732 



A WOMAN'S GARDEN. 



two feet in width, which, being cut in twain by the cen- 

 ter path, and planting different species on either side, 

 would give room for at least ten more varieties. Next 

 to the zinnias and poppies match asters with verbenas, 

 then pair a zone of scabiosa (mourning bride), with a 

 belt of mixed petunias. The next zone either plant to 

 Phlox DniiHDwnJi entire, or divide the space with Afri- 

 can marigolds. Next, place dianlhus, or Chinese pinks 

 opposite to antirrhinum, or snapdragons. This will 

 leave one border zone, which can be made most attrac 

 tive and lovely by being entirely devoted to a choice 

 selection of pansies. The marginal ends of the zones 

 can be trimmed with a border of portulacas, which, when 

 the flowers are in bloom, will form a brilliant side-set- 

 ting for the liliputian garden. 



In the selection of the varieties I have named I do not 

 advise every one to observe the list to the strict letter ; 

 vary that according to your choice, but be sure to ar- 

 range their location so that there will be a gradual 

 descent from a high back-ground to a low margin. 

 There are many more ways of arranging a flower plat in 

 a neat and tasty style other than we have described, but 



HE CHINESE LILY.— The 

 Chinese Hly is considered a 

 most wonderful and choice 

 flower. It is certainly very 

 popular and extremely fashion- 

 able, and is supposed to be a 

 " Sacred Lily " of the Chinese. 

 Although it may be really the 



Sacred Lily of the Chinese, it is said to be the same 

 thing as our own old Roman narcissus, and if this 

 were known it would scarcely occupy the place of a 

 new and rare thing (to say nothing of its being for- 

 eign), nor would it command the prices which it now 

 sells for. Notwithstanding all this, it is very sweet 

 and beautiful, and should command the interest of 

 all flower lovers. Each bulb of blooming size, if 

 rightly treated, will usually give six flower stalks, 

 each stalk bearing several flowers. 



To grow this lily use a large flat deep dish, or bowl. 

 First put in pieces of charcoal, then the bulb in the cen- 

 ter, and then fill with pebbles, keeping the dish filled 

 with water. Set all away in a dark warm place, like a 

 cupboard, until the roots grow. When the roots are 

 formed, bring the plant into the light and warmth. The 

 leaves will grow better if a funnel made of stiff paper is 

 fitted over the dish. The funnel should have an open- 

 ing at the top about an inch in diameter. When the 

 leaves appear at the opening, take away the funnel and 

 place the dish in a sunny window. You will be greatly 



we think that for the amateur florist who has but little 

 time and space to devote to the art, our simple method 

 will yield most satisfactory results. 



For the northern states not all tl e varieties named 

 should be sown in the open ground. The zinnias, ver- 

 benas, and pansies, especially, should be started under 

 glass, and transplanted to the plat. One of the most 

 gorgeous and queenly autumn flowers is the dahlia, and 

 no country yard should be without a hedge of them. 

 They can be grown very easily from the seed, and bloom 

 profusely the first season. Raise the voung plants un- 

 der glass, and transplant them two or three feet apart. 

 Put well-rotted manure to the roots, for the dahlia is a 

 strong feeder. Hoe the plants at intervals as thoroughly 

 as you would corn, and the autumn harvest of bloom 

 will be your rich reward. 



Farmers, and farmer's wives, encourage the growth 

 of flowers on your premises, and their fragrance and 

 beauty will make your tasks lighter, and your lives 

 longer and happier. Geo. E. Newell. 



Leonardsville, N. Y. 



pleased with the number of buds that soon appear, and 

 much interest will be manifested in the flower. 



Chinese lilies may also be cultivated in pots with 

 great satisfaction. Take a four inch pot, fill it with soil 

 of a rather sandy character, and co^ er the surface of 

 the soil with a layer of moss, which should always be 

 kept damp. The bulbs may be planted any time from 

 November to May. They must, in order to succeed 

 well, be properly watered, shaded, and cared for. They 

 require plenty of sunlight when flowering. Although 

 the fashionable manner of growing these bulbs is to put 

 them in water, as first described, I have always had 

 better success when growing them in pots of earth, the 

 largest bulbs having sent up as many as twelve flower 

 stalks completely filled with flowers. 



Notwithstanding the fact that sometimes enormous 

 prices are asked for this variety of polyanthus because 

 it is foreign, new and choice, it is quite as abundant as 

 many other bulbs which sell for much less. It is cer- 

 tainly very beautiful, and one must always pay a little 

 more for style. 



The Stag's Horn Fern, which is so odd, will grow in 

 the house during the winter, if it is fastened to a piece 

 of wood and set in a hanging pot, or basket, so that it 

 may grow over the sides like a vine. It must be 

 sprinkled quite often. It will grow well in almost any 

 location, from a north window to a south one. 



The Back Yard. — Always see that the back yard is 

 kept neat and tidy the year around. Ntver allow rub- 

 bish of any kind to lie around. Nothing is more dis- 



A WOMAN'S GARDE 



SOME LESSONS OF THE YEAR. 



