FLOWER GARDEN

The orange or black berries of the asparagus fern are pretty, but it is the decorative lightness of the foliage which is most admired. Among several ornamental forms Sprengheri is a good indoor plant, enduring the dry air as few others will. Retrofractua is a similar variety. Sinilax (Asparagus medeoloides) is useful for table decoration. Plumosus and nanus are used with flowers for buttonholes. A compost of loam and leaf-mould in equal parts, with a sprinkling of sand, suits the plant best.