27S 



THE FLOWER GROWERS GUIDE. 



November provide nearly, or quite, all the rest. In this instance no water is required, 

 only firm, damp sand, and a basket boldly, yet lightly, filled will retain its beauty a 

 considerable time. 



Flowers and greenery ought not to be unduly exposed to either drying sun and air 

 or cold winds, or be kept out of water longer than can be helped. The best time to cut 

 them is in the morning, while perfectly fresh, and, in the case of those in the open, with 

 the dew on them. The majority will keep fresh the longest if cut just before fully 

 expanded. Eoses ought only to be well advanced in a bud state when cut. Narcissi and 

 tulips, when placed in water, develop from the bud state ; and a few other flowers, includ- 

 ing cattleyas, advance similarly. Ehododendrons, lilacs, azaleas, and other kinds, with 

 hard or woody stems, fail to draw up water freely, and are consequently the first to 

 wither. In every case, flowers cut with a sharp knife are found to draw up more water, 

 and to last longer than those broken off, or even cut with plant scissors, which close 

 some of the sap vessels. Some flowers exhaust the water in vases quickly, the supply 

 having to be renewed every day. If flagging prematurely, cither by want of water, or 

 after a long journey, they recover the most quickly by cutting off the ends of the stems, 

 and placing in clear water, heated to a temperature of 100° to 120° Fahrenheit. "Water 

 in many kinds of vases soon becomes putrid and unfit to be kept in a living-room. Nor 

 does changing the water once a day always meet the case, and it is well, therefore, to 

 add a pinch of common salt and a few nodules of charcoal for keeping it sweeter and 

 benefiting the flowers. Sand needs changing every three or four days, as this also soon 

 becomes unsavoury. There should be no leaves on those parts of the stems of flowers 

 that are inserted in water. 



CHURCH AND OTHER FESTIVALS. 



Decorations of various kinds form important items in the preparation for the 

 principal Church Festivals, as well as public and private functions, such as banquets, 

 balls, and concerts. We have broken away from the heavy style that found favour 

 with former generations, and it is to be hoped the tawdry, cheap, paper flowers 

 and hangings have also had their day. If real flowers are out of the question, then 

 be content with festoons, groups of evergreens, and bunting, for open-air decorations, 

 as well as large public halls ; but employ evergreens with natural flowers, and plants 

 for churches and private halls. In every case the decorations ought to take the form 



