CHAPTER X 



Border and Annual Carnations and Pinks 



It seems stiange that with so many gardeners and 

 florists from the old countries settled among us, the Border 

 type of Carnation as grown in Europe is not taken up here. 

 There is much gorgeousness in the finest varieties of this 

 type in its several sections, whether fancies, selfs, flaked or 

 edged, as in the Picotees. The flakes are the least grown of 

 any, even in the European countries, but the fancies when 

 at their best have absolutely nothing to surpass them; 

 they are large, solid, handsome and most richly colored. 

 An exhibition of them, dressed as they are and supported 

 with paper collars, is a sight to marvel at and never to 

 be forgotten. 



In the southern half of England, and doubtless in the 

 greatei part of France, the Border Carnation is hardy. 

 The stock is usually propagated by layers, as shown in 

 the accompanying diagram. These layers are taken late 

 in July or early in August. A cut is made half way through 

 a joint, which is kept open by being bent into the soil and 

 pegged down. A sandy soil is used, and is rounded up 

 firmly over the layer, which roots in a few weeks; it can 

 then be severed from the parent stem and transplanted to 

 frames, or be potted and kept in coldframes, covered with 

 mats in the hardest weather in Winter. In April, or even 

 earlier, these plants are set out. Wherever the situation 

 is sufficiently mild, good, sturdy plants may be set out in 

 the Autumn, and will come through any Winter where 



