84: EVERT WOMAN HER OWN FLOWER GARDENER. 



To saye seeds from them, it is best to let the first blossoms remain 

 uncut, and mature. When ripe, cut them off, and preserve until another 

 season. 



These plants ^?ill grow in any common garden soil. They are not par- 

 ticularly ornamental, as their flowers are kept well cut off, and it is better 

 to plant a bed of them among the vegetables, or in some out-of-the-way 

 corner, as they will not add to the beauty of your fl.ower beds or lawns. 



In the large cities, quite a trade is carried on in the way of these 

 flowers, and thousands of them are yearly imported to supply the 

 demand for crowns and crosses for the decoration of the cemeteries. 

 At all seasons of the year they are appropriate there, for neither rain 

 nor sun injures them, when well dried; while they, in their unfading 

 brightness, fully corroborate their claims to the title of Immortelles. 



The florists' catalogues offer us a good variety to select from, and at 

 the head of the list stand the Acrocliniums^perhaps not quite as beauti- 

 ful as Ehodanthe Manglesii, but easier of cultivation, as they are quite 

 hardy, and not as delicate in habit. 



They grow a foot high, and are of two kinds — a bright rose color, and 

 pure white — each with a yellow center. The flowers are fragile enough 

 to pass for " artiflcials," and they have been used in decorating ladies' 

 hats, with good effect. Vases filled with them, and mingled with ani- 

 mated oats and grasses, are very ornamental. No garden should be 

 without them. 



Ammobium alatum is a white flower, which is very pretty in arranging 

 memorial wreaths or crosses. 



Globe Amaranth, or Gomphrena is commonly cultivated. It is found 

 in shades from a bright orange to a purplish crimson, and pure white. 

 The flowers should be gathered as soon as the colors are well developed. 



Helichrysums are very desirable. They are in all varieties of color, 

 from the brightest yellow, the purest white, to the richest shades of red. 

 The minimum, or dwarf species, are the prettiest for wreaths, etc. Be 

 sure to cut the buds, and they will dry into perfect flowers. 



Helipterum Sanfordi is a later importation. Its flowers are of a 

 bright golden yellow, and grow in small clusters of fine flowers, making 

 an agreeable variety. Another kind praduces snowy white flowers. 



Ehodanthe is a charming everlasting. Its bright, bell shaped flowers 

 and graceful habit make it an addition to the flower beds, as well as foi 

 winter decorations. There are four varieties. 



