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Planting Directions 
We do not recommend broadcasting wild flower seed. 
True this is done in nature. It is also true that of the 
many seeds formed only the few that fall in ideal loca- 
tions germinate, and fewer yet live to maturity. 
As a general rule seeds formed early in the season 
should be planted at once. Those formed late summer or 
fall should be planted late fall or during an open period 
during the winter to give them the freezing and thawing 
necessary for many of them to germinate. 
Many of our plants are grown from seeds planted 
directly in the ground. Our seed beds are five feet 
wide and run from east to west. The portion of bed 
containing seedlings that require shade is covered, by 
lattice running north and south. The lattice is about 
eighteen inches above the bed. Beds laid out in this 
way and so covered provide a constantly changing pat- 
’ tern of ilight and shade. Additional lattice is used 
Byars 
around and over the beds of those plants requiring 
more shade. The lattice not only provides shade for 
.,the young plants but also helps conserve moisture and 
protects against strong winds. The ground is also kept 
cooler under the lattice. Germination of many species 
is better when the ground is kept cool. 
Beds should be laid out in a well drained area or 
slightly raised. The soil should be of a light or loose 
texture. A very light mulch of sawdust, straw or other 
suitable material over the beds helps to conserve mois- 
ture and lessen erosion from either wind or rain. The 
mulch also: aids in preventing crusting. 
After planting the beds should be kept moist, not wet. 
We plant small quantities and fine seeds in flats or 
tin cans filled with sphagnum moss. (We use five quart 
cans obtained at gas stations, cut down to five inches. 
Holes are punched in bottom for drainage). Cover 
larger seeds with moss but merely sprinkle fine seeds 
ovr the moss. For complete instructions, see Leaflet 
No. 243 U.S.D.A. (obtained from Supt. of Documents, 
Washington, D. C., 5c). 
We have good results using vermiculite and a com- 
plete fertilizer instead of moss. 
Sphagnum moss can be purchased at most florists or 
at any florist supply company. Vermiculite can be pur- 
shared from any building supply dealer. Use the plaster 
grade 
The use of moss or vermiculite in containers allows. 
the planting of seed at any time. Root disturbance is’ 
very slight when transplanting from either of these 
mediums. 
Good sources of information on propagation by seeds | 
are L. D. Hill “The Propagation of: Alpines,” and © 
Bailey’s “Cyclopedia of Horticulture.” 
If we grow our native flowers from seed we are not 
contributing to .the despoilation of any natural area, 
by our own collecting or that of ‘others. Conservation 
should include bringing native flowers into our gardens 
for all to enjoy and propagating them in such quantities 
that we can use ‘them to sheneka the areas. where 
they were once plentiful! ’ 
