30 Growing Flowers 



not transplant very well when it has grown to a 

 fairly good size. 



The arbutus is a most satisfactory plant for experi- 

 ment in grafting, and when grafting is successful, 

 flowers of two colors, and also variegated flowers, 

 may be found on the same tree. 



Asters 



Aster seed sown in the open ground in May will 

 bring forth blossoms in September and October, 

 when the flowers are seen at their best. For July 

 and August flowering, the seed should be sown in 

 the hotbed or in boxes in the house. They should 

 be covered to a depth of half an inch and covered 

 with rich, light soil. When the seedlings are 

 transplanted they should have three or four leaves 

 and should stand a foot and a half apart 



Small quantities of air-slaked lime or of fresh 

 wood ashes stirred into the surface of aster beds 

 will prove very beneficial. The plants require 

 plenty of water. 



Fresh manure used in large quantities will 

 usually prove injurious to asters. Only thoroughly 

 composted manure should be used. 



