Asparagus.—^This well-known subject is often referred to as a 
fern, which it is not. The fact that the asparagus blooms (though 
its flowers are inconspicuous) and gives seed, removes it from the 
fern tribe which bears "spores” not seeds. All asparagus varieties 
require an open loamy soil perfectly drained. A little crushed 
brick in the compost is helpful. A. plumosa and A. p. nanus are 
the two very fine leaved ones and should be given warm quarters 
during their growing season which begins early in spring and lasts 
to about August. Will grow quite passably in cooler conditions if 
kept in the cool all the time. A. sprengeri is a coarser leaved 
variety, useful for its lasting qualities. Grow in heavier soil 
than the former and give plenty of manure water during summer 
to prevent the foliage becoming yellow. Cool house. 
The average greenhouse gardener doesn't pay nearly enough attention to Aspara¬ 
gus sprengeri, one of the most valuable greens for use with cut flowers. Often 
he insists on trying to grow Carnations or other cut flowers on a bench having 
too much shade or warmth, which would be much better devoted to Asparagus. The 
plants can be had at any time of year, but the best time to get new ones is a- 
round April through June, v/hen, if you can, they should be planted out on some 
bench. You can grow them in 6 " of soil, but 8 " or 10'’ is better, for the roots 
will soon go through the soil, and in a shallow bench often suffer. Otherwise 
boxes, 8 " X 10 ” inside measure, or not quite so large, can be made and planted. 
Fit them in at the sides or ends of the house where there is perhaps a little 
space ^oing to waste. Put three plants in a 10" bulb pan; or maybe three up in 
a 14” wire hanging basket. These baskets need not be hung up right away; place 
them in a frame if iio other place can be had, gnd leave there until September, 
and then hang up. It will alw 8 .ys want moisture around the roots; it won't grow 
in a dry soil, or where drainage is lacking. - Sprengeri is the well-known wi- 
i‘y stemmed species, very good ior baskets, v/ith tne shoots trained upon wiies, 
and allowed to droop naturally at the free end. - Plumosus Nanus is usefull in 
both small sizes: for fern dishes and indoor window boxes; and large sizes for 
cutting. Grow in about 50° to 55° minimum temperature during the Winter. 
Either variety; strong plants 2?” pots.$1.70 per doz; $10.00 per 100 
Either variety; strong plants 3” pots.$4.90 per doz; $25.00 per 100 
Aloysla citrodora. —^The lemon scented verbena. A greenhouse from half ripened cuttings in summer time. Grows in any loamy 
shrub with narrow highly-scented leaves, grows easily and makes soil. Needs resting during winter. Cool house, 
a shapely plant if frequently pinched in the young stages. Struck 
Should be started into growth about February. Procure plants in the Spring. 
3" pots, $4.50 per doz., $26.00 per 100 
AUamanda. —^These are stove climbers and certainly one of the or on chains. Needs a rich compost composed mainly of loam 
most delightful of all tropical flowers. Best trained up the roof and some broken brick and manure. 
HENPSKSOill - Strong-growing climber with large, fragrant golden yellow blooms. 
sVILLIAMSI - Compact growing enough to be grown as a shmb. Large, rich yellow 
flowers at every joint; sweet scented. VJinter at 60° to 65° . 
Either of the above in 3” pots: $1.25 each; $11.00 per doz. 
Palms. —^This is a very large and interesting family. It is 
impossible to deal with many species but the list which follows 
are those of popular esteem and which can be grown bj any one 
having a warm greenhouse. It must be emphasized that though 
many palms will survive for long periods in cool conditions, they 
do need something in the way of moisture and warmth during 
their growing season. As a general rule it does not pay to try and 
raise seed. Young plants can always be purchased and this saves 
a year or two of waiting. Palms must never be overpotted and 
they must be allowed to fill their pots with plenty of roots before 
being placed into the next sized pot. Soil should comprise turfy 
loam with plenty of fibre in it, some crushed brick, old manure 
Kentias are the best for ordinary use, doing quite well in cool houses. These 
are very popular for decorative purposes because of their fulness and graceful 
appearance. The measurements given are from the top of the pot or tub, to the 
top of the plant in a natural position. Stately and graceful appearance. 
KEHTIA FOKS.TERIAI'JA - 6 " pots, strong bushy plants, 28" to 30” tall..$5.00 each 
7" tubs, strong bushy plants, 36” to 38" tall..$7,75 each 
7” tubs, strong bushy plants, 40” to 44” tall..$9.50 each 
7” tubs, strong bushy plants, 48” to 50" tall.$12.00 each 
8 " tubs, strong bushy plants, 52” to 54” tall.$15.00 each 
ABECA LUTESCENS - The stems grow all in a little tuft, more like a Bamboo. Its 
yellow stems make this variety particularly beautiful. 4" pots.$1.35 each 
6 ” pots, heavy, made up several plants...$4.00 each; - 7” tubs.$8.00 each 
PHOENIi ROEBELENI - A very useful variety; its arching fronds and small leaves 
making it the most graceful of all palms for general greenhouse work. The 3 in. 
sizes are fine for dish gardens. It makes a fine plant in a 6 in. pot, and for 
years it will grow in this size. 3 ” pots....$7.85 doz.; 4" pots....$1.25 each 
5" pots...... .$1.50 each; 6 ” pots.$2.00 each; 8 ” tubs.$8.00 each 
and sand. Great care must be taken to avoid the leaves becoming 
yellow. This happens if the atmosphere is too dry or if the roots 
drink up all the nourishment in the soil and no more is given. 
A fortnightly feed of any good fertilizer will help, especially 
during spring and summer. Plenty of s3Tinging during warm 
weather and a moderate amount at all times will do much towards 
keeping the fronds green. The leaves should be sponged periodic¬ 
ally, not only to keep them glossy, but to prevent scale insects 
attaching themselves to the plants. Old and diseased palms 
should be discarded, for they are seldom worth bothering about, 
once they are really old. 
