26 EVERY WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 



Balsams are greatly improved by pinching off the side shoots, and 

 allowing only the stalks to grow ; or the main shoot may be left to 

 itself, and all the strength of the plant thrown into it, producing an 

 upright stem loaded with gorgeous chalices of bloom. Manure water 

 will increase the size of the flowers, and, thus grown, they make splendid 

 pot plants. 



The scissors are useful about many other plants ; and their side growth 

 should be checked, and less latitude allowed to their branches. 



Zinnias, Stocks and Asters should have the laterals trimmed off; 

 their beauty is improved, if they are kept within bounds. 



In watering Annuals, and all flowers, care should be taken to apply 

 it after the sun has set ; if water is given in the morning, when the sun 

 is hastening forward to drink up every drop, it is of but little use to 

 the plant ; and, if it is given at noon-tide, when the sunbeams fall fiercely 

 hot, it scorches the plants as though Jack Frost had bitten them. The 

 cold drops, falling on the heated surface of the soil, produce the same 

 effect as a chill. 



Water slightly warmed to the hand is far more efficacious than that 

 drawn directly from aqueducts or cisterns. If it sets in the sun all day, 

 it will be of the right temperature to apply at night. 



English books on gardening, often denounce the practice of frequent 

 watering ; but they are no guides for American gardens. Their misty, 

 moisty island, enveloped in clouds, promotes moisture sufficient for their 

 needs ; while our heated atmosphere drinks up every drop from the soil. 

 If it has rained during the day the watering pot can hang upon its peg ; 

 but if not, its attendance is highly essential for the growth of all tender 

 Annuals, and delicate bedding-out plants. 



Many ladies complain of their ill luck in floriculture; no plant 

 thrives with them. "Why is this ? 



Because they neglect the floral darlings. They are assiduous in their 

 attention to them while planting or transplanting them ; but then their 

 energy fails ; they think that the sun, rain and dew will do the necessary 

 work, and they can rest from their labors. 



They never fail to do their appointed work ; but you must cultivate 

 in season and out of season if you would raise 



"Bright gems of earth in which, perchance, we see 

 What Eden was what Paradise may be." 



