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guaranteed §eeds 
Perennial Flowers from Seeds 
All subjects in the garden which we can truly call our own (being grown from 
seed by ourselves) are especially dear to us, and wo point to them with a certain 
pride when we show visitors about. Such pride is natural to the human heart and 
we have a right to it, for we are not true gardeners until we follow this prac¬ 
tice. 
The growing of perennials from seed (with the exception of a few varieties) is 
comparatively easy, but the main essentials, which must bo carefully observed and 
which will spell success, are: 
First. The right selection of varieties. One can procure seeds of all the 
porennials over known, but. many, yes, very many sorts have puzzled the most 
skilled gardeners before success was gained. Others again require hothouse condi¬ 
tions and many others require from six months to a year to show above the soil. 
It is our belief that the average amateur desires to see flowering results from his 
seedling perennials the year aftor germination, and for this reason it is generally 
useless to sow seeds of Paeonies or Iris and many other species. For the same rea¬ 
son we believe that we are right in limiting our list to a selection which fits the re¬ 
quirements of the American amateur gardener. 
Second. The right time of sowing. "With the exception of a few varieties, 
perennials should bo sown from May 15th till July 15th. It is better to sow from 
May 15tli till July 1st than from July 1st till July 15th. A few biennials, such 
as Pansies, Beilis, Forget-me-nots and Hollyhocks, are better sown at the beginning 
of August. It is useless and a perfect waste of money and time to sow perennials 
in the northern climates after September 1st, and yet most of the fall books of seed 
houses appearing at that time offer a complete list of perennials, -which can only lead 
to disappointment for the inexperienced gardener who thinks it a suggestion to sow 
these seeds at that time. 
Third. The right place for sowing, and how to sow. Wherever a frame is 
available, this is the ideal place to sow perennial seeds. Those who have no frame 
would do well to establish ono, as they can be purchased now, completely finished, 
ready to be erected at a moment’s notice in the garden. The soil must be thor¬ 
oughly prepared by spading and pulverizing, and with it should be embodied well-de¬ 
cayed stable manure. After the surface has been thoroughly raked and smoothed it 
should be pressed down with a board. To be able to recognize seedlings quickly, 
separate each space by thin stakes, place a wooden label with the name of the 
variety upon it at the front of each space and then sow the seed thinly upon the 
surface of the smoothed soil. 
Next proceed by sifting some of the lightest soil mixed with sharp sand or 
leaf mould over the seed so that it will be covered about % inch. 
After this water the bed carefully with a fine rose, holding the spout upward so 
that the water will descend in the form of rain. 
Then place the sash upon the frame and cover the glass with either dark-colored 
muslin, or whitewash or wet mud so as to produce shade. On every bright day, 
after nine o’clock in the morning until three in the afternoon, lift the sash on one 
end to the extent of 4 inches so that air can circulate freely under the sash. Every 
morning, shortly after the sash has been raised, water the bed carefully. Always 
use a fine rose to prevent the seed from being washed away. It will be less than 
six days before most of the sorts we offer, except otherwise mentioned, have ger¬ 
minated. Once they are up more air must be given, and just as soon as they are 
sufficiently strong they should be transplanted into a special bed, which has previ¬ 
ously been spaded and enriched. 
Please Order by Numbers only. 
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