1^2 How to Make a Flower Garden 



fed by a stream; otherwise the occupants might be swept clean out of the 

 pond, or buried under a mass of sand or other material carried along by the 

 freshet. In all artificial basins an overflow should be provided, to serve 

 the double purpose of overflow and outlet. The size of the pipe may vary 

 from two to four inches, according to the size of the pond. A four-inch 

 pipe is large enough for a pond of five thousand superficial feet. A smaller 

 pipe than two inches would carry off the surplus water of a small pond, 

 but it is liable to become choked with light floating matter. The overflow 

 pipe should be made in at least two sections, with screw joints, an elbow 

 terminating the outlet and level with the bottom of the basin, or slightly 

 depressed, the overflow pipe being fitted into the latter and terminating 

 with a collar. Never plant a newly constructed basin or pond built of 

 masonry or concrete without giving the same a thorough soaking and 

 change of water; otherwise, the caustic property of the cement will destroy 

 the plants, fish, or any living thing. 



The selection of varieties requires much careful consideration. Not 

 all nymphaeas are adapted for every mode of culture. For example, any 

 one who selects for tub culture such a rampant grower as Nymphcca titberosa 

 is sure to be disappointed. It is difficult to give advice, because individual 

 tastes must be consulted. Some prefer decided colours, others white or 

 pink, or yellow shading to red. The locality and section of the 

 country must also be taken into consideration. In the northern and 

 eastern States and mountainous districts better results are obtained from 

 the hardy nymphaeas and nelumbiums. The season is often short for the 

 latter, and tender nymphaeas, if grown at all, should be extra large plants; 

 as it is not safe to plant out before June ist, and in some sections not 

 before June loth. In such cases it is better to confine the selection 

 of tender nymphaeas to the day-flowering kinds. Around New York City 

 and south and south westward any species or variety can be grown. A 

 selection may be made comprising all nymphaeas, both hardy and tender, 

 day- and night -flowering, nelumbiums victor as, and miscel aneous plants. 

 The season begins in April, and by the latter end of the month NympJicua 

 Laydekeri rosea is in blossom. The latter can be relied upon every time; 

 it is not only the first — it is also the last of the season. Some of the hardy 

 nymphaeas are short-lived, or rather the season of flowering is short — e. g.,th.e 

 Cape Cod pink pond-lily, N. odorata rosea. In fact, the typical A^. odorata 

 and its numerous hybrids, together with A^. titberosa and its forms, are also 



