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GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 



(OF AMERICA) library 



NEW YOKK 



Devoted to the Science of Floriculture and Horticulture botanical 



OAHUEN 



i Vol. XXIV 



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APRIL, 1920 



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No. 4 ■ 



Things and Thoughts of the Garden 



THE ONLOOKER 



THERE is nothing to equal a flower show in bringing 

 together a notable gathering of flower lovers and 

 garden enthusiasts, and a great number gladly 

 availed themselves of the opportunity to meet and mingle 

 again with the revival of the big floral event in New 

 York after a lapse of two years. It was good to be 

 there, to meet once more acquaintances and friends 

 w-hom we do not see elsewhere but at the show. Just 

 to wander around and examine the exhibits with kindred 

 spirits is sufficient to renew a strong feeling of hope and 

 inspiration, to be more firmly convinced that the culture 

 and study of plants and flowers is the finest occupation 

 in which we can engage. From a purely materialistic 

 point of view some may be inclined to question this, espe- 

 cially just now in these times of turmoil when there are 

 so many things to vex the spirit of every conscientious 

 gardener. But there is ever\- reason to believe that many 

 of the difficulties by which we are now beset are but 

 of a transitory nature w'hich will gradually disappear 

 as the world recovers its equilibrium. Life is not all 

 sunshine and during cloudy times a pessimistic feeling 

 can be easily aroused. Let us work and look w'ith con- 

 fidence to the steady progress of the cause of Horticulture 

 and the proper recognition and appreciation of those 

 who make it their life-work. 



h * * 



Those who are at all familiar with the handling of 

 plants can appreciate the vast amount of hard work 

 which those who put up extensive exhibits are called 

 upon to perform. There is not only the physical labor 

 involved in the transporting, setting up and taking down 

 of the exhibits, but the big features like the rose gardens, 

 bulb gardens, and the large groups of foliage and flower- 

 ing plants represent a lot of mental work in planning 

 all the details. Then there is the presiding genius of 

 the whole afifair, the man responsible for the general 

 layout of the exhibition, a work of no mean undertak- 

 ing in order to achieve an artistic success. Great credit 

 is due to all those who played a part in this connection, 

 and that their efforts met with gencr;il approval was 

 evident from the remarks overheard. 



3): :|e :J: 



An imjiortant item in any horticultural exhil)ition is 

 the proper naming of the different plants and flowers 

 exhibited, and in this connection there is still room for 

 a good deal of improvement. Presumably the schedule 

 committees have no wish to establish an arbitrary ruling 

 on the subject, but it is not too much to say that every 

 distinct kind and variety that has a name otii^ht to have 

 it plainlv written an<l cons])icuously dis])layed. Some 



good people profess to abhor Latin names and to regard 

 the mastery of such as an accomplishment to which they 

 cannot aspire. There is really no harm in being able 

 to distinguish plants by their correct names, neither will 

 such knowledge detract one whit from a grower's ability. 

 ( )f course the labeling of exhibits entails more work for 

 the exhibitor, but it should be done for the sake of those 

 visitors who not only come to admire, but also to learn 

 what the plants and flowers are which excite their ad- 

 miration. As an example of first-class labeling, the fine 

 display of Sweet Peas put up by the W. A. Burpee Co. 



at the New York show is deserving of special mention. 

 * * * ' 



A very unique decoration at the show and one which 

 attracted considerable attention was that arranged by 

 Max Schling, the well-known florist and decorator, w'ho 

 is usually to the fore with an artistic display on such 

 occasions. In this particular instance the striking fea- 

 ture was the large orange red calices of the Chinese 

 Lantern Plant, Physalis Franchcttii. which had been split 

 open and fastened to long shrub branches, and the gor- 

 geous efifect was still further lengthened by the inter- 

 spersion of sprays of purple foliage. This Physalis is 

 well worth growing in the garden for its decorative value 

 in the Autumn and is easily raised from seed. Some 

 catalogs list it is an annual, but I know a garden in 

 Massachusetts where it has proved quite hardy and in- 

 creased in area during the last five years. 

 'M * * ' 



It was good to see on show again nice flowered plants 

 of Cliz'ia, better known to some gardeners perhaps as 

 Imantophyllmn. This is an evergreen bulbous plant, 

 native of South Africa, a very ornamental plant for con- 

 servatory decoration in Spring and well worth while for 

 any one who cares to see the same plant year after year. 

 C. miniata is the common species, but there arc distinct 

 forms and hybrids which are more attractive when in 

 tlower, having brighter and deejier colored flowers than 

 the type. When once established in tub? or large pots 

 tlu' [)lants seldom need repotting, but it is wise to give 

 an annual top-dressing of good loam, to which has been 

 added a generous dash of bone-meal, soon after flower- 

 ing. Plenty of moisture is needed during the growing 

 .season and if occasionally supplemented with a dose of 

 liquid manure the rew.ard will he forthcoming in due 

 season, .\lthough evergreen, the plants need a season 

 of rest in the Winter time, which is afforded by giving 

 less water and keeping them in a cool temperature. They 

 are quite safe at 40° F. and with the approach of Spring 

 the flower stems push up and from the top unfolds one, 

 two. or three dozen flowers of gorgeous hue. 



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