THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



Fig. 118. Ill PBOPEHIiY SECURED PLANT. 



disfigure them. Thus we must see that stakes 

 are provided for the plants that require them, 

 and that they are properly secured by means of 

 stout yet soft and unobtrusive ligatures. 



It is pitiable to see, first, the neglect and 

 then the slovenly manner in which this work 

 is often done, the stems being either bundled 

 round an insufficiently firm stake, as in Fig. 118 ; 

 or allowed to fall down and then reared up in 

 the ludicrous fashion shown in Fig. 119. How 

 more pleasing they appear when subjected to 

 no deformity as some may be, like the Gen- 

 tiana in Pig. 120, page 249 ; or naturally and 

 attractively associated like the Phlox and Iris 

 (Fig. 121, page 249), which impart suggestive 

 lessons on this subject. 

 There is a great temptation to delay staking until some gale comes and blows down 

 many of the finest plants, when an effort is made to repair the damage done. Another 

 extreme is to begin staking early and to insert 

 supports long enough to uphold the plant 

 when at its full height. This is not an im- 

 provement to the border, as a number of plants 

 which are yet a long way off attaining their 

 full height are not very attractive when above 

 each one is a long bare stake. Where time 

 will permit a useful compromise is, first to 

 place a shorter stick to the plant and tie the 

 latter to it, and afterwards, when it has grown 

 a little above the short stake, to put in a 

 longer one. The stakes should be stout, but 

 not heavy-looking, and are best painted a dark 

 green. 



In tying the plants to the stakes raffia or 

 bass will be found as good as anything, except Fig. 119. a Bublesutje in tying Plants. 



