CHOICE OF FLOWERS 



nozzle, so as to give a spray and not a shower; 

 or, a little ducking from the watering-pot will 

 serve. The object of this is not only to stimu- 

 late the seed, but to settle the earth about it. 



Nearly all florists advertise packets of mixed 

 seed. Artistic gardening is not encouraged by 

 their use. If you buy a packet of zinnia seed, for 

 example, you do not know, until the buds are 

 actually opening, what you have put into the 

 ground. By that time it Is rather late to trans- 

 plant, for even if the individual herb that you 

 take from the soil Is not Injured In the process, 

 you may seriously disturb the roots of its neigh- 

 bors. If you find color inconsistencies and if you 

 want to avoid cheap and glaring contrasts, you 

 must dig up the plants, however, that are most 

 belligerent In their blooming, and put them else- 

 where. When there was no room In the beds for 

 these intruders I have stolen out, in dark seasons, 

 and transplanted them In vacant lots, hoping that 

 they might prove a joy and astonishment for 

 some wayfarer across those wilds, or for the chil- 

 dren playing after school. One other Item anent 

 the planting of your garden, namely : begin weed- 

 ing early. Don't tear up your choice things by 

 175 



