180 STATE- HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



TWELVE BEST BEDDING PLANTS. 



An influence of superstition may have caused lue to adopt the 

 number 13, instead of 12, in my list of bedding plants. I may have 

 been prompted by a spirit of generosity that induced me to throw in 

 one more to make a full dozen, round measure. Whatever influenced 

 me, this I know, that when I had made my list I could not omit one 

 without discarding a favorite that contended for a place in my collec- 

 tion. 



Two points are necessary to make a superior bedding plant: vigor 

 of growth and constancy of bloom. One other characteristic gives 

 perfection, and that is perfume; but perfume may be borrowed, so that 

 by a proper distribution of fragrant plants we may have in the same 

 bed beauty of bloom, vigorous growth and fragrance for all. What- 

 ever conduces to make home more pleasant is an inspiration to all its 

 occupants. Whatever increases a degree of innocent pleasure heightens 

 the inspiration. 



To know and adopt the best, therefore, will be the most profitable. 

 But, in order to estimate plants properly, we ought to be acquainted 

 with every individual plant from its infancy. From the box to the 

 transplanting bed, from the young potted plant to the permanent gar- 

 den bed, they should have our frequent personal attention. 



With the study of their various requirements in their different 

 stages of growth we acquire not only more experience as to their 

 needs, but we cultivate increasing interest in their development. As 

 time is wasted in experimenting with new varieties, so economy is 

 found in using only such as have established merit. 



In the order of preference named below, I give my list of thirteen 

 bedding plants : 



Geraniums, Vincias, 



Petunias, Carnations, 



Verbenas, Feverfew, 



Pansies, Sweet Alyssum, 



Phloxes, Chrysanthemums, 



Lantanas, Lemon Verbena. 

 Marguerite, 



I head my list with the Geranium, because of its ease of growth 

 and culture, its exhaustless capacity for blooming, its endless variety of 

 color, its resistance of heat and drouth, its old associations and its 

 unlimited possibilities for improvement. 



