PICKING 23 



by setting them in greenery, if this is allowed. A sprig of the 

 leaves or flowers of any plant adds to the attractiveness and 

 interest of its fruit. 



Rules for flower exhibiting cannot be laid down except in 

 the most general way. The prizes offered are usually for 

 the "best vase of" this or that, or for the "best exhibit of 

 asters, any number of blooms, any arrangement." This 

 leaves the way open for a display of taste, and of this I have 

 already spoken. The gardener who, during the summer, 

 has daily used care in arranging flowers for the house has 

 been training for this exhibition, and already has an advan- 

 tage in good taste. 



If you need rules, these are the best : First, the flowers 

 should be fresh. Second, size is not so important as perfect 

 shape and color. Third, uniformity is not important with a 

 bunch of flowers. They may vary from an opening bud to a 

 flower in full bloom ; and to make them seem natural, their 

 stems may be of different lengths. Arranged in vase or 

 bowl or bouquet, they thus recall the garden at its best, and, if 

 not too tightly crowded, will seem to be growing. A little 

 greenery, but not too much, adds to this appearance of 

 naturalness. 



There is more than this, of course, to the work of exhibiting, 

 but the best suggestions come from inspiration on the spot. 

 Advantage can be taken of some arrangement of the tables, 

 or of a corner of the hall. A study of the arrangement of 

 vases or plates will often lead to a shift which will make all 

 look better. Spend the last few minutes in thinking, give a 

 few last touches, and then — let the exhibit alone. Too 

 much fussing is often as bad as too little. 



