182 THE PLANT WORLD 



by planting time. The peony may be set in both spring and fall, but 

 probably the best season is the early fall, as the plants get established 

 before winter comes on ; but one should not hesitate to plant in spring 

 with hope of any but good results. It is well not to begin with inferior 

 stock, for while good plants cost a little more in the start they are far 

 better in the end. Select a few well-known and acknowledged varieties 

 and get them from a reliable dealer and the result will amply justify the 

 outlay. 



Chrysanthemums. — We naturally turn from the new favorite — the 

 peony, to the old stand-by — the chrysanthemum, which should now 

 be receiving some extra care if the next fall's crop of bloom is to be up 

 to the standard. The plants set in the open ground should be carefully 

 looked after to see that insects are kept within bounds and that the 

 requisite moisture is supplied. If grown in pots, the plants should now 

 be in 6- or 8-inch pots and making a stocky growth. They must not be 

 allowed to lack for moisture, for a single wilting may seriously impair 

 the blooms, and yet this should not be overdone. Experience is the 

 best teacher in this matter. 



This Season Near Washington. — In the vicinity of Washington the 

 present season has been one of surprises. In the first place, it was two 

 or three weeks late on account of the severe winter, but when once under 

 way things came with a rush, and never before has vegetation looked 

 better than now. The trees and shrubs in the parks and reservations are 

 beautifully fresh and vigorous looking, and few of the flowering kinds 

 have ever given a more bountiful supply of bloom. Frequent rains have 

 helped things along, and the outlook is good for an abundant harvest. 

 The gardens, though later than usual, are in promising shape. The crop 

 of strawberries was hardly up to the standard, however, as the vines suf- 

 fered from cold, and just at the cropping season severe rains interfered 

 with the picking and marketing of the crop. Cherries were fairly abun- 

 dant, but rotted on the trees to some extent, due to the excess of mois- 

 ture at the critical time. Tomatoes are just coming in and the other 

 vegetables are apparently in good shape for full crops. 



Pansies. — Don't forget to make preparations in time for next spring's 

 display of this attractive flower. Secure the seed by the middle of August, 

 or in any event not later than September first. Start the seed in flats, 

 and when the plants have three or four leaves set eight inches apart in a 

 cold frame. The plants will then have ample time in which to get well 

 established before stopped by cold weather, but will begin growing early 

 in spring and will give an abundance of bloom from March to May. 



