142 8 The Cornell Reading-Courses 



THE FLOWER GARDEN 



Albert E. Wilkinson 



A flower garden is a desirable accompaniment to any farm or home; 

 for flowers give to us something that cannot be supplied by any other 

 object. The variety of color and form in both wild and cultivated blooms 

 satisfies the eye and is of never-failing interest. This interest is now 

 expressing itself in an increased attention to the growing of flowers. 

 Readers desiring a knowledge of the requirements of flowering plants 

 should study carefully the directions given in Lesson 33 of the Cornell 

 Reading-Course for the Farm Home, on Vegetable-Gardening, as the 

 principles there stated apply also to the raising of flowers. 



PLANNING 



The flower garden needs care in planning just as much as does the vege- 

 table garden or any other piece of constructive work. The planting- 

 table on page no shows the height to which various plants normally grow. 

 By arranging the plants according to their height, placing the lowest- 

 growing ones at the front and grading up to the tallest at the back of 

 the bed, a pleasing result may be obtained. If the bed is to be viewed 

 from more than one side, the taller plants can be placed in the center 

 and lower-growing ones toward the outer edges. In this method of plant- 

 ing a mixed border may be used. With such arrangement the plants 

 are not placed in rows or in regular order, yet the results are very satis- 

 factory. If shading of colors also is planned for, the effect will be the 

 more pleasing. 



Location of garden 



Plan to have the flower garden not over-prominent, and where it will 

 add to rather than detract from the setting of the buildings. Place it 

 at the side or toward the back of the house. A southern or eastern 

 exposure is most desirable. 



PREPARATION AND CARE 



Preparing the soil 

 Stake out the garden. Then apply a plentiful coating of well-rotted 

 horse-manure, and turn the manure under with a s] >ading fork or a spade. 

 Just before planting rake the surface of the spaded soil smooth and level. 

 Do not walk on the garden more than is necessary after this work of 

 raking has been done. 



Planting 

 From the planting-table and the directions given below for the various 

 plants, the necessary information may be obtained as to time of planting. 



