It is some- 
what diffi. 
cult to con- 
vey detailed 
particulars as to how suc¬ 
cess may be had in the planting and maturing of 
flowers. The skilled gardener who has every appli. 
ance necessary often fails in his efforts; while the 
little girl who has no knowledge of the art, but loves 
flowers, will frequently surprise not only herself but the 
older folks, who are not so much interested , with the results 
obtained by her labor and love. “ The Norwegians have a 
pretty and significant word, * Opelske,* which they use in 
speaking of the care of flowers. It means literally ‘loving 
up/ or cherishing them into health and vigor.” 
The following practical information, in connection with the special cul- 
tural notes, that, w'hen necessaiv, are set in the right-hand column against the 
variety, will be of service in making for success: 
Hardy Annuals (hA.).—This class require no artificial aid, but grow 
and flower freely in the open air, mature their seeds and die in the same year 
before sowing the seeds in the open border, the soil should be thoroughly enriched with fertilizer or stable manure, dug 
and raked until firm, level and smooth. If possible, the location should be free from shade, although some sorts do 
well where they do not have the sun for more than half the day. 
Seed should be sown in spring as soon as the ground is dry enough to work freely. After the seed is sown 
shake over it fine soil sufficient to cover, lighter or heavier, according to its size; a good rule is, say, to cover to twice 
the depth of the diameter of the seed. Very fine seed, such as Portulacas , requires no covering at all, but should be 
merely pressed into the soil with a piece of board or the palm of the hand. A second sowing ought always to be made 
in from two to four weeks after the first, in order to provide for a succession, as well as to insure against failure. 
When it is desired to sow hardy Annuals and carry them along indoors until they can be planted out for early 
effect, there is nothing better than shallow boxes, two or three inches deep, filled with sandy loam. Take especial care 
until the plants are up and during their early stages of growth to give plenty of air and moisture, and yet not too much 
water , or they will “ damp off.” When they are well out of the seed leaf they should be planted in rows in other shallow 
boxes; or in two-inch pots, setting from three to six plants around the edges. If they begin to crowd one another 
before the weather is suitable for setting out, a second transplanting, more thinly or into larger pots, may be necessary. 
When first set out in the garden, or during very dry weather, until well established, they should be watered frequently. 
Keep down all weeds, and loosen the ground occasionally, so that the plants may receive the full benefit of rains and 
dews, which will not be the case if the ground is allowed to become hard or crusted. 
Half-Hardy Annuals (hhA.).—These, in the latitude of Boston, should not be sown out-doors until about the 
middle of May. A good rule, followed by a successful gardener, is to sow these, and even some of the tender Annuals* 
at the same time he makes his sowings of cucumbers and melons. With half-hardy Annuals, however, it is generally 
best to sow them under the same conditions as advised for hardy Annuals in doors. 
lender Annuals (tA.).—To get strong plants and an early bloom, sow the seed in shallow boxes or pots in 
March, and place them in a warm greenhouse, or plunge in a moderate hot-bed, shade from the strong sun and water 
only with a very fine rose. A very light, sandy soil and good drainage are essentials. Be particular that the finer seeds 
are not covered over deep, but have the soil pressed closely about them. Water frequently, especially if the green¬ 
house or hot-bed is very warm. When the plants are out of the seed leaf, transplant into shallow boxes or small pots. 
When sufficiently strong and the weather is suitable, set out in the flower beds, but not before the end of May. 
Hardy Biennials (hB.) and Perennials (hP.).— These require the same conditions as hardy Annu¬ 
als. Those marked with a dagger (t) if sown early, in boxes, as directed for hardy and half-hardy Annu¬ 
als, will bloom the first year. All, however, may be sown in the open border in August or September; in 
which case it is a good plan at the commencement of frost to give them a light covering of straw, leaves or 
See Special Offers on third pag’e of cover. 
