leaf-mould, and sand, with a little crushed charcoal. In June
transplant them in the open to ripen their corms, and in August
put them carefully into 6-in. pots filled with the above-mentioned
compost. They need at all times a good amount of moisture, especially
at such times as they are removed from one soil to another. At the
same time, it is necessary to procure good drainage. It is well to
feed them every other day with weak liquid manure. A temperature of 55
degrees throughout the winter is quite sufficient. When grown in the
open, the bulbs should be placed 3 in. below the soil, with a little
silver sand beneath each, and not be disturbed oftener than once in
four years. Three or four may stand a foot apart. Stake neatly the
flower stems. They flower from September to June.
Arums.--Remarkably handsome plants with fine foliage and curious
inflorescence more or less enclosed in a hooded spathe, which is
generally richly coloured and marked. They are hardy, easily grown in
any soil (a good sandy one is preferable), and flower in July. Height,
1-1/2 ft. (See also "Calla.")
Asarum Europaeum.--This curious hardy perennial will grow in almost
any soil, and may be increased by taking off portions of the root
early in autumn, placing them in small pots till the beginning of
spring, then planting them out. It produces its purple flowers in May.
Height, 9 in.
Asclepias (Swallow-Wort).--Showy hardy perennials which require
plenty of room to develop. They may be grown from seed sown in August
or April, or can be increased by division of the root. A very light
soil is needed, and plenty of sunshine. Flowers are produced in July.
Height, 1 ft. to 2-1/2 ft.
Asparagus.--Sow in March or April, in rich light soil, allowing the
plants to remain in the seed-beds until the following spring; then
transplant into beds thoroughly prepared by trenching the ground 3 ft.
deep, and mixing about a foot thick of well-rotted manure and a good
proportion of broken bones and salt with the soil. The plants should
stand 2 ft. apart. In dry weather water liberally with liquid manure,
and fork in a good supply of manure every autumn. Give protection in
winter. The plants should not be cut for use until they become strong
and throw up fine grass, and cutting should not be continued late in
the season. April is a good time for making new beds. The roots should
be planted as soon as possible after they are lifted, as exposure to
the air is very injurious to them.
Asparagus Plumosus Nanus is a greenhouse variety, bearing fern-like
foliage. The seeds should be sown in slight heat early in spring.
Asparagus Sprengeri.--This delightful greenhouse climber is seen to
best advantage when suspended in a hanging basket, but it also makes
an attractive plant when grown on upright sticks, or on trellis-work.
It is useful for cut purposes, lasting a long time in this state,
and is fast taking the place of ferns, its light and elegant foliage
making it a general favourite. It should be grown in rich, light