300 ] The Fascination of Flowers 



and bushy; and herbs, with stems that are more or less soft, and 

 with little woody tissue. We most commonly use the term "herb" to 

 describe plants valuable for medicinal purposes or for their 

 flavor or sweet scent. Nevertheless, the majority of flowers (domes- 

 ticated as well as wild), grasses, and weeds are herbs. 



Favorite Flowers 



FLOWERS FOR A BEGINNER 



If you are a beginner, there are several points you will 

 want to bear in mind. It is important to have plants that will 

 thrive with the amount of sun that reaches the plot you are using. 

 It is fun to have at least a few showy flowers such as hollyhocks 

 or salvia as well as flowers good for cutting. Phlox, dianthus 

 (pinks) , zinnias, and asters are a few of the many that provide 

 generous floral decoration for your home. Plants should be ar- 

 ranged so that those which grow tall will be at the back of the 

 garden; the lowest ones should be in front, or else grown to form 

 a border. 



Plan Your Color Scheme: Your child can begin to enjoy his garden 

 well ahead of the planting season if he works out a "theme" for 

 his plot. It may be an all-yellow color scheme (marigolds, Cali- 

 fornia poppies, nasturtiums, calliopsis) ; or purple and white 

 (petunias, asters, baby's breath, hollyhocks) ; or red (salvia), 

 white (petunia), and blue (ageratum) . These flowers are a few 

 of the many annuals from which a child should choose to obtain 

 an abundance of blooms. 



Protect the Seeds: If seeds are put in the earth too early they 

 may freeze or rot. It is therefore advisable to start some annuals 

 pansies, for example indoors or in a protected seed bed, and then 

 move the young plants to the garden when the weather is suitable. 

 Many flower enthusiasts eliminate this step by purchasing plants 

 from commercial growers. Pansy plants produced from seeds 

 planted outdoors do not bloom until the end of summer. 



