The Fascination of Flowers [ 299 



A Garden of His Own 



The modest blooms children raise themselves will easily thrill 

 them as much as, if not more than, the most spectacular plants to 

 be seen at a flower show. Window boxes and other indoor planting 

 can give city youngsters some of the joy of raising plants; but 

 families with land at their disposal have endless opportunity 

 for engaging in one of the most solidly satisfying of all occupa- 

 tionsworking in a garden. 



An important point for you to bear in mind is that a youngster 

 may be only casually interested in a family project whereas if 

 he is given a small plot of his own, the chances are that he will 

 tend it with conscientious zeal. He enjoys having the power to 

 decide what is to grow in that special piece of earth, he finds new 

 delight in poring over seed packets and catalogues, and he is 

 stimulated by the challenge of trying to bring his plans to a 

 successful conclusion. He is not likely to ask for advice or help but 

 he will probably welcome a little of each if it is offered tactfully. 



ANNUALS, BIENNIALS, AND PERENNIALS 



In planning his garden, a youngster will find annuals, 

 biennials, and perennials from which to choose. Most plants that 

 flower the same season they are sown are usually included with 

 the annuals in flower books. However, the true annual is a plant 

 that not only flowers the first season, but, if left to itself, dies in 

 the fall. 



Biennial plants may flower during their first season, but more 

 often do so the next year. Unless they are given special treatment 

 by the gardener during their first season, biennials die after their 

 second season. 



Perennials with the exception of woody types die down to the 

 ground in the fall. But the roots continue to live, and new branches 

 and flower stems are thrown up for years. 



TREES, SHRUBS, AND HERBS 



Another interesting point for the young gardener is that 

 most flowering plants belong to one of three general forms: trees, 

 which have large, erect stems; shrubs, with stems that are smaller 



