290 



WINDOW GARDENING 



chooses. From the centre circle, three more wires can now be fastened and bent 

 down straight to form a handle. 



Fine wire can be used to form frames for covering vases, dishes, etc., and they 

 can be made in the same manner. If very small flowers are to be used in form- 

 ing the bouquet, place coarse netting lace, such as is used in millinery all over 

 the frame, and it can be also employed in making the whole frame, using only 

 o\ie circle of rattan at the outer edge; but it will not last for only one occasion. 

 Bouquets made on these frames affect a great saving of flowers. With but a small 

 handful a large sized bouquet can be ar- 

 ranged. Various are the devices which 

 can be appropriated in making up such bou- 

 quets. The centre can be of one flower, 

 and a wreath of Rosebuds or Hyacinths or 

 Blue Violets, or Pansies arranged all around 

 it with a graceful ground work of green 

 leaves. 



In fastening on the handle, it is well to 

 recall the shape of a parasol, and arrange 

 the wires so that they will have a similar 

 effect. In making such a frame for an oval 

 dish no handle is required, and the dish can 

 be filled with wet sand to keep the flowers 

 fresh. If water is used in vases a few 

 large pieces of charcoal are very needful to 

 prevent it from being offensive. 



It is a subject of dispute in arranging vases 

 whether one should commence in the centre 

 or at the outside, but in dishes of all kinds 

 it is certainly the best plan to commence at 

 the outer edge with a bordering of leaves ; 

 but for bouquets it is better to begin at the 

 centre. Drooping flowers are always grace- 

 ful, and are decidedly the best for bordering 

 or edging both vases and bouquets. 



Many a vase and bouquet of flowers 

 FiK.40. Parlor Stand for Cut Flowers. are ruined by mingling too great a variety 

 of colors and flowers. One sees that there are a great number of very pretty 

 flowers, yet the effect is not exactly the thing, for they are decidedly crowded, 

 and do not mix well together. 



Two or three purple flowers in a vase of scarlet and white will ruin the whole. 

 One must consult the colors of the flowers that are to be grouped together, 

 rather than the great assortment of rich and rare blossoms. 



Variegated foliage is exceedingly pretty for bordering bouquets, baskets and 



