Asparagus.—­Sow in March or April, in rich light soil, allowing the plants to remain in the seed-beds until the following spring; then transplant into beds thoroughly prepared by trenching the ground 3 ft. deep, and mixing about a foot thick of well-rotted manure and a good proportion of broken bones and salt with the soil.  The plants should stand 2 ft. apart.  In dry weather water liberally with liquid manure, and fork in a good supply of manure every autumn.  Give protection in winter.  The plants should not be cut for use until they become strong and throw up fine grass, and cutting should not be continued late in the season.  April is a good time for making new beds.  The roots should be planted as soon as possible after they are lifted, as exposure to the air is very injurious to them.

Asparagus Plumosus Nanus is a greenhouse variety, bearing fern-like foliage.  The seeds should be sown in slight heat early in spring.

Asparagus Sprengeri.—­This delightful greenhouse climber is seen to best advantage when suspended in a hanging basket, but it also makes an attractive plant when grown on upright sticks, or on trellis-work.  It is useful for cut purposes, lasting a long time in this state, and is fast taking the place of ferns, its light and elegant foliage making it a general favourite.  It should be grown in rich, light mould, and may be propagated by seed or division.  The roots should not be kept too wet, especially in cold weather.

Asperula (Woodruff).—­A.  Azurea Setosa is a pretty, light-blue hardy annual, which is usually sown in the open in autumn for early flowering; if sown in the spring it will bloom in June or July.  A. Odorata is a hardy perennial, merely needing ordinary treatment.  It is serviceable for perfuming clothes, etc.  Asperulas thrive in a moist soil, and grow well under the shade of trees.  Height, 1 ft.

Asphalte Paths.—­Sift coarse gravel so as to remove the dusty portion, and mix it with boiling tar in the proportion of 25 gallons to each load.  Spread it evenly, cover the surface with a layer of spar, shells, or coarse sand, and roll it in before the tar sets.

Asphodelus.—­Bold hardy herbaceous plants; fine for borders; will grow in common soil, and flower between May and August.  Increased by young plants taken from the roots.  Height, 2-1/2 ft. to 4 ft.

Aspidistra.—­This greenhouse herbaceous perennial is a drawing-room palm, and is interesting from the fact that it produces its flowers beneath the surface of the soil.  It thrives in any fairly good mould, but to grow it to perfection it should be accommodated with three parts loam, one part leaf-mould, and one part sand.  It will do in any position, but is best shaded from the midday sun.  It may be increased by suckers, or by dividing the roots in April, May, or June.  Supply the plant freely with water, especially when root-bound.  When dusty, the leaves should be sponged with tepid milk and water—­a teacup of the former to a gallon of the latter.  This imparts a gloss to the leaves.  A poor sandy soil is more suitable for the variegated kind, as this renders the variegation more constant.  Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.