*Arundo Phragmites (Common Reed).—A native marsh-or water-plant, 5 ft. or 6 ft. high, bearing when in flower a large, handsome, spreading, purplish panicle. The stems are smooth, simple, very erect, and grow closely together. The plant is only attractive when in flower, as its flat, ribbon-like leaves do not of themselves present any very striking appearance. Useful for the margins of artificial waters, etc., to which it may be brought from its wild haunts. It should, however, if possible, be kept in one spot and not allowed to spread too much.
*Asclepias Cornuti.—A handsome hardy perennial from N. America, sending up from its running, underground rootstock a number of erect, unbranched stems, from 4 ft. to 6½ ft. high, thickly covered with large opposite oval leaves. The flowers are of a light rose-colour, and agreeably fragrant, and are borne in large umbels at the tops of the stems. The plant does well in almost any kind of soil or position, and is well adapted for planting in places which do not require much attention. As it spreads very rapidly at the root, it is better to exclude it from small beds or gardens, which would soon be overrun by it. Several other species are in cultivation, the best of which are A. speciosa (Douglasii), A. incarnata, and A. tuberosa.
*Asparagus Broussoneti (Giant Asparagus).—A vigorous, climbing asparagus, with a tapering, shrubby stem, 10 or 12 ft. high. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and are followed by numerous small red berries. An excellent subject for tall trellises, rustic bowers, stumps of trees, tall poles, etc. Canary Islands.
Asplenium Nidus-avis.—This is a remarkable fern, which has been placed out of doors in the garden in summer, from early in June to October; but it is not vigorous or hardy enough to be generally recommended for this purpose. However, as it may have been noticed in abundance at Battersea Park, I allude to it here. The leaves are rather broad, pointed, and undulating, nearly 3 ft. long, and form roundish, spreading, nest-like tufts. It is a favourite subject in places where large collections of tropical ferns are grown, and in such places a plant may be tried in the open air in a very warm, shady, and perfectly sheltered position. E. Indies.
*Astilbe rivularis.—A large-leaved and striking plant from Nepaul, with the habit and general appearance of a Spiræa, growing to a height of more than 3 ft., and of a free and graceful habit, which makes it useful for association with the finer-foliaged herbaceous plants, and for dotting here and there in the wild or picturesque garden. It keeps its foliage well through the season, unlike some herbaceous plants, and is therefore all the more valuable. Flowers late in summer, small, yellowish-white, in large panicled spikes. The radical leaves are broad, twice ternate with toothed divisions, and the base of the leaf-stalk is covered with numerous rough tawny hairs. Being pretty hardy, the Astilbe usually succeeds well in any cool rich soil, and best in half-shaded positions. Easily multiplied by division. It is suited for isolation, borders, fringes of shrubberies, or for groups of hardy plants.
*Astilbe rubra.—A very pretty and hardy plant, also resembling a. Spiræa in habit and appearance, and growing from 4 ft. to 6 ft. high. The leaves are twice ternate, with oblique, heart-shaped leaflets, 1 in. to 2 ins. long, and with lengthened serrated points. The flowers are numerous, in dense panicles, and of a rose-colour, appearing late in summer and in autumn. The same positions, etc., as those for the preceding kind. North America, Japan, and mountains of Northern India.