VASES AND EPERGNES. 



75 



Mixtures of different kinds of flowers ought to be avoided, as a rule. A change 

 can be given by occasionally employing varieties of one kind. Sunflowers, both annual 

 and perennial, are best kept by themselves, and in any case only the miniature varieties 

 should be mixed with other flowers ; gladioli are also too heavy to properly mix with 

 other kinds of flowers, and the same may be said of large chrysanthemum blooms. 

 These are not so much sought after as formerly for rooms, but if cut with a good length 

 of stem, well-furnished with healthy 

 leaves, and arranged thinly in large 

 trumpet-shaped vases, they are effec- 

 tive. 



The greenery used in these large 

 vases must also be of a somewhat 

 bold description. Nothing is better 

 than the foliage of the kind of 

 flowers employed. This can some- 

 times be cut from chrysanthemums, 

 roses, dahlias, and carnations, while 

 the stronger grasses, common aspa_ 

 ragus, and sprays of evergreens are 

 usually available for the rest. A 

 mixture of carnations and Gypsophila 

 paniculata is pleasing, and sprays of 

 the last-named plant associate well 

 with sweet peas. From the beds of 

 seedling carnations abundance of 

 buds, from a few single-flowering 

 varieties, can usually be cut, and 

 these should be mixed freely with 

 the flowers. Buds and shoots of Cactus and other dahlias ought to be cut or mixed 

 with the blooms. Narcissi, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are greatly improved in 

 appearance by having their own leaves mixed with them, a fact so fully realised that 

 forced daffodil leaves are now supplied in bundles by the market growers around 

 London. 



Small-necked or trumpet-shaped glasses are to be preferred for holding single 



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