8 CHRYSANTHEMUMS 



are carefully broken into separate pieces, 

 taking some roots with each sprout, if possi- 

 ble. I find that this gives the plant an 

 earlier start, which makes it much stronger. 



"As chrysanthemums are what gardeners 

 call 'gross feeders,' the ground is made very 

 rich by spading in an abundance of old 

 manure. The bed in which they are planted 

 is raised slightly above the general level of 

 the garden, to secure good drainage, and all 

 through the season I am careful to keep plenty 

 of free space around the plants, so that they 

 are open to both light and air, which results 

 in a healthy, sturdy growth, that counts 

 for much when the flowering time comes. 



"If I want to grow the plants to a single 

 bloom, one foot apart is ample space to allow 

 when planting. If they are to be allowed to 

 make four or five stems they will need at 

 least eighteen inches. If the plants are to be 

 pinched back several times, allow two feet 

 each way, to allow them to make large plants. 



THE ART OF DISBUDDING 



"To grow large flowers in my back yard 

 I must follow the methods of the professional 

 florists so far as disbudding and staking the 



