MY ANNUAL FLOWERS. 87 



MY ANNUAL FLOWERS. 



WM. TOMLISON, HUTCHINSON. 



It is supposed that every lover of flowers at some time chooses his fa- 

 vorite. So when a boy, we chose our favorite from the beauties in 

 the terraced gardens at Riverside, in the suburbs of Cincinnati. 

 That choice stayed with us until we made our first excursions into Min- 

 nesota, some twenty' years ago, and from the profusion of potted plants in 

 every house and wild flowers by the acre, we decided to make another choice, 

 as our favorite was not seen in its perfection in this clime. But from the 

 continuous new arrivals, and the old changing to greater size and beauty, 

 we are undecided yet. 



About four years ago my wife asked to have a separate lot for flowers. 

 On looking around we found an out-of-the-way corner, too small and irreg- 

 ular for pumpkins or potatoes. So I says, "There ! I will sacrifice that lot, 

 though it is good, rich ground." It was soon made so attractive that a 

 lady from town saw and walked fast for the garden, exclaiming: "But how 

 do you keep the chickens out ?" And her companion says : "Don't you 

 see the fence?" just in time to save her from the rebound. 



I came, I saw and I heard the program of your meeting last winter for 

 the first time. I received a new inspiration. For on arriving home, I made 

 out a list of i6o apple trees, and then talked flowers. For who could do 

 otherwise after hearing the papers on floriculture, with its pleasures and 

 profits, by the ladies of this society? 



We had torn down the barns to build greater and more distant from the 

 house. This rich lot left we decided to give for a better flower garden. My 

 better half said it was worth my while to make another trip to the horticul- 

 tural meeting. 



Now for the expected profit, which is "pleasure." We prepared this lot 

 according to directions, removing the hardy plants and shrubs to the back- 

 ground, and then prepared to take lessons while the seed and bulb planting 

 was done by those who knew better how. 



On April loth, from a bed of wild plants a little flower appeared. And 

 now was early rising with the children to greet and count the new beauties, 

 as they began to appear from every corner. A report was given at the break- 

 fast table on the number, size, shape, color and beauty of the new arrivals. 

 The last discovery was made Dec. ist, '99. The pansies were again in bloom. 

 They found December ist as pleasant as May. 



The path to my work led by this garden of our summer's joy, and from 

 its ever present trainers I learned the habits and requirements of many 

 plants. 



The balsam is one of the most beautiful and easiest grown of all an- 

 nuals. For early, sow the seed under glass; or sow in the prepared bed about 

 May loth. Have plants 18 inches apart each way. They are gross feeders, 

 and a very rich soil is not necessary. 



The petunia is a flower for everybody. It is best to start seed in the 

 house, and plant in bed twelve inches apart. It seems to defy heat and 

 drouth, and rain won't hurt it. 



Phlox. The new ones of recent introduction surpass almost everything 

 else in dazzling brilliancy. Plant a distinct kind, in rows close together, and 

 you will have a beautiful ribbon bed. 



