusters, held erect by stiff, Teafy stems, make a fine display in the shrub border, and as a back¬ 
ground for low-growing annuals. Its easy culture and attractiveness commend it to all who want a 
handsome display of flowers with little outlay of labor and money. 
CHOICE GLEANINGS 
FROM 
PARK'S FLORAL MAGAZINES 
IMPROVED PERENNIAL PEA. Lathyrus Latifolius, 
the Perennial Pea, has been improved in size, 
form and color, and is now one of the most 
desirable of all hardy perennials for the gar¬ 
den. The plants are vigorous, free and con¬ 
tinuous-blooming, easily started from seeds, 
and when once established will improve in 
beauty for years. They are valuable either for 
a trellis or bed, their long, fleshy roots pene¬ 
trating the earth to a great depth, not only 
insure a strong growth, but their perpetual 
blooming habit insures a brilliant, uninterrupted 
display of flowers the entire season. They bear 
drouth better than almost any other perennial, 
make a mass of beautiful, light green foliage, 
and bear huge, long-stemmed clusters of gor¬ 
geous flowers; fine for beds or trellises. 
Double Hollyhock 
IMPROVED DOUBLE HOLLYHOCKS are glorious 
garden flowers when well-grouped and well- 
grown. The plants will reach the height of six 
or seven feet and for several weeks during 
Summer will show great circles of full, fluffy 
flowers of all shades and gorgeous colors. The 
handsome foliage at the base adds by contrast 
to the display. Seeds sown indoors in very 
early Spring may chance to bloom the first 
season, but, as a rule, it is well to sow the 
seeds in May, and when the plants are large 
enough transplant them to where they are to 
bloom. In this way, good strong plants will de¬ 
velop, which will bloom grandly the second 
season. Two rows of plants set alternately 15 
inches apart each way, will form a screen or 
tall hedge of great beauty and attractiveness. 
The plants are also admirably adapted for 
groups and the background for a bed of low- 
growing perennials. By all means, start some 
Hollyhocks; they will delight you. 
Qoo Prrrf#a fifl for Rftlertions. 
Lupinus 
LUPINUS POLYPHYLLUS is one of the beautiful 
subjects among hardy herbaceous perennials. 
The foliage is odd and handsome ana the vari¬ 
ous-colored flowers are borne in great spikes, 
are of delicate texture, and are abundantly 
produced during early Summer. The plants are 
readily started from seeds, and if growth is 
progressive, the plants will bloom the second 
year and improve in beauty for several years. 
They like sandy, well-drained soil and partial 
shade. In a severe climate it is well to give 
some protection over winter when the plants 
are young, as they are liable to suffer from 
alternate freezing and thawing. Older plants 
are generally regarded as entirely hardy. 
THE SENSITIVE PLANT, Mimosa Pudica is suita¬ 
ble either for pot culture or garden beds. It is 
readily propagated from seeds, which should 
be sown early in Spring in a window-box or 
hot-bed for outdoor culture, but may be sown 
later if desired for window pots. It has beauti¬ 
ful foliage and elegant, globular flower clus¬ 
ters of a charming pink color, produced freely 
upon stems from the axils of the leaves. The 
plants like a rich, rather tenacious loam, well- 
drained, and when grown 
i n pots will bloom well 
throughout the Autumn and 
Winter. Water moderately 
and give plenty of sunlight 
and a rather warm situation. 
[The plants are as easily 
[grown as a Geranium, and 
are attractive, not only be- 
| cause of their sensitive char¬ 
ing acter, but for their delicate 
and graceful foliage and 
Mimosa Pudica pleasing clusters of bloom. 
9 
