nectar for the bees. The flowers are small but abundant 
and rich in honey. The plant is perennial and grows 
from three to six feet high. It will grow in either sun 
or shade and is often found growing wild in wooded 
areas. It blooms in the fall. 
Seed, per packet, 20c; postpaid. 
Plants, 5 for $1.00; 10 for $1.75; postpaid. 
ASTER 
The wild asters are the last source of nectar in many 
localities. We offer a mixture of several of the most 
ornamental varieties, including New England Aster and 
Arrow Leaf Aster. All are worthy of a place in the 
garden. Perennial. 
Seed, per packet, 20c, postpaid. 
NEW ENGLAND ASTER, 
probably the most showy of the 
wild asters; grows to four or five 
feet tall and blooms in the fall 
with showy purple flowers. 
Divisions: 5 for $1.00; dozen 
$2.00; postpaid. 
MOTHERWORT 
(Leonurus cardiaca) 
Motherwort blooms over a long period beginning in 
summer and sometimes continuing to late in the fall. 
It is an abundant source of nectar and the bees are at- 
tracted to it in large numbers. This perennial, native 
of Asia, has become naturalized in many American lo- 
calities. It is easily raised from seed and once estab- 
lished, should remain with little attention for many 
years. Grows two to four feet tall. One of the best 
of honey plants to naturalize in waste places for bee 
pasture. 
Seed, packet, 20c; postpaid. 
PLANTING PERENNIALS 
SEEDS: Some of these perennials are relatively easy to start from 
seeds while some require more exact conditions for germination. A num- 
ber of the plants under this grouping have very small seeds and in 
most cases the smaller seeds need the most careful tending. The small 
seed should germinate very readily under just the right conditions. How- 
ever, too hot weather or drying or crusting of the seedbed surface 
during the critical period when the seed is germinating and getting 
started can be very detrimental. We usually succeed with even the 
most difficult seeds of the lot (namely Anise Hyssop, Mountain Mint, 
Simpson’s Honey Plant, Wild Asters, Purple Loosestrife, Wild Mar- 
joram, by following something like the following procedures: 
Prepare the seedbed in the fall. Then sow the seed on top of the 
ground either in last weeks before freezeup or anytime during the winter; 
so that the snow, rain and winter freezes will take the small seeds 
into the soil surface ready to start growing with the coming of spring. 
When planted, then sprinkle just a little straw or chaff over the seed- 
bed to help keep the surface from crusting and give some protection to 
the smali seedlings while getting started. Or the seed may be sown 
on a prepared seedbed in the spring (the earlier the better). If 
planted at this time, rake the small seed to cover very lightly with 
soil then apply very little mulch to the surface. 
All the seeds we have listed under perennials may be planted by 
the above method (except as noted); although some would not necessar- 
ily require such careful treatment. Early spring is usually the best 
time for germinating seeds as that is when the weather is cool and 
less likely to dry out during germinating period. Of course the larger 
the seed the deeper it should be planted as Golden Honey plant should 
be planted up to % inch deep and Chapman Honey Plant 1 inch. 
Note the following variations: 
Wild Indigo seed is hard and only partial germination may occur at 
one time. Late fall or winter planting for the freezing to crack the hulls 
may result in better germination. 
Chapman Honey Plant (Echinops) may be planted most any time dur- 
ing the season wher there is sufficient moisture for germination. 
Purple Loosestrife requires very moist conditions for germinatioon. 
