SWEET PEAS 239 



a continuous supply; indeed, that object could hardly be secured 

 without it. Probably the pinks will be in most demand, because 

 they are so charming in rooms under artificial light; but the 

 grower must not pick from some plants and leave others. If he 

 desire all to keep on blooming throughout the summer he must 

 pick all regularly. 



When there is a show in view it is a good plan to strip 

 the plants of all their flowers about a week beforehand, as this 

 ensures a supply of fine, fresh, bright blooms at the desired 

 time. Flowers that have to be transported in a cut state, 

 whether for private use, sale, or show, should be packed dry, and 

 without cotton-wool. If packed in a wet state they will become 

 spotted. 



With reference to the use of Sweet Peas in vases, opinions 

 differ somewhat as to whether they look best associated with their 

 own or other foliage. Probably they never look better than with 

 their own leaves, but there is no objection to associating them 

 with carefully selected plants, such as Gypsophila paniculata or 

 the pretty Cloud Grass, Agrostis nebulosa. Both of these plants 

 can be grown from seed in the flower-garden. Indiscriminate 

 mixing of Sweet Peas with alien foliage, or with other flowers, 

 should be strictly avoided. The flowers are best gathered by 

 taking the base of the stem between finger and thumb and 

 making a combined squeezing and pulling motion ; by this means 

 the stem is drawn out of its socket. 



Whether the plants are grown in rows or clumps may 

 depend upon local circumstances, and on the taste of the 

 cultivator. Some of the most successful growers have them 

 in rows, others in clumps. If the row system is adopted, a 

 long row may be made up of short blocks perhaps only 

 four feet of each variety, if convenient. It may be noted in 

 passing, however, that for general garden effect rows of mixed 

 seed look best. 



