DECORATIVE ASPARAGUS PLANTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 20, 19 May 1909, Page 40

DECORATIVE ASPARAGUS PLANTS.

Asparagus Sprengeri and A. plum >- is are two of the finest plants that we have for our indoor winter garde::-. Both of these may be started from seed, in place of using the ordinary windowboxes. we planted the seeds in shallow boxes called "flats" by the florist. These flat- contain only three inches <>f earth. Boxes may be procured from the nearest grocery, which, when cut down to four inches in height, will answer the purpose admirably. But there are other boxes which may lie more convenient for som ' people to use. as those made from "-nooks” offered for making into flats

and nailed together. Or. again, one can use the shallow pots called seed-pans, which are largely used by the florists for starting bulbs, as well as seeds. The seeds are soaked for 24 hours in lukewarm water: this ensures more rapid growth. The soil is a most important factor. That which 1 used for planting the seed iu was a light, rich, spongy loam taken from an old farmyard. Leaf-mould from the woods is even better. Place the pots or boxes in a sunny window, and keep the soil well moistened by sprinkling with a whisk broom dipped in warm water. In about 24 days the plants will begin to start: then the pots should be placed where they will be a little sheltered from the full rays of the sun, as they will grow better. If it is necessary to transplant, it is best to do this when the plants are only two or three inches high. Great care should be taken while handling to avoid pinching the plant, as this proves fatal. The soil should be pressed firmly around the roots in the new quarters, and water applied sparingly. Cold water sprayed on will induce the plants to make a more vigorous growth, and at the same time b? a means of keeping the plants free from insects. If you do not care to raise these plants from seeds, start your beautiful asparagus from small plants, which can be bought of the florist. These will grow rapidly, and thrive as well as those grown from seed. The asparagus plants are among the finest foliaged that we have, giving a showy appearance, and being much more rapid in growth than palms or ferns. They succeed admirably in the heated atmosphere or living-rooms, remaining fresh and green all winter.

With a few of these potted plants, the hostess has unlimited possibilities for decorating her rooms and table without the slightest expense. Asparagus plumo--us has the finest foliage, and is the most generally used for the table. This is the best green for cutting, as its foliage does not wither or lose it- freshness of colour for days after the sprays are cut. The long, wiry stems hold the foliage up well, which appears like a veil of lacy green. Although this airy, fairy foliage is seemingly so delicate, it is really superior in sturdiness to all other greens. With six or eight carnations and a few -pray- of asparagus, an almost ideal centrepiece may be made for the dining table. Stand the flowers in a tall crystal vase, then trail long sprays of A. plumosus from the vase over the white table-cover.—Helen M. Russel.