4 Flowers in California. 
of them being so unique and varied in color and fantastic in form, 
as to baffle the skill of the artist in description. 
Chrysanthemums come at a time of year when other flowers 
are the scarcest, even roses in the open ground having ceased to 
bloom. They have a flowering season extending over a period of 
several months, and the expanded flowers last a long time either 
on the bush or when cut. No garden is complete without its 
collection of these beautiful flowers. 
Chrysanthemums, when grown in pots or open ground, should 
have rich soil and be kept growing continuously. A sunshiny, 
sheltered location is best. Plenty of water should be given, and 
as the flowering season approaches, regular applications of weak 
manure water should be made. If very large show flowers are 
desired, cut away all side shoots, leaving only one or two of the 
strongest stems and as many buds. The most satisfactory way is 
to pinch back the small plants to induce vigorous bushy growth; 
allow a number of strong shoots to remain, from which remove 
from one-half to two-thirds of the flower buds. The result will be 
an abundance of large-sized flowers. 
CARNATIONS. 
Carnations are universally planted and admired. They are so 
easily grown in all parts of California, embrace such a diversity 
of beautifui shades and colors, and have such a delightful fra- 
grance, that no garden is complete without its bed or border of 
carnations. 
Carnations will thrive in any good garden soil, the richer the 
better, but fertilizers. should never be brought in direct contact 
with the plants. Long, straggly shoots or over-vigorous growths 
should be stopped by pinching until a strong, bushy, symmetrical 
plant is formed, when flower shoots may be allowed to grow; give 
plenty of water when growing vigorously and when flowering. 
PELARGONIUMS. 
Pelargoniums, or Lady Washington Geraniums as they are 
sometimes called, grow ‘and blossom with remarkable luxuriance 
in California, particularly in the coast counties. ‘They furnish at 
nearly all seasons of the year a profusion of flowers, whose unique 
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