TENDER FLOWERS. 67 



The secret of sweet pea culture is to get them into the ground when 

 the soil is moist, and never to plant in the same soil for two succes- 

 sive seasons. The ground should be trenched six inches and the 

 seed planted three inches deep. 



Edward B. Wilder spoke of the trouble he had had with his 

 asters from a rot at the base of the stems and asked if there was a 

 remedy for it. 



Mr. Craig replied that the stem rot seems to start in the propa- 

 gating house, and the cause of the trouble is the condition of the 

 soil in the hot bed which weakens the plant and renders it more 

 susceptible to disease. The fact that seed saved from diseased 

 plants, if sown out of doors, came healthy seems to prove this to 

 be the true cause of the wilt of the aster. 



James Wheeler emphasized the statement that an important 

 factor in the cultivation of asters and sweet peas was new soil. If 

 these plants are grown in new places there will not be much trouble 

 from disease. If your plants are diseased try new ground and be 

 sure not to use new manure ; and a mulching of the beds is produc- 

 tive of good results. He knew of nothing that made a better dis- 

 play than Salvia splendens, and Helianthus ciicumerifolius was 

 also desirable. 



Arthur H. Fewkes remarked that lobelia had not been mentioned 

 thus far. He thought it one of the desirable things for the garden. 



A lady asked what was the best green to grow for foliage for vases 

 of summer flowers. 



Mr. Craig recommended Spiraea Japonica and the Thalictrums 

 as effective foliage plants, but in most cases the foliage of the plants 

 themselves was the best. 



James Wheeler said that the common garden asparagus was very 

 desirable for this purpose. He further stated that he thought it a 

 mistake for the general public to plant in masses except in the 

 greenhouse. 



Wilfrid Wheeler remarked that Cobca scandens should be more 

 used as an ornamental plant. 



Mr. Craig said that Calliopsis, Gaillardia, chrysanthemums, 

 and most annuals should be grown in masses. The Coreopsis was 

 especially effective, and verbenas and nasturtiums should be in- 

 cluded in the list. Mention had been made of the Shasta daisy 



