THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. 



321 



modern jumble, and generally it is best to show one flower 

 at a time, especially if a noble one like the Carnation, which 

 varies finely in colour. The baskets and basins of Carnations 

 arranged by the late Lady Henry Grosvenor, at Bulwick, were 

 lovely to see, and the best of them were of one Carnation of good 

 colour. These were the flowers from her fine collection of outdoor 

 Carnations, so useful for cutting in summer and autumn, when 

 people are enjoying their gardens. But the improved culture of 

 the Carnation as a plant for winter and spring bloom under glass 

 gives us quantities of this precious flower for six months more, 



Mexican Orange-flower. 



when the outdoor supply is over. These are among the best 

 flowers for the dinner table as well as the house generally, and on 

 the dinner table the effect, by artificial or by natural light, of one or 

 two flowers of the season, is often better than that given by a 

 variety of flowers. What is just said of the Carnation applies to 

 various noble groups of hardy flowers, such as the Tulip, Narcissus 

 and Lily. 



It is not only in vases we see the good of showing one flower or 

 group at a time ; a good result will often come through a single 

 spray or branch of a shrub. The Japanese have taught us to see 



Y 



