FLOWERS FOR DECORATION 93 



CHAPTER VIII 



CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWERS FOR 

 DECORATIONS 



FOR purposes of decoration the Chrysanthemum is one of 

 the easiest flowers to use, the stems being of such a nature 

 that they do not require support. The flowers vary so 

 much in size, form, and colour, that they are adaptable to 

 every form of decoration in the home. 



In the autumn months there is a great wealth of coloured 

 foliage with which the Chrysanthemum is associated to 

 advantage, and, in autumn, we get some of the finest floral 

 effects of the whole year. 



Many people say that the large-flowered Chrysanthe- 

 mum is not decorative owing to its mop-headed appear- 

 ance, but such people can never have decorated large 

 rooms during the winter months, or they would know that 

 it is easy to produce a striking effect with a few large 

 blooms and suitable foliage, where a barrow load of small 

 blooms would be ineffective if arranged with all the skill 

 and taste in the world. 



Large blooms intended for decorative purposes should 

 be cut a few hours (twelve hours if possible) before they 

 are to be used, stripping all or nearly all the foliage 

 from the stem, and immersing the stems in water. Very 

 young flowers do not usually keep the best, but fairly 

 well matured flowers that have not commenced to decay 



