CHAPTER XX^l. 



The Decoration of Parlors and Living Rooms with Orna- 

 mental Plants and Flowers. 



A subject like this is one of intense interest to the American flower loving 

 public. Formerly little was done in the encouragement of it, because we all, 

 like amateurs, and beginners, knew little of the best plants and methods, and 

 waited to learn from those more experienced; but of late, amateurs, in their 

 eager zeal for window and room decorations, have taken in hand their own im- 

 patient fancies, and led the way with experiments and trials of their own, 

 while the florists everywhere look with admiration and respect upon the wide 

 spreading taste for window and parlor gardening. The amateurs have out- 

 stripped the professionals in the rapidity of their progress, and the prettiest rooms 

 to-day are embellished by the fingers of a fair plant lover, who a year before did 

 not know one flower from another. 



To speak with truth, nothing is prettier, more elegant, and in many respects 

 easier, than the decoration of our parlors, reception rooms, halls, etc., with ap- 

 propriate plants and flowers. 



The very pictures, statues, vases, chandeliers, and other permanent ornaments, 

 allow room for the exhibition of many kinds and varieties of beautiful plants. 



In such rooms, however elegantly furnished, is the proper place for fine 

 Aqtcaria, Wardian Cases, Flower Stands, Wire Arbors for climbing plants, 

 flower baskets, or hanging baskets hung up between the curtains. 



Flowers used for decoration will harmonize completely with any architecture 

 or furniture of the parlor. Indeed, was there ever any flower out of place in a 

 beautiful room ? 



A tasteful and carefully arranged composition of plants will captivate for a 

 long time the love, attention and admiration of all classes of society. 



Few American writers have devoted much attention to this subject, and we 

 cannot now recall a single article in our horticultural literature which treats in 

 detail of the use of plants for room decoration; but in English and Continental 

 journals the topic is a common one, doubtless from the more extensive use of 

 costly plants at parties, receptions, and large social gatherings. It is one of the 

 higher branches of the florist's occupation, and really an art for the display of 

 the most refined taste. 



William Robinson, the author of "Parks, Promenades and Gardens of Paris," 

 has perhaps described the Continental system of the plant decoration of apart- 

 ments more completely than any other, and refers to it in these words : — 



