84 , GARDEN GUIDE 



if the staking is neglected. The shoots can easily be tied to stakes 

 if the stakes are once in place. If the very largest flowers rather 

 than the greatest quantity of bloom are wanted, feed with liquid 

 manure when buds begin to show, and remove many of the smaller 

 buds on each stem. Chrysanthemum blooms will be much better if a 

 covering is placed over them during the cold Fall rains or on the 

 nights of frosts. 



PYRETHRUMS. A very charming group of perennial Chrysan- 

 themums is the Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum coccineum), Spring 

 Chrysanthemum, or Pink Daisy, as it is variously called. The flowers 

 are white, pink, t rose, carmine, lilac, and yellow, and are borne upon 

 long stems, lending themselves nicely to cutting. The plants bloom 

 in June and if the flower stems are cut soon after flowering they often 

 bloom a little in Fall. The foliage is finely cut and attractive. 



The plants are not difficult to grow, but a well drained light loam 

 is most favorable. They appreciate good tilth and plenty of well 

 decayed manure in the soil. The seed, if sown one Spring, will bloom 

 the next year. The plants are sometimes troubled with slugs, which 

 are best controlled by covering the crown with coal ashes. 



IRISES 



Could the real beauty of the coloring of the Iris be expressed in 

 words, such a description would be a masterpiece. The word " iris " 

 has come from the Greek for rainbow. It is the colors of the rainbow 

 we deal with in growing Iris. When the form of the Iris bloom is 

 considered we realize that it is most dainty and elegant and surpassed 

 by few other flowers. The fragrance of many varieties is so dainty 

 that it vies with that of any Rose. The adaptability to varying con- 

 ditions, such as excessive moisture, continued drought, extended 

 freezing and almost perfect baking, is remarkable. The rapid 

 reproduction of most varieties is an important point in its favor. 

 Recause of all of these favorable attributes we commend the various 

 forms of this incomparable flower. 



We shall mention only the forms of easiest growth. They will 

 be sufficient until one realizes the true range of excellence which is 

 found in the roll of its one hundred and forty species; then you will 

 grow Californian Iris from seed, you will erect frames especially for 

 the proper drying of your Oncocyclus Iris and no amount of labor 

 will be too much if the new variety can only be made to bloom for 

 you. That is for the future. 



To appreciate the Iris one should have a little idea of what its 

 parts are. The flower consists normally of three, petals which stand 



