20 EVERY WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 



If you depend upon your own exertions, avoid the turf; for it exacts 

 too much hard muscular work for women to encounter. 



A bordering is now manufactured of Terra Cotta, which is highly 

 praised ; and it is said to withstand the frost and snow of the coldest 

 regions. The Drain Pipe and Terra Cotta works in New York, make 

 several styles. Tiles are also introduced with good effect. Box edgings 

 are always tasteful and pretty. If you can possess none of these, you can, 

 at least, border the beds with Dwarf Annuals and Perennials. The 

 Tom Thumb plants of every kind are very pretty for this purpose ; the 

 stone-crop and, indeed, all the varieties of Sedums, make effective 

 edgings. GypsopMla muralis is also beautiful for an edging, and its 

 spray-like flowers are indispensable for both vase and bouquet. They 

 cover the flowers like a mist, increasing their charms by partly veiling 

 them. 



Sowiny the Seed, etc. 



The hardy varieties, like Candytuft, Phlox Drummondii, Sweet 

 Alyssum, Sweet Peas, etc., can be sown as soon as the ground becomes a lit- 

 tle warm, and the weather is in a degree settled. Indeed, all these kinds, 

 and many others, will bloom earlier in the summer if they are planted 

 in the autumn. The frost and snow does not disturb their rest. Sweet 

 Peas are very essential for all gardens. Their fragance is grateful to 

 all ; and a bunch of the new colored ones, mingled with the old favorites, 

 equals the soft and liquid tints of the sunset cloud. But don't put 

 Scarlet Geraniums or Verbenas among them ; their vivid hues will pale 

 and dim the beauteous Peas. 



They bloom much more profusely, if planted four or five inches in 

 depth, and are not so apt to mildew. 



The half-hardy annuals should not be sown, excepting in the South, 

 before the middle of May ; and the tender ones, not until June, if one 

 desires good success in their vegetation and growth. 



A large amount of vexation might be avoided if amateur florists would 

 pay a little heed to natural laws. 



For both half-hardy and tender Annuals, planting in-doors, or under 

 glass, is very needful. If this is done, they can be brought forward so 

 as to bloom by the last of June, or the first of July, and one is fully 

 repaid for the extra trouble by their graceful, lovely flowers. All these 

 varieties of Annuals require transplanting. No Aster, Petunia, Stock 

 or Zinnia will show its beauty if not allowed plenty of room in which 



