POW PLANT —..... FLOWERS 
YOUR GUIDE TO BETTER GARDENING 
AFRICAN DAISY. Annual that does well either direct 
sown or transplanted. Blooms freely if grown under 
near arid conditions. This is a ‘‘sleeper.’’ Flowers close 
up when cut and they do not re-open. Plants short and 
spreading. Good for borders or rock gardens. White, 
buff and orange shades. 
ALYSSUM. After danger of frost is past, sow seed 
direct where plants are to stand. Alyssum is very hardy 
and may be transplanted to other parts of the gar- 
den when plants are ready to thin. Cover seed with 
lg inch of fine soil. When plants are about 2 inches tall, 
thin to 8 inches apart. Does well in ordinary garden 
soil and prefers full sunshine. Does not require much 
watering. Alyssum is extremely fragrant and a very 
easily grown annual. Among the best for edgings. 
White (Carpet of Snow) and Violet offer a good con- 
trast. Dwarf ageratum also goes well as alternate plants 
’ with the white. 
ASTER. Can be started indoors in boxes or flats, out- 
doors in cold frames or direct in the garden where plants 
are to stand. 
Indoors—cover seeds with 1¥ inch of fine soil. Keep 
soil moist until seedlings appear and thereafter, water 
only when dry. Transplant to the open garden in late 
afternoon when ground becomes warm. 
Outdoors—sow seed after danger of frost is past, 
where plants are to stand. Or, they can be started a 
month earlier in cold frames for later setting in flower 
beds. Thin out plants to stand 10 to 18 inches apart. 
Needs fairly rich soil, moderate amount of watering 
and stands only partial shade. Some aster diseases are 
ie 
Morning Glory, Pearly Gates . . . For an effective color 
combination, try this Ferry-Morse All-America Winner 
with Morning Glory Heavenly Blue. 
Brighten up your front yard with colorful flower borders. 
insect transferred. Careful control of thrips, leaf hop- 
pers and aphis is necessary. Nicotine and D.D.T. sprays 
are recommended, though Parathion is effective against 
_all the insects that are harmful to this plant. To con- 
trol aster wilt the beds should be rotated yearly. Mal- 
formed and discolored plants should be pulled and burned 
or else covered in the compost pile. Asters are widely 
grown for cut flowers and are effective most any place 
in the garden. A wide color range includes: white, pink, 
rose, lavender, purple, and many others. 
BACHELOR BUTTON. Sow outdoors as soon as 
danger of hard frost is over. Can be planted in spot 
that is exposed to full sun or in semi-shade. Cover seed 
ly inch deep in fine soil. When 4 inches high, thin to 
10 to 12 inches. Water occasionally by flowing hose. 
Too rich soil and too frequent watering will cause rank 
growth and late or sparse blooming. Dainty flowers are 
excellent for cutting or use in informal beds. Colors in- 
clude rose, white, deep blue and bright crimson. 
CALENDULA. Can be seeded directly in the garden 
in spring for blooming all summer. However, is at its 
best if planted in midsummer so that plants will be in 
full bloom during the cool months. Sow seed 14 inch 
deep in rich heavy soil. Responds well to considerable 
water and cool weather. Will stand partial shade. Main 
insect pests are cabbage worms and aphis. Stands up 
well when cut. Effective when used to achieve a mass 
color effect in beds. Good for medium high border 
(10 to 24 in.). Also grown for cut flowers and use in bou- 
quets. Very pleasing orange and yellow shades. 
