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A WILD FLOWER GARDEN 



167 



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pie used to extract glue from the corm. The peculiar thing about 

 this plant is the single leaf which comes up in the fall and dies the 

 following summer. 



The wild sunflower begins to bloom in the summer and lasts 

 until the frost. Finding that our garden was outgrowing its 

 bounds, last j^-ear we started a comer 

 bed especially for field flowers. It is 

 not advisable to put field daisies where 

 they can disturb other plants as they 

 spread very rapidly. In this comer we 

 have planted the purple and white blazing 

 star, the tuber of which is believed by 

 some to be a cure for rattle-snake bites. 

 We also have the butter and eggs, wild 

 ageratum, Turk's-cap lilies, and the 

 prairie white fringed orchid. The latter 

 flower I found for the first time last sum- 

 mer. It is supposed to be found only in 

 the original prairie sod. 



I tried an experiment with water 

 flowers last simimer which proved quite successful. I used a 

 low galvanized can about eighteen inches in diameter. I first 

 filled the can to some depth with black soil, in this the specimens 

 were planted. Several inches of sand was then put over the soil, 

 and the can filled with water. I planted dog-lily, arrow-leaf 

 with its pure white bloom, and water cress. Among the 

 leaves and stems lived three gold-fish and a tadpole which later 

 became a toad and made his new home in the garden. 



In transplanting from the woods and fields to your garden be 

 sure to have a good ball of earth around the roots. Plant them 

 as soon as possible after getting home, and keep them well watered 

 until the roots are thoroughly established in their new abode. 



I realize that I have brought to you but little that is new. 

 However, if I have been able to arouse in you a greater love for 

 wild flowers and ferns, and a strong desire for a garden of your 

 owTi, I will feel that I have aided some in the work of the Nature- 

 Study Club. 



Figure 6. — Prairie White 

 Fringed Orchid 



vSince the preceding paper was read, I have made several im- 

 portant additions to the garden. Some pink lady's slippers, two 



