FLORICULTURE 485 



When annual plants are desired for the bloom which they pro- 

 duce for use as cut flowers, the best disposition of them is to plant 

 them in an area set apart for a flower garden or to devote a portion 

 of the vegetable garden proper to the purpose. When grown for cut 

 bloom merely, the most satisfactory and economical plan is to plant 

 them in long rows, with ample space both between the rows and the 

 individuals in the row. Unless the plants are given sufficient room 

 for full development the flowers which they produce will be inferior 

 in size and form. To secure the best results from plants to be used 

 in this way rich soil, ample space, and good culture are essential. 

 While it is advantageous to sow the seed thickly at planting time in 

 order to insure a good stand of plants, it is equally desirable to have 

 the plants thoroughly thinned so as to provide ample space for their 

 full development. 



If the flower garden is a distinct feature of the place and its 

 mission is to furnish an attractive retreat, as well as cut flowers, its 

 general plan may be more pretentious; the straight rows may give 

 place to irregular groups or masses, or even to formal beds and de- 

 signs, so long as these are not made the leading feature in the general 

 adornment of the place. In fact, curved pathways in the flower gar- 

 den allow an opportunity for demonstrating the fitness of certain 

 plants for special purposes. The bays of the curves can be filled with 

 tall-growing, dense-foliaged plants for the purpose of hiding the 

 beds or groups which lie farther on. Curved walks are more pleasing 

 than straight ones, and lend themselves more kindly to the needs of 

 the different classes of plants which find a place in the home flower 

 garden. If the flower garden is to be a permanent feature of the 

 adornment of a place, the walks may be arranged to conform to the 

 contour of the land, or if level may be given some geometrical char- 

 acter or design and made permanent by the use of gravel and grass 

 borders. 



If a fixed design is to be adopted, the soil in various areas of the 

 garden may be modified by the addition of sand, muck, or clay, and 

 by the use of plant foods to suit these particular areas to the needs of 

 special plants. Those which enjoy a dry, sandy soil can be provided 

 for, while those which thrive best in a heavy soil can also be accom- 

 modated. If, on the other hand, a less formal and fixed character in 

 the garden seems desirable, the whole area may be annually spaded 

 or plowed up, the walks given a new course, and the general scheme 

 of planting changed. Such an arrangement will give variety and 

 novelty to the garden, and for most purposes will prove quite as suc- 

 cessful as the more formal arrangement. During wet periods, unless 

 the soil is of a sandy character, the lack of graveled walks will prove 

 a disadvantage. (F. B. 195.) 



Plants and Flowers in Decoration. Flowers and plants may be 

 used when pictures and bric-a-brac are difficult to secure, and they 

 will be the one feature of greatest interest. Without expense, espe- 

 cially in rural localities, they may be made to add to the home a 

 touch of harmony which is easily lent by the living lines and good 

 colors. Wild asters, wild carrot, and goldenrod in the fall, with 



