WAKE ROBIN FARM, HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
Snakeroot, White (Eupatorium urticaefolium). The leaves are deep green, the 
flowers a downy, clear white. Grows best in soil resembling that of rich woods 
and groves, but offers no particular difficulties in the small home garden. 25c 
each; $2.00 for 10. 
Solomon’s Seal, False; Solomon’s Plume; False Spikenard (Smilacina racemosa). 
The flower cluster is pyramidal, and the zig-zag plant stem gracefully inclines, 
growing 1 to 1% feet. Flowers are fluffy white, followed by glassy, bright red 
berries in the fall. Blooms in May and June, and is one of the most respon- 
sive plants to grow, in sunlight or partial shade. Popular among the “flower 
pickers’, who tear it up from the roadsides. To be planted singly or in clumps 
anywhere, so long as it can have a fairly continuous supply of water to drink. 
25c each; $2.00 for 10. 
Solomon’s Seal; True Solomon’s Seal; Small Solomonseal (Polygonatum biflor- 
um). Little green, bell-like flowers hang in pairs under the arching stalk and 
are most charming when not planted too thickly. Grows a foot or more high, 
carrying from April to June a string of steely bluish balls. This fruit is quite 
conspicuous in the autumn, and is even more interesting than the flowers. The 
popular name, oddly enough, goes below ground for its origin, relating to the 
row of scars on the zig-zag rootstalks, each scar marking the attachment of a 
previous year’s stalk. Does well anywhere, especially in dryish or slightly moist 
soil, in thickets, under trees, or in the rockery. 25c each; $2.00 for 10. 
Spearmint (Mentha spicata). A pleasing and useful herb with fragrant minty 
foliage. Nice to nibble while reflecting upon important impractical things, and 
of course everybody likes mint sauce with mutton. Spearmint grows just about 
anywhere. 25c each; $2.00 for 10. 
Spleenwort, Ebony; “Stiff Fern” (Asplenium platyneuron, or in commercial 
practice, A. ebeneum). Resembles and keeps company with its relative, the 
Maidenhair Spleenwort. The Ebony Spleenwort, however, is quite distinctive 
by the stiffness of its long, erect fertile fronds, which grow from 8 inches to 
a foot and a half long. Recommended for sheer ease of establishment, in the 
stoniest and poorest soil, wet or dry, and in deep shade to blazing sun. Con- 
tented anywhere, yet it will not refuse good food. If black leaf mold and 
shade can be provided, it responds with better development. It can be planted 
on ledges, in stones, sand and shale if mixed with leaf mold, and helps to 
cover those arid spots where little else will grow. 25c each; $2.00 for 10. 
Spring Beauty; Virginia Springbeauty (Claytonia virginica). Sensitive and deli- 
cate, this shy flower, with its blush of pale and rosy pink, is one of Spring’s 
earliest signs, in some places appearing even in March. It seeks protection 
under large plants, although it needs light to keep its petals open. It shrinks 
and wilts on plucking, which ought to be a warning to well-meaning vandals. 
Good for massing in the rock garden, with moisture and partial shade. The 
slender leaves, reddish-mottled, are outstanding. Can be moved or collected 
after blooming, from June onward, when the leaves, with the blossoms, have 
disappeared. 25c each; $2.00 for 10. 
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