together in a spirit of helpfulness and co-operation ; to the end 
that public taste may be stimulated, our homes made more 
attractive and beautiful, and that the glory of our state may be 
magnified." 
Their trial gardens in the grounds of the University of 
California at Berkeley have proved how necessary such a move- 
ment has been, to keep unworthy dahlias from the market. Five 
judges are constantly visiting the growing plants to watch their 
progress. They co-operate with all Garden Clubs and local 
Dahlia Societies by exchange of medals and prizes; they are 
working shoulder to shoulder with the American Dahlia Society 
for the improvement of their flower, and their medals and 
certificates have been exchanged at every show. 
Their own show takes place at the Palace Hotel, San 
Francisco, on September 15th, 16th and 17th, and it is to be 
hoped that all members of the Garden Club of America who 
happen to be west of the Great Divide at that time, will make a 
pilgrimage to that Dahlia Mecca. Those who have dahlias should 
make entries if they possibly can, for there are plenty of classes 
open to every kind of amateur; from the "little backyard 
gardener" to the large private grower, possessing acreage and 
expert superintendents. The Garden Club of America is donat- 
ing its silver Horticultural Medal at this exhibit for the most 
meritorious exliibit by an amateur. 
It is to California we must look for most of the best novelties. 
Their soil, climate and long growing season give the hybridist 
every opportunity, and this society gives such men all encourage- 
ment, while it deals unmercifully with the hoax. Their member- 
ship fee of $2.00 includes admittance to all their shows and 
brings a most excellent quarterly Bulletin, full of information. 
Members of the Garden Club of America should avail themselves 
of this, especially if they have any interest in the flower or in the 
Flowery State. 
Henrietta M. Stout 
Short Hills Garden Club. 
News and Views 
One of the secrets of growing rhododendrons successfully is Grov^ng 
to keep the ground about them covered with leaves. This mulch Rhododen- 
should be renewed, to the depth of six inches, each fall and spring drons 
— Epsom salts, about ten cents' worth to each plant, is a very 
good fertilizer for rhododendrons. It should be forked in lightly 
about the roots, just as ground bone is applied. The fall is a 
good time. 
A new, quick method of establishing stands of sod on lawns, Establish- 
and more especially on golf greens, where the grass gets severe ing 
usage, has been worlced out by botanists of the United States Sod 
Department of Agriculture. Bent grasses, which grow from run- 
47 
