178 SCIENCE OF HOME AND COMMUNITY 



When the seedlings have reached a height of two or three 

 inches, they should be thinned out to the distances given 

 in the table, and if it is desired, the plants pulled up may be 

 transplanted. This should be done on a cloudy day or late 

 in the afternoon. If the flowers are kept picked, the plant 

 will continue to bloom longer than if the flowers are allowed 

 to remain. A few may be allowed to go to seed so that they 

 can be saved for planting the next year. 



Wild flower and fern garden. A very interesting section 

 of the flower border may be made by reserving a portion for 

 wild flowers and ferns. These may best be transplanted 

 from the wild in the late fall or in the early spring, although 

 they may also be transplanted in mid-season if done care- 

 fully. Notice the conditions under which the plants grow 

 in nature, and put them in that part of the flower bed which 

 most closely imitates those conditions. In a few years an 

 interesting collection of wild flowers may be brought together. 

 Ferns are among the most beautiful foliage plants, and most 

 of them will thrive on the shady sides of the house, where it 

 is difficult to get anything else to grow. In collecting these 

 wild flowers be careful not to destroy plants needlessly, 

 and to avoid exterminating rare plants. 



HOME PROJECT 18 



Purpose. To beautify the home grounds by growing orna- 

 mental plants. 



Directions, i. Talk the matter over with your parents, and 

 if they are willing, do some ornamental gardening in your 

 home yard. You can at least have a flower garden. Perhaps 

 you can do something in planting shrubs and vines. There 

 may be an opportunity to earn money by selling flowers. 



2. As far as feasible try to follow the plan you have made. 

 Study the chapter carefully to find out the ways of doing things. 



3. Make a plan of your flower garden; also make a record 

 of plants raised, filling in the following table. 



