234 



THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



strong, perhaps, when the flowers are brought in-doors, but 

 surely they may be grown in the garden that the eye may de- 

 light in the hemispheres of glowing gold; and the blossoms 

 are yielded in such abundance that it is a pity not to take 



advantage of their prodigality. 

 Two very distinct types of 

 marigolds are commonly grown. 

 The Tall or African Marigolds 

 have spreading plants that 

 reach a height of two or three 

 feet and are admirably suited 

 to the border garden. The 

 Dwarf or French Marigolds are 

 low-growing, bushy plants with 

 small flowers, and are ad- 

 mirably adapted for borders 

 and for bedding purposes. The 

 latter are exceedingly prolific in 

 blossoms. Schuyler Mathews 

 tells of one "of a perfectly sym- 

 metrical shape, spreading with 

 luxuriant foliage over a space 

 twenty inches in diameter and 

 bearing seventy-five flowers in 

 various stages of development, which, when fully grown, 

 will measure an inch and a half across. " 



The marigolds are tender annuals which may be started 

 out of doors in May or in-doors somewhat earlier. The 

 period of blooming of the African sorts may be much length- 

 ened by starting the plants early. The seeds germinate 

 quickly and easily, and the young seedlings grow rapidly in 



African Marigolds in a Bamboo 



Wall-holder. 

 From " The Flower Beautiful." 



