452 MINNESOTA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



is in ^ood condition. If the sun comes out bright and hot, you may 

 need to shade them for a few days. 



If you wish to have poppies you must sow the seed (preferably 

 in the fall ) where the jjlants are to grow ; they have a tap root and 

 will not bear transplanting. There is no prettier sight than a mass 

 of Shirley poppies when in bloom. When you once get a stand you 

 will always have them unless you pick every seed pod before it ripens, 

 which I think is the better way, or they will soon take possession of 

 the whole territory and the roadside as well ; and the quality of the 

 blossoms soon become very inferior. Better save seed every year 

 from the choicest flowers only, and destroy the other seed pods. All 

 must consult their own individual taste as to the kinds. 



Every one loves sweet peas, and if you can have a single or 

 double row planted to shut of¥ the vegetable garden from the flowers 

 it will have a good effect. If the row runs north and south you will 

 get more flowers ; but plant them any way or where you will, but 

 they must have sun to give flowers. 



Petunias are very satisfactory, giving so much for so little. 

 They are so nice to pick for bouquets. They, like poppies, will re- 

 seed, but the flowers will soon become poor. It is better to start 

 with fresh seed every second year, or even every year for best re- 

 sults. 



Drummond phlox is another favorite of mine. It is so bright 

 and cheering, and the children like it so much, and it is so nice for 

 bouquets. 



On one side of your plot plant some nasturtions ; let them run 

 over a fence, trellis or ground ; the}' will flower beautifully either 

 way. 



I would try to have some asters for fall blooming. Nothing is 

 prettier for the season. Do not plant them too closely — not nearer 

 than fifteen inches ; farther is better unless they are of the dwarf va- 

 rieties. One must gauge the number of varieties grown by the 

 space and time they wish to devote to them. It is better to grow 

 a few well, than attempt too much. 



I would never raise the beds very much, if any ; they dry out 

 too quickly. You can have the ground plowed every year with the 

 vegetable garden, or, if the good man will, let him or the boys spade 

 or fork up the space where you wish to set your plants, leaving a 

 space between the beds or blocks unspaded for walks. Never have 

 your beds larger than what will make them easy and convenient to 

 hoe or weed without stepping on the beds. Do the work from the 

 paths. Have them wide enough to walk and work in easily be- 

 tween the blocks or beds. Have a light, pointed hoe, a hand weeder 



