EVERY WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 19 



Asters, Balsams, Larkspurs, Petunias, Portulaccas* Stocks and Zinnias 

 have all become exceedingly double and of every brilliant hue; while 

 many others have had their flowers much increased in size, and other- 

 wise improved. 



These flowers are more generally cultivated than any other class of 

 flowers, and they, alike, adorn the yard of the cottage, and the parterre 

 of the palace. 



They will grow almost anywhere, and in any kind of soil, but thrive 

 much better if heed is paid to their wants, and they are provided with 

 a sunny location, well drained, and are well supplied with rich sandy 

 loam ; though there are some kinds which prefer a clayey soil. There 

 are only a few which require a very rich soil, yet, most of them will 

 reward you with a brighter show of flowers if well fed. It does not pay 

 to starve plants, any more than to starve animals. 



It is very desirable to locate your garden where it can be in constant 

 view from the windows of the house ; flowers are our bosom friends and 

 we desire to have them always in sight ; when weary they refresh one, 

 when happy they add to one's happiness, and when sad and gloomy they 

 give to one pleasant thoughts, smooth the care-worn brow, and uplift 

 the heart to the Giver of all good things. 



To prepare the soil, let Mr. O'Shovelem dig up the grass-plat, if need- > 

 ful, and prepare the beds in front of the piazza, porch or sitting room, 

 if it has a southeast direction ; if not, take the next best, a southwestern 

 location. Few plants will thrive well in a northern exposure, though 

 Pansies love the shade, and will flourish there. If you can procure a 

 compost of sand (not sea sand), leaf mould, loam and manure a quar- 

 ter of each you will have as good soil as you can desire ; but if not 

 within reach, take what offers, and if it is heavy and stiff, add sand to 

 lighten it ; if friable and light, add ashes, muck or soil from old pas- 

 tures, taken from under the sods. This is always desirable. Sand is 

 also an essential. 



Laying out the Beds. 



Have the garden well spaded over, and then lay out the beds. If you 

 have a geometrical eye, you can mark out circles, semi-circles, triangles, 

 stars, diamonds and all sorts of curved beds ; and if you can have all 

 the assistance you desire from " men-folks," border their edges with nar- / 

 row strips of turf, which must be kept closely shaven, and not allowed 

 to encroach upon the beds. 



