The Fascination of Flowers L 33 * 



widely circulated story is charming but not particularly accurate. 

 Some of these giant flowers have been observed turning with the 

 sun to a certain extent when they first unfold but not after they 

 grow heavy with seeds. 



Another published observation is that many turn for their last 

 few weeks of bloom to the east and remain that way. Watching 

 those that grow in my neighbor's garden they are planted, by 

 the way, to raise seeds for her winter bird-feeding station I have 

 not seen any evidence of the flower heads following the sun. The 

 direction they usually face is south. 



Wildflower Bouquets and Gardens 



Part of the joy of flowers comes from picking them and arrang- 

 ing them in enchanting bouquets. Unfortunately, we are limited 

 for the most part to garden plants. Many wild species have become 

 so rare that they are protected by law; others, such as wild roses 

 and asters, though plentiful, wilt quickly after they are plucked. 



WHAT FLOWERS TO CHOOSE 



Despite these limitations, we still have some excellent 

 material for wildflower bouquets. The common blue violet is one 

 of the very few spring flowers not on the ''protected" list of most 

 states, and in summer, buttercups, daisies, black-eyed Susans, gold- 

 enrod, and Queen Anne's lace lend themselves to charming floral 

 decorations. 



When you have a chance to pick wildflowers, it is best to cut 

 them with scissors or regular garden clippers. Later, the stems 

 should be cut on a slant with a sharp knife. Then, if they are left 

 in a pail of water for a few hours or overnight, they may regain 

 much of their freshness. 



GROWING A WILDFLOWER GARDEN 



Few hobbies are more delightful than a wildflower garden. 

 With very little trouble you can transplant daisies, black-eyed 

 Susans, and certain other hardy species, making them thrive close 

 to your home. You can usually move even the rarer plants, such 



