., will be found in
most of the fall bulb catalogues. They are quite distinct from the
Japanese and German irises ordinarily seen outdoors. Start same as
caladium, but they do not require so much heat.

_Spirea_ (_Astilbe Japonica_). Several varieties of this beautiful
flower are good for forcing. When the roots are received pot up in
light, rich soil, water thoroughly, and set in a shaded place. Remove to
the cellar or a deep coldframe as freezing weather comes on. Do not let
the soil dry out. After the first of January bring into heat gradually.
Sprinkle frequently as growth develops.

_Ranunculus_ or buttercups, listed in the catalogues as Turkish, Persian
and French, are very easily grown flowers. They have fleshy roots which
are given the same treatment as Cape bulbs, i.e., started in light.

_Poppy-flowered Anemones_ (_A. fulgens_ and _A. coronaria_) are also
easily grown in the same way. They come in a variety of colors,
including reds, whites, and blues. They are very cheery little flowers,
two inches or so across, and well worth giving a few pots to.

Several of the bulbs are easily grown in water, or pebbles and water,
with no soil at all. The best known of these is the Chinese Sacred Lily.
The Golden Chinese Lily is not so well known but very desirable.
Hyacinths are easily grown in pure water; a special vase called the
"hyacinth glass" being made for the purpose.

CHAPTER XVI

VERANDA BOXES, WINDOW-BOXES, VASES AND HANGING BASKETS

Many of the plants ordinarily set outdoors in pots, or planted in the
flower beds, could be much more effectively used in veranda boxes,
window-boxes, vases or hanging baskets.

The veranda boxes are generally about eight by six inches, made as
described on page 9, and of the right length to fit some window-sill, or
the corner or top of a veranda railing.

Arrangements for watering should be made as convenient as possible, as
this work is almost sure to be more or less neglected during the hot
months when it needs frequent and thorough attention. The soil used
should be porous and very rich, as many plants will have to get their
nourishment from a very limited space.

[Illustration: Window-boxes are at their best when containing only one
or two kinds of bloom, part of it hanging down]

[Illustration: Iceland poppies are not often seen in the window-box, as
it takes many blooms to make a good showing]

[Illustration: It is not necessary to have your window gar