The Washington times., 1901-09-27
HOUSING TROPICAL PLANTS
Caring for the Governments Ten
der Shrubs During the Winter.

Interesting Work mt the Propagnt-
ing Gardens-Planning n Chryson-
themum Substituting Out Pan
sizes for the Public Reservations.
The War Department, through the Su-
perintendent of Public Buildings ana
Grounds, Col 7. A Bingham. is making
extensive improvements in the propaga-
ting gardens south of the White Lot,
where. tender tropical and semi-tropical
plants which have graced the larger city
parks during the summer are being
housed for the winter months The prepa-
rations for their accommodation are most
extensive, as are all of the Improvements
being put into use at the national green
houses Just west of the Bureau OF In
craving and Printing.
Driyeways and walks have been laiu
out srtisticaIly. new greenhouses built'
and new office building erected, Whie
the contemplated changes In the topogra-
ply of the 5ve-acre enclosure devoted 10
the propagatiRs gardens Of the Govern
ment which will be put into use as soon
as possible. will make the spot one OF the
most beautiful parks in the city. IL not
in the whole country. The improvements
already made have greatly enhanced the
value of the gardens artistically-
The greenhouse plant has just been in
creased by the erection of a new plant
house, 100 by 20 feet in length. One OF
the large palm houses has been remodeled
and enlarged. which will largely increase
the facilities for the storage of tropical
plants, which are unable to stand the
rigors of Washington winter.
A new flagstaff, ninety feet high, mas
AZ sa,,1c Of
section OF two proposed roadways, and the
American flag will hereafter fly from the
pole.
The general plans for the Identification
of the gardens and increase in facilities
of the institution will be put into opera
ton as rapidly as appropriations to cover
the expense are made by Congress A
liberal appropriation was made by the last
Congress, and in consequence the i'm
provements now under way are m6re ex-
tensive than for many years past
Work has now commenced at the propa-
eating gardens for the propagation of
plants for the various city parks which
are cared for by the Department of Pub
lie Buildings and Grounds. The start IN
next seasons plants was made this week.
Large quantities of assorted plants are
being grown Next year there will be
nearly 100000 plants blooming in the
parks of the city There will be many
varieties of foliage and Towering plants,
strangers to this country, which have
never yet been seen in Washington The
parks of the city next year, II is ex-
pected, will be the most beautiful and
attractive in the history of the National
Capital.
There are in the city 9Oe public reserva-
- A
acres. OF these. 10S reservations, COM
prising 25S acres in extent, are highly
improved; 81. comprising % acres. are
partially improved, while 14S reservations.
having an area of 81 acres, have not been
improved.
Next year twenty-five improved parks
will be added to the already large num-
Der. The improvements are now in
progress, and the parks will be laid out
next month. These are small, and are
usually triangles at the intersection OF
streets and avenues. which have hereto
fore been scarcely more than eyesores.
All will be improved and beautified be-
fore July l of next year. Th,z improve
ments will consist in the laying of drain
age and sewer pipes. as well as horticul-
turaI changes which will be made.
Colonel Bingham will also direct during
the coming season the setting out Of
many trees on the various reclaimed
reservations of the District.
At the propagating gardens south of the
Monument, what is probably the most
complete institution for the propagating
of plants in the country is in charge of
George H. Brown, landscape gardener of
the Department of Public Buildings and
Grounds and superintendent Of the gar
dens, who is not only valued assistant to
Colonel Bingham, but an expert. who
probably knows more about plants than
any other man in the United States. He
has conducted experiments with plants,
many of which have been highly success
full and satisfactory, which have resulted
in securing a number OF odd and beauti-
full plants and flowers which next summer
will beautify the parks of the Capital.
Among the strange plants which have
been grown under glass at the gardens.
in tropicslly heated houses, is a specimen
OF an odd plant, The seeds of which were
brought from Santiago, Cuba, by sol
dier who took part in the Spanish-Ameri-
can War. Tho plant is known as the
loquet, species Of japanese plum, al
though the soldier did not know either
the local or botanical name. AT the
propagating gardens the botanical name
given it is eriobatyra Japonica. 1t is
unique looking plant six feet in height
Superintendent Brown is looking forward
with great interest to the time when it
shall bear. In addition 10 this there are
nearly twenty-five other varieties of
Cuban plants, while there are several new
ones from the Philippine Islands and the
East.
The Spanish-American War has resulted
In the acquisition of many new varieties
of flowers and trees. These are being
studied at the propagating gardens with
a view to introducing them in the public
parks and the lawns OF departments. if
suited 20 such purposes.
Another odd plant from Cuba. which
grows on walls and trees, is the till
andsia. which has many long, hard dry,
pale green leaves. and a beautiful flower,