Colutea Arborescens (_Bladder Senna_).--A shrub with Acacia-like
leaves and producing yellow Pea-shaped flowers in July, followed with
bladder-shaped seed vessels. It will grow in any soil, and may be
raised either from seed or cuttings taken in autumn. Height, 10 ft.
Commelina Sellowina (_Blue Spider Wort, or Day Flower_).--A pretty
greenhouse climber, bearing cobalt-blue flowers. It should occupy a
sunny position, and be watered freely from March to September, after
which very little should be given.
Commelina Tuberosa.--Perfectly hardy plants, bearing in June blue or
white flowers the size of a shilling. The bulbs may be planted in
spring in any garden soil; the plants are increased by off-sets.
Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Compost Heap.--Get a heap of dead leaves and press and jam them down
as closely as possible. Then take as much manure, in appearance,
as you have dead leaves, and for each cartload have two bushels of
unslaked quicklime and some earth. Now spread upon the ground, in some
out-of-the-way corner, a layer of the dead leaves, upon which sprinkle
a layer of lime, and over that a thin layer of earth. Next lay on a
covering of manure, then a layer of leaves, and one of lime and earth
as before, and proceed in this way till all the materials are used up.
It will be well, however, to give the heap a good watering whenever
you come to the layer of leaves. This slakes the lime and hastens the
decomposition of the vegetable matter. After letting it stand for
about six weeks, begin at the top of the heap and turn it completely
over, so that what was at the bottom will be at the top. Repeat this
operation from time to time at intervals of six or seven weeks, until
it has become perfectly friable and will powder through a garden-fork
like dust. It will then be ready for use. This compost is invigorating
to flowers of all kinds, and is so ready for them to assimilate.
Comptonia Asplenifolia.--This ornamental deciduous shrub is quite
hardy, but requires a light, sandy loam or peat soil and a shady
situation. It is increased by layers. Blooms in April. Height, 4 ft.