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THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



well covering the tops of the pots with fresh green moss. One or two groups of plants 

 in the lesser corridors are frequently effective, and for both these and the entrance-hall 

 large, single, trumpet- shaped vases, filled in a bold manner with coloured foliage, 

 grasses, and one or two kinds of flowers are suitable. 



Drawing-rooms demand that the greatest taste ought to be displayed in them, as it 

 is there where many hours are spent by the ladies of the establishment and their guests. 

 Everything should be done to make these rooms as enjoyable as possible. During the 

 warmer parts of the year an air of coolness ought to prevail ; more colour is needed 

 when everything outside presents a cheerless, desolate appearance, as then warmth is 

 desirable. Nothing should be done to obstruct free movement, too much furniture 

 being already found in numerous drawing-rooms. During the late spring, summer, and 

 early autumn months, space ought to be found, say at the back of a couch or couches, 

 or one or more moderately tall elegant palms, a dwarf latania, or a group of ferns, 

 hardy or otherwise ; and failing these, large vases of hardy fern fronds, with or 

 without marguerites and grasses interspersed, might well occupy the fireplace, and a 

 few single, light palms, ferns or grasses be disposed here and there on the tables, or about 

 a large room. During the duller parts of the year, large flowering plants, notably 

 Chrysanthemums, arums, rhododendrons, and azaleas, might be substituted for the palms ; 

 callas and dwarf chrysanthemums for the green plants, supplemented by a few bold 

 vases of flowers. Corner ornaments, filled with everlastings and grasses, would also tend 

 to brighten the room. Pots of hyacinths, daffodils, narcissi, tulips, cyclamens, and Lily 

 of the Yalley distributed about the tables, supply both colour and perfume. Plants on 

 mantelpieces and other somewhat high positions are apt to look stiff and out of place. 

 For a temporary effect, a thin bank could be formed with either mosses or maiden- hair 

 fern, in small pots, arranging these nearly on their sides, so as to hide the pots. Among 

 them may be dotted a few odontoglossums, small Calanthes — Veitchi and vestita — and 

 other orchids that produce neat, arching spikes of flower. Koman hyacinths, Lily of the 

 Yalley, and dwarf daffodils might be substituted for orchids, with pleasing results. 



The most pleasing effects are not produced by a lavish display of floral material. An 

 artistic eye and deft hand are the chief essentials for the picturesque association of 

 foliage and flowers. The photographic illustration (Fig. 153) represents a stand, arranged 

 by Mr. H. Dunkin, in the drawing-room of the Countess of Warwick. The tall, slender 

 stems of Cyperus alternifolius are skilfully disposed, and the light use of fern fronds, 

 with the sparing employment of orchids and callas, complete an arrangement in which 



