136 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 
The chrysanthemum exhibit, which has just passed, was 
the first of this series of monthly floral displays for which 
the Garden is preparing. For nearly ten years it has been 
an annual event in the Garden, which has become well 
known to St. Louisians as the Chrysanthemum Show, and 
at one time constituted the one conspicuous floral event 
of the year. The increasing interest manifested by the 
public in the continuous series of exhibits held during the 
last two years has prompted the Garden to make even larger 
plans for the coming displays, which will include many 
plants new to the general public. The usual flowers of the 
season will be on exhibit, but as it is the aim of the Garden 
to educate as well as to interest, particular attention will be 
paid to the uncommon plants. 
Few people realize the amount of study necessary to have 
plants flower at definite periods. Preparations for the 
November display of chrysanthemums were begun early last 
January, since when the plants have been carefully tended, 
and when large enough many were shaped by tying on wire 
forms. From others all side bad were removed immediately 
they appeared in order that the vigor of the plant might be 
concentrated in the development of a single blossom. The 
application of suitable fertilizers and the removal of the 
plants from time to time to larger pots to accommodate the 
enlarging root systems are also important factors in chrysan- 
themum culture. Eleven months of constant care were neces- 
sary to bring the plants of last month’s display into flower, 
and plans are already being formulated for the exhibit of 
next November. 
What is true of the growing of chrysanthemums is 
true also of other flowering plants, many of which come 
from abroad and must, therefore, be ordered many months 
before they are needed. The time required to grow plants 
from seeds or bulbs to maturity varies considerably with the 
different kinds. Lily-of-the-valley bulbs can be brought into 
flower in a little over two weeks; tulips, hyacinths, narcis- 
sus, and many of the lilies require more time, many of them 
being already potted and stored in cold frames, although not 
intended for display until spring. In the meantime these 
bulbs will develop root systems, and when brought into the 
hothouse and subjected to higher temperatures, will blossom 
within a few weeks. The handling of such material is an 
art which is achieved only with long experience, there being 
no hard and fast rules which insure success. 
Two other factors of great importance in growing plants 
are temperature and light. Ordinarily the tii may be 
