abd te ate? PEPE SOUR fees aS its ae Stes dt atatal a eaten ate co op tne Pha by i at ii ‘ ‘ + Betaly Vatat Sousa Avs pages eater nieeee ts Sate cae te aise 353 Peet ett ate PX EG . Ly ¥. a % [N°34 ~ ~—~™C™~té«CS PCE DCS - |] I The(epiFal Square Ocries. i e Ye1(s2 Set BO ee oS SS eS LTURE. w — | BY Bw ih ES LOnm. Pr ek Dk SD os BS bk IDNA en wl PES TRIN EION 282 READE STREET, NEW YORK. be alls Sa bos oe thee Dire Bln Wis ls te Di le al: SM 0 >.< x” é SUBSCRIPTION $3.00PER YEAR PUBLISHED | MONTHLY. JULY 1892.ENTERED AT THE NEW YORK POST-OFFICE AS SECOND CLASS MATTER Se 0 oe 4 eee WS, ee a FLORAL TALKS. A MANUAL OF FLORICULTURE BY, L* ; ‘ : ¥ ‘ EDWIN RUSTON. NEW YORK: W. N. SWETT & CO., PUBLISHERS 98 READE STREET. 1892, ci ht, 1892, by W. N. SWETT & Co, pyri FLORAL TALKS, Co INTRODUCTION. What recreation will afford more pleasure, involving a health- ful exercise, than the cultivation of flowers? It isan exhilarating, interesting and ennobling work—so full of fascination—and when once begun it is likely to be continued. The love of flow- ers increases with all admirers of the beautiful as they are initiaf- ed into the mysteries of their culture and habits. Beauty is per- sistent and progressive, and when it is once imbued into the mind it rarely loses its hold. It is possible to make the poorest habita- tion charming by the judicious use of flowers, while a few radi- ant buds and blossoms may cheer a sad and weary soul like a sunbeam in an unlighted room, like the smiles on faces we love, like the soft speech of hearts uttered by faithful friends. Every year shows a marked advance in the floral world, but to enumerate and describe all the various causes from which plants fail, would require a large and costly work, and this would require an annual revision to keep apace with the times, for new plant enemies, as well as plants are being discovered every year. In this treatise it has been the writer’s aim to give in a con- densed practical shape, sufficient knowledge regarding the habits and requirements of such plants as may be cared for by anyone taking an interest in them with a small outlay of time and money, and with pleasure and satisfaction to the grower. It is hoped that the hints and suggestions offered in the following pages will be of much benefit to all lovers of flowers, and that the publica- tion of this work may assist in the promotion of floriculture to the satisfaction and pleasure of many households. E. Ruston. Syracuse, N. Y., April 1, 1892, ye 5 mes y 5 ae + wey é FLORAL TALKS. There is nothing that will afford so much beauty and pleas- ure, at so little expense, as a window full of flowers. They are emblems of refinement, purity and happiness, and their good in the community is by no means small. The exercise involved in the care of plants is restful, because it is a change from the or- dinary work. It is one of the greatest moral and physical health- giving recreations anyone can follow. It is educational, because whoever grows plants for the love of them is sure to become in- terested in their growth, and when once interested it is likely to be continued, for it is so full of fascination, and they are such wonderful teachers of nature. Dear reader, remember this, wher- ever you go: if you find flowers growing you will most generally find kind hearts and hospitality. It is my desire to tell how I have grown such plants as I write about, with satisfaction to myself, and to help those who desire to cultivate them; and especially those who would grow flowers, but are afraid.to for fear of failure, because of a lack of knowledge as to their cultivation. Let me first say, however, that there are no set of rules which, if closely followed, will always lead to success in the culture of flowers. The treatment given one plant may not at all answer for another, therefore we must carefully study our plants, and in order to study them properly, one should love them, if we would know how to care for them successfully. What Flowers to Grow in the House. _ Many have been known to fail in floral culture simply be- cause they commence at the top of the ladder, so to speak, instead of at the bottom, and I thought it best that they should be first told this fact. My advice is to begin with a few plants, not too many. Do what you do thoroughly; this is the secret of success. As you gain in experience and become familiar with your plants you can branch out then. A dozen good plants well cared for are a delight, while a whole house full of starved, neglected things are a misery. Now suppose you have one window on the south or east side of the house (preferably the south) which you can devote to plants. In it you can have about a dozen. I would not have more, for they would be too crowded. Flowering kinds are what you want for the most part, of course. Well, if I were allowed to choose for you, I would first choose the geranium, because it 6 FLORAL TALKS. will stand more neglect than any other plant and do reasonably well; but it does so much better with good care that it ought not to be neglected for all that. Again, it is the least subject to the attack of insects, and the list of varieties is so large that every one can satisfy their taste. There is every shade of red, crimson, scarlet, salmon, pink and white. A few of the best varieties for Winter bloom are Master Christine, dwarf pink, a very fine bloom- er; Mrs. E. G. Hill is a lovely blush, overlaid with a delicate lav- ender shade, double, and Mrs. Moore, which is pure white, witha ring of bright salmon around a small white eye. I would also have a rose variety, for its sweet-scented leaves are excellent for small bouquets. The ivy-leaved geranium is a new form recently introduced, and has certainly proven to be one of the most glorious gems of the floral world, having glossy ivy-like leaves of a graceful and trailing habit, and the gay-colored flowers combined form an ob- ject of a most striking contrast and beauty. They are always robust and healthy and are of the easiest culture either in pots, hanging-baskets or open ground. Abutilon or flowering maple is another desirable house plant. The foliage is clean and beautifully marked, bearing a strong re- semblance to the leaf of our sugar maple. In fact, the whole plant looks much like a dwarf maple tree. It isa constant bloom- er, and the flowers, which are bell-shaped, are of a drooping habit. The colors are white, red, pink, yellow, purple and scarlet. Like the geranium, this plant is not subject to the attack of insects. The calla lily is too well known to need description, how- ever it is shamefully neglected in treatment. Heliotrope is a fa- vorite flower, and makes a handsome plant for the window, if it is well cared for. Its clusters of lavender and purple flowers are not only beautiful but very fragrant. It requires plenty of sun- shine and a good deal of water, especially upon its foliage, which should be syringed or sprinkled daily. Cyclamen is particularly adapted for window culture, and will give abundance of flowers with less care than almost any other plant. The colors are usually white, tipped at the base with rosy purple. A small pot should be used, and the crown of the bulb should be placed just above the surface of the soil, and set away in a cool place until the leaves are well grown. When the flower buds begin to show well, remove to a sunny spot, where they will open. ‘This plant should be kept as near the glass as possible. For many years the petunia has been one of the leading flow- ers in the garden, and few plants can give more general satisfac- tion for the window. The double variety is generally selected for window culture. Carnations are the most magnificent of all the dianthus fam- ily. A rival to the rose. They are beautiful, fragrant, and give plenty of flowers a long time. Oxalis is a good plant for hanging baskets ; but to succeed FLORAL TALKS. v1 best with it for Winter bloom, the bulbs should be potted as early as possible in the Fall. The principal cause of failure of hanging baskets is that they are very apt to be neglected, and suffer for want of water. ‘They are so exposed on all sides to the heated atmosphere of the room that they dry out very soon, and the water which is given them, quite often without taking the basket down, does not penetrate to the roots, but simply moistens the surface soil. The best and most satisfactory way of watering hanging plants is to take them down and set them in a pail of water for a while, when thoroughly wet place them in asink to drain. Now a word in regard to soil. While it is true that many plants require a soil especially adapted to their peculiarities, yet a preparation made up of one-third leaf mold, if obtainable, and one-third turfy matter from under sods in old pastures, and the other third equal parts of sharp or builders’ sand and ordinary garden mold. WhenI cannot get leaf mold, I use two-thirds more turfy matter and one-third made up of well-rotted manure and sharp sand. This mixture will need but little variation from the original preparation to suit most plants, which it is advisable to attempt to cultivate in the house. For ivies, which are similar to roses in this respect, I would leave out about half of the turfy matter, and put in garden mold, as they require a more stiff and compact mold or soil. Among the list of Winter plants the begonia should not be overlooked. Its cleanliness, beauty of foliage, combined with graceful flowers, and free-blooming qualities, make a most desir- able plant. The begonia family is divided into three classes, and are known as tuberous rooted, flowering, and rex or ornamental- leaved varieties. The tuberous rooted variety is very showy, and blooms pro- fusely during Summer fora long time. During Winter they may be allowed to remain dormant, and about March can be repotted in fresh, light soil, and started into growth again. Amateurs who have but little room for the accommodation of house plants would do well to select this variety, because after blooming in the Sum- mer and Fall it can be allowed to rest, by withholding water and put in some cool place, free from frosts, where it will remain till Spring. The rex varieties, of which there are a dozen or more, vary- ing in color and markings, are very effective as pot plants, and can be kept in perfection many years by cutting back when the joint stems become naked, making new plants of the cuttings, and repotting the old roots in fresh soil and allowing them to rest for afew weeks. Rex begonias are very partial to a warm atmos- phere, and do wellin the heated air of the living-room. They will drop their leaves if too cold or wet. Flowering varieties make beautiful pot-plants for either Sum- mer or Winter decorations, and a poor choice may not be made because all are exceedingly beautiful. Hybrida multifloria has 8 FLORAL TALK&. flowers of a rosy pink color, and is a charming, graceful bloomer. Begonias like a rather light soil, and a mixture of about one- third loam, one-third half mold, and the other third made up of well-rotted manure and sharp sand will suit them. Bad drainage and over-watering is the worst thing that can happen to begonias, or in fact to any plant. Few house plants are more popular and give better satisfac- tion if properly grown than the Chinese primrose (primula sinen- sis). The flowers are all varieties of form and color, from the pretty single, so like the wild wood blossoms, to the charming double kinds, which resemble roses. Primroses delight in a cool place, with plenty of light and not very much sunshine, althot gh they will bear a little if not too intense. A north window suits them best. About the time the flower buds appear the plants should be set where they are wanted when in bloom, because they prefer to have their place assigned them and be undisturbed; and in waters ing care should be exercised that no water fall on the crown or cluster of buds, as it produces rot, and even the foliage is impa- tient of it if used too freely. Changing them to positions of considerable difference in tem- perature should be avoided, for while the plants will endure 35° at night and 80° during the day, yet they become adapted to one place and do better if allowed to remain there. Do not crowd them among other plants, because they will not thrive so well as when given plenty of room. The soil for primroses should be fine, light and rich; leaf mold, muck or garden mold which is found beneath the sods of old pastures, mixed with sufficient sand to make it light and por- ous, and a liberal supply of well-rotted stable manure. This will make a good soil for them. Where leaf mold cannot be had, chip dirt from around old wood piles will do. I would prepare the soil early, and when wanted for use thoroughly pulverize and sift it, because the rootlets of these plants are so very fine and tender that they cannot penetrate hard lumps of earth. Young plants should be set in small pots. Using the soil as prescribed, pulverized and sifted; shade and attend to watering until well established in the little pots. Watering by immersing the pots to the rim in a pail of tepid water will be found to be the very best and safest way, for spraying them, even if very fine, will quite often break or damage their leaves, which are very tender. As soon as the plants fill the pots with roots they should be repotted, changing to pots only one or two sizes larger, and treated as when in the smaller pots. Care should be taken not to allow the plants to become root-bound, because they will receive a severe shock from which it takes a long time for it to recover. Aim to keep the plants growing healthfully, and ne more, if you would have flowers of large size and great beauty. FLORAL TALKS. 9 This plant seldom requires larger pots than four or five-inch, but should the roots become too much packed, give them a still larger pot, or else they will lose their vigor and produce small flowers. To have the largest and best bloom, young plants should be raised each year. With a little care there is no reason why flower lovers should not be rewarded with profuse and lovely bloom all through the long, cold, cheerless Winter. Some Annuals. Perhaps some of our flower friends would like to cultivate a few flowers during the coming season, but are unable to devote much time to flower gardening on account of other duties. Under these circumstances I would cultivate a few annuals, for they will usually give the best satisfaction for the amount of money invest- ed, and they bloom so profusely that the garden can be made bright and cheerful during the Summer and Fall. | If I were asked to select some of the best annuals, my choice would be as follows: Pansies, phlox and petunias. These three make very rich beds of showy, fragrant flowers, giving an abun- dance of bloom from midwinter until frost. The portulacca, which delights in a warm sun and sandy soil, are very effective when used for borders of beds. They make a very brilliant and gorgeous display when sown in masses. Nothing can be better for bouquets than sweet peas. They have delicate and fragrant flowers, varying in color from the brightest pink, and including the darkest purple imaginable. Th balsam, like the aster, is one of the most beautiful of our annuals—producing flowers of many colors and markings. Stocks, with their variety of fine colors, and large spikes of beautiful sweet-scented flowers are certainly very desirable for either garden or pot culture. ’ From this list quite enough could be selected to fill a mode- rate-sized. garden, and will occupy all the spare time that can be devoted to them, if a good orderly garden is desired, and it should not be otherwise. Aim to have quality, not quantity. Two Good Vines. One of the best vines for the window or conservatory is the passion flower, generally catalogued as the Cassiflora. Itisa beautiful, rapid growing vine, and is desirable for training about windows or a trellis. The flowers are curiously crimped, crape- like, and fringed, and are the admiration of all who see them. They are exquisite in color, being a rich blue, marked with brown or green, and are very delicate in texture. The leaves, which are of a bright green, grow similar in shape to the American ivy, and are five parted, but it will be seen by the accompanying illustra- tion that the edges are smooth, while the leaves of the latter plant are notched. The vine would be well worth cultivating for its 10 FLORAL TALKS. foliage alone, but when laden with flowers its beauty can be bet- ter appreciated than described. The bovardia is a beautiful plant when well grown, and is deserving of much attention. The plants are quite easily grown, and will reward the grower with a profusion of beautiful flowers. They are of ashrubby growth, with flowers borne in clusters. To have plants in the proper condition for Winter blooming, it is best to pot young plants in the Spring and encourage a free growth by giving a weekly watering of liquid manure and never allowing them to become root-bound before changing to a larger pot. During the Summer’s growth the back branches should be cut occasionally to make the plants bushy and compact, which will also produce a larger flowering surface. Pinch all flower buds that appear during Summer. When the time comes to house plants in the Fall, give this one a warm place in the window and shower its foliage frequently to keep down the red spider. David- soni, white, leiabtha scarlet and rosea multiflora, pink, are the best varieties. Among the flowering vines there is nothing so desirable for sitting-room culture as the hoya, perhaps more generally known as wax plant. It has large, pointed ovate leaves of a very thick texture, which enables it to stand dust, dry air and heat, quite as well as the ficus or India rubber plant. The flowers, which are of a flesh color with a darker centre, are star shaped and borne in clusters. They have a delightful perfume, and hang on the plant a long time before fading. A peculiarity of this plant is that the flowers are produced from the same peduncles or stem of the flower cultured each year, and after the blossoms have fallen, the little stub that is left to mark the place where they were born should never be removed, as would be supposed, because it will destroy future crops of flowers. Should you want to give flowers of a plant to a friend, cut off single flowers, but not a cluster, on the main stem. In its growing season the hoya should have the highest place in the window, soas to get all the heat possible, but should be in the shade of another plant, so as not to be exposed to the full and direct rays of the sun. Spraying the leaves frequently will cultivate much of their luxuriance, and will assist in keeping down the mealy bug, its particular insect enemy. Let the soil be , rich, sandy and light, and do not over water, but give it just enough to keep the soil nice and moist all through. Ittakes this plant some time to get fully established, and sometimes, after it is rooted, it will appear to stand still for a while, and will make one impatient, when all at once it will be- gin to grow, and will sooner or later bloom. This vine should have astout trellis, because the leaves are quite heavy, and usually the ordinary sort are too slender to af- ford the plant a proper support. In season of rest, it will bear to be kept rather dry, and moderately cool. FLORAL TALKS. 11 Watering Plants. How often do you water your plants? This question has been repeatedly put to me, and while it may seem to be of no great importance to the eyes of some flowergrowers, yet it is a very important part of floral culture. Many persons mechanically soak their plants, just as if they were a piece of machinery, which requires oiling so often, wheth- er dry or not, and others fall into habit of giving a little at a time, and often. The first method is not so bad as the last, if good drainage has been provided, which should always be the case, because all surplus water will naturally run off through the hole in the bottom of the pot, the soil only retaining sufficient water for the plant; but where a little at a time is given, even if it were often, thus they are led to believe it is wet all through, but if the soil should be turned out of the pot, they would probably find the lower half as dry as dust. There is only one safe rule to go by in watering plants, and that is this : Whenever the surface of the soil appears dry, then give suflicient water to thoroughly wet the earth all through. I find the best and most satisfactory plan in watering plants is to place them in asink, there they can be watered to advantage, and without wetting the floor. It is always a good plan to do the watering in the morning before the sun shines on them, or in the evening after the sun has gone down. I believe one reason why plants do not give satisfaction in the sitting room a great many times is, because the leaves are allowed to become very dusty from sweeping. The leaves of plants are the lungs or breathing appar- atus, so ifthe pores of the leaves are allowed to become stop- ped up with dust, what is the result? It would have a Similar effect upon plants, as it would upon humanity if their lungs be- come clogged, producing a sort of drying or wasting away of that most important organ, and a consequent gradual decline in health. So if we are to have vigorous looking plants, we should keep their foliage clean, which can be done by syringing them or washing them. A greater proportion of the dust can be prevented from settling on the plants while sweeping if a light cloth or newspa- per be spread over them carefully. A word tothe young people. Among my readers I presume there are a good many young peo- ple. 1 wonder how many there are who like flowers, or are inter- ested in their culture. Perhaps not many, but I am quite sure that if all knew how much pleasure there is in cultivating a few flowers, no home would be without its flower garden, provided of course their circumstances would allow it. There is a great deal of valuable knowledge to be acquired from the study of plant growth, and they certainly have a refining influence upon the mind and character of those who become interested in their de- velopment day by day. Some people are under the impression that there is a knack 12 FLORAL TALKS. about growing flowers, and unless they possess a peculiar gift they cannot succeed with them. If you really love flowers enough to give them such care as they require, you can grow them easily. Grow a few flowers the coming season and ob- serve the results yourself, but by all means do not plant too much to begin with, as is the case with many beginners. It it far bet- ter to begin with a few less particular plants before undertaking the care of some which require more careful treatment. As you gain in experience and become familiar with the requirements of the plants under your care, it will do to branch out. Herbaceous Plants. Flower lovers ought not to forget to* give some attention to herbaceous and perennial plants and their cultivation. This ex- tremely useful class of flowers will afford a great deal of pleasure to the persons who plant them, at a small outlay of labor; and after they are once planted they require but little further care for along time. When they have become well established they are pretty sure to give an annual bloom. Herbaceous plants, like many others, have both their advan- tages and their disadvantages. There is little weeding to be done that cannot be accomplished with the hoe; no seed beds to make in the Spring, and sowing seeds and the work necessary toebe done among them each season will not amount to as much as that required by a bed of annuals. So far, it would seem that the argument is in favor of herbaceous plants, but when you consider the fact that annuals, asa rule, give a supply of bloom during the whole Summer, the argument seems to be strongest on the other side. To those who have unlimited time I would advise the cultivation of both. To those of my readers to whom the time is limited, it would perhaps suit their circumstances best if they were to grow the herbaceous kinds, among which there are many very beautiful and desirable kinds. Herbaceous, or border, plants require rich, mellow soil in which to grow, and the weeds and grass should be kept from choking them. Work in an annual application of well-decayed manure around the root of the plants. See that these hints are attended to, and they will flourish and increase in size and beauty for a long time. Chip dirt from around old wood piles is excellent to put about these plants as a mulch, and it is usually coarse enough to be of value in keeping down the grass and weeds. Perhaps some of the plants here described do not come under the title ‘‘ Herbaceous Plants,” if spoken of with ‘botanical ac- curacy, but I will classify them all together as a matter of conve- nience. Decentra, or perhaps better known as bleeding heart, isa very graceful plant. It has very fine foliage and flowers, which FLORAL TALKS. 13 are borne in racemes about a foot long, and droop in a very grace- ful way. Flowers are heart-shaped, being pink with a creamy white centre. What is more excellent than the daisy for the border or low beds? It is a beautiful little plant that produces very double white and pink flowers. The florist’s daisy is not the same as those which grow wild in our pastures. The peony, with its massive fragrance and grand blossoms, is a very satisfactory and hardy plant. What a trioof excellence. This flower, like a few others, seems to carry one’s thoughts back to old times and associations. It ought to rank among the first of our hardy plants. There are many more varieties now than when our grand- mothers grew them. The old red, which society has named P. Ruba, P. Rosea, and P. Officinal, are good varieties. { imagine you will say, ‘‘Oh, they are as old asthe hills; I want new kinds.” Well, please don't discard these old friends to make room for new ones, without a little hesitation. Ifyou will have new kinds, then grow both. Among our new varieties are P. Fragrans, one of the best pinks; Strata Speciosa, white centre, pale rose, very sweet; Pattsii, purplish crimson, and festive white spotted with carmine. Peonies are not rapidly growing plants, and until they are well established do not show what they are capable of doing. They may be planted either inthe Spring erin the Fall, and when once set do not meddle with the roots, because they do not like their roots disturbed. After making a good growth, which takes at least two years, they will reward the owner with rich colored flowers. . There are few more desirable plants for a bed on the lawn than the hollyhock. Many have discarded this old yaluable plant to make room for something new, because it is not the fashion. However, I feel that the time will come, if not already on the way, when many of our old time-honored flowers will rank among the first in our flower gardens. The tall growing varieties of the hollyhocks are desirable for backgrounds, and are very effective when planted along fences, or in front of old wood piles, which it is desirable to hide, and ‘when used forthis purpose, the double kinds, which are dwarf growers, can be used in front of the tall ones to good advantage, and thus a perfect bank of bloom can be had. Japan anemone is a fine plant for late blooming, coming in nearly after everything else has gone. The best effect can be had by growing them in clumps about the roots of trees. Give them a few years to establish themselves and they will surprise you some Autumn day with a delightful bloom, when most flowers have faded. Astilbe japonica (spirea) is a hardy herbaceous plant which bears delicious trusses of feathery flowers, and is handsome as a border plant, Florists use it for Winter fencing extensively. 14 FLORAL TALKS. Delphinium (perennial larkspur) is a good blooming plant, bearing flowers of many varieties, and shades of colors. The foliage is clean and pretty, and the habit of growth strong and good. Formosum is an old variety with blue flowers of exceed- ing richness. There are newer varieties which in tone are lighter. A good clump of delphinium will often measure six feet around, and each stalk fora third of its length will usually be covered with blossoms. The Sweet William is a very old, and once popular flower, but during the rage for bedding plants has been somewhat forgotten However, its merits will again be ap- preciated when people get tired of bedding plants and it will rank among the best of our old-fashioned flowers, when they again become porular in the flower garden. There is nothing more hardy or more sure to grow and grow well. It has been greatly improved upon in the past few years, the blossoms now being much larger than of old, and of exquisite color and markings and some are very double like miniature roses. The odonis is a good plant, bearing a bright yellow flower, and having finely cut foliage. Rocket is a very desirable plant. It needs no description, for it is too well known. The perennial phlox produces a very brilliant show of flowers, It is perfectly hardy and the flowers are borne in large masses from two to three feet in height. Lilla violet, Adelina Patti, white eye, rose color, Dutchess of Sutherland, pure white, are fine varieties. The yuccas are an interesting class of plants. They give to the garden some- thing of an oriental or tropical appearance that is exceedingly pleasant. They will survive most of our Winters, if well covered with litter or leaves in the Fall. There are several varieties of this plant, but Y. filamentosa is the hardiest. It will send up a strong flower stem during the Summer, bearing a large spike of whitest flowers. Yuccas are evergreen perennials, and they de- light in a rich soil. There are other good herbaceous plants which should be nam- ed, but it would take up too much space to describe all of them here. From the above list enough of them can be selected to fill all the space in an ordinary sized garden that you would care to devote to this class of plants. Most of the plants above named are hardy enough to stand our coldest weather without protection, but they will do enough better with protection to pay for all the trouble in giving it. If not protected the continual thawing and freezing exhausts their vitality to such a degree, that it takes them most of the following - season to recover from the bad effect. Give them a light cover- ing in the Fall, of litter or evergreen boughs, and in the Spring, when danger of severe frosts has passed, remove the covering and your flowers will come out strong and healthy. FLORAL TALKS, 15 Ornamental Climbers. One of the most interesting and useful classes of garden plants are the climbers. For making screens, and covering fences, arbors and verandas. In the flower garden, and the adornment of rural homes, no class of flowers are more useful than these, and no drapery devised by the highest art of man ever equaled the glorious drapery with which nature beautfies the stump, the ruin or the tree. Among the climbing annuals there are two which ought to be in every collection—the morning glory (convoloulus major), and sweet pea. The former is well known, and the only fault to be found with it is, that the flowers are open only in the early part of the day, being brightest at about sunrise, and in order to en- joy their beauty one must arise early. However, the sight of a good bed of these flowers on adewy morning, with the bright sun- beams shining full in their faces, is quite euough to tempt any lover of the beautiful to arise early and enjoy their glory. The sweet pea is adapted for training over fences or low trellises, and for large bouquets nothing can be better, because the flowers are lively, delicate and deliciously fragrant. It isa profuse bloomer. The cobola scandens is another good tender climbing plant. It has fine foliage and bears large bell-shaped flowers, which are green at first, changing to a deep violet hue. Its growth is quite rapid, and if strong plants are set out early in the Spring and in good rich soil, they often grow twenty feet in length and branch freely. The only objection to this plant is that the seed does not germinate aS readily as that of other plants. It requires care and favorable conditions, and no great amount of success need be an- ticipated by sowing seed inthe open ground. Start them in the house or hot bed by placing the seed in moist earth, edge down- ward, and do not water until the young plants appear, except that the earth becomes exceedingly dry. If care is taken, and good judgment exercised, there is no reason why this plant can- not be easily grown from seed. Plants may be removed to the house in the Fall, if desired, where they will do reasonably well. _Tropzolum, or nasturtiums, are among the very cleanest, pret- tiest and best climbers. The flowers are so plentiful, the colors so varied, and the comparative ease with which they can be rais- ed, are qualities which speak much in their favor. T. Lobbra- num is a very rapid grower, and bears brilliant and colored flowers. Caroline Smith, spotted; Colour de Bismarck is a peculiar shade of brown; Napoleon III, yellow and red. There are also dwarf varieties, which grow about a foot in height, that make very at- tractive beds when grown en masse, and are also excellent for rockeries. Crystal palace gem, yellow spotted with maroon, and King Theodore, very dark, are two good varieties. Nasturtiums are very desirable to work into bouquets, and the peculiar fra- 16 FLORAL TALKS. grance, which is delicate but pronounced, make them a special favorite. A soil that is rather stiff but not too rich will suit them best. The Madeira vine is a tender tuberous plant with thick, glossy, light green, almost transparent leaves, having a root or tuber very much like a potato. Itis a splendid climber and will grow to a remarkable height during a season. The tubers should be planted out in the Spring, when they will grow at once, and, if in a warm, sheltered place, very rapidly, until the slender branches with their pretty leaves have covered a large surface; and when I add that it bears white flowers, which are quite deli- cate and very fragrant, I will leave you to judge whether it is a desirable plant to grow. In the Fall the Madeira tubers can be taken up, first removing the tops, and stored in a cool but frost- proof cellar. Ampelopsis quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) is in my estimation equal, if not superior, to the well-known English ivy. It is per- fectly hardy and ornamental, easily transplanted, a vigorous grower, and one that will flourish anywhere, on any soil, and almost under any condition. It furnishes the most dense and graceful shade of any plant, and is quite free from insects. It is supplied with many spiral tendrils, which are almost as strong as wire, and the firmness with which they grasp any object makes it quite able to support itself well in almost any situation, and to defy the fiercest winds and storms. In the Fall the leaves change in color to a bright crimson hue, which for a short time is very effective, and before falling are of the deepest scarlet. The wisteria is another very beautiful climber, bearing hun- dreds of long, pendulous racemes of delicate light blue flowers, which often measure twelve inches in length. The flowers ap- pear about the last of May, and before the leaves; at least, before the leaves have made but little growth. The wisteria is said to be hardy and able to withstand our Winters, but I prefer to put a light covering around the roots for protection. Window gardens and their arrangement require thought and care, as well as any other feature of domestic economy. Iam often asked the question, ‘‘ How do you manage to have such beautiful plants?” and I often feel inclined to answer, as did the doctor in the case of the lady who had been taking too much medicine, that all that was needed was light, water and air. These three words involve so much meaning that perhaps it would be well to give a more definite explanation. Well, no exact rule ‘can be given, but the first thing is to see that the plants are kept moist, not only on the surface of the soil, but all through. The leaves should be sprinkled at least once in a week in order to keep the pores open and free from dust. On bright days, open the window and let in the fresh air, but the air or draught should not blow directly on the plants. A thermometer should be kept in the room which ought to register about 60° or 70° during the . FLORAL TALKS. a eg day and about 45° at night. Admit all the light possible, and place all soft-wooded plants nearest the window. They must have light or they will lose color and vitality and grow crooked and one-sided by reaching toward the light. Many plants, such as primrose, narcissus, hyacinth, and other bulbs, will do better in a room without fire, provided the atmosphere is above freezing. Ivies, hoyas and passifloras make good climbers. Ivy geraniums, smilax and oxalis will do well as basket plants, and geraniums and begonias of the flowering variety will bloom to the best sat- isfaction. For the sunless window, flowering plants are not likely to be successful, but there are other plants sufficiently attractive, with- out the aid of flowers, that will thrive well in such a window, and for this purpose the India rubber tree is a good plant. It grows slower in the house than if kept in the greenhouse, but after a few years’ growth you will find that it will take up con- siderable room, even in the sitting room. Ardisia and aspedistra are also good plants where strong, bold foliage is desired. A shady window offers a fine chance to grow a few ferns, but they must be protected from the heated atmosphere of our rooms by means of a fern case. Nearly everyone who has grown flowers has learned some- thing about them which they have not read about, and I would be glad to have you send in hints and suggestions drawn from personal experience, that would be of interest to your sister flower growers. There are some hints that may be properly suggested about flowers and their arrangements, but as for instructions, none can be given with an assurity that, if followed, they will always lead to success. It requires good taste and some knowledge of the harmony of colors, and these cannot be purchased or taught, al- though they may be cultivated and developed to a certain extent so as to produce good results. Some persons have the knack of arranging flowers tastefully and naturally, because they are gifted and work from a natural basis, while others cannot excel, for the simple reason that they do not possess the faculty the successful person does. It is a great thing to discover and bring out the ornamental side of what is called homely and common—weeds if you like—a gift which only some favored few possess; but those who have it can clothe their surroundings with beauty in spite of the most un- favorable circumstances. Thus dandelions are not generally valued, except for the amusement of children, who love to fill their aprons with the ‘‘ pretty stars in the grass,” but take an or- dinary stone butter jar, the deeper and darker blue the better, avoid the abomination of decorating it in any way, and into this jar drop a mass of the golden blossoms, and then you will have a bit of color that every artistic eye will appreciate. The main idea in arranging flowers is naturalness. Avoid all 18 FLORAL TALKS, artificiality and everything that will take the attention from the flowers themselves, and aim to make them look as much like grow- ing on their own stems as possible. Another point is not to put too many flowers in one vase, or torture them into shapes and posi- tions that Nature never put them into. It is too common a habit to crowd a mass of blossoms, with very little foliage to relieve them, into one-third of the space which they would naturally oc- cupy. ay way of illustration, which will perhaps give you a better idea of what I mean, suppose you cut a branch of sweet peas with long stems, not too many for they must not be crowded, and do not attempt to arrange them, for it is a characteristic of this flower that it never can be anything but graceful under any circum- stances; you want just enough to fill your vase and allow them to bend about naturally, which they cannot do if crowded in the least. Now drop them into a vase with a flaing mouth and they will arrange themselves in such a way as to delight the eye of an artist; some will droop, others will remain upright, but the general effect will be airy, graceful and delicate. If you were to add to this beautiful vase of flowers a cluster of scarlet geraniums or roses, where would be the delicate effect? Gone. There is no harmony between the two flowers, and the addition has taken away the beautiful effect produced by thesweet peasalone. The roses and geraniums when taken by themselves are beautiful, but when combined with sweet peas the good qualities or effects of both are lost. Take this same cluster of roses and put them in a bowl with nothing but their own leaves and you will have another beautiful bouquet that will be appreciated by all who see them. If you should add a stalk of gladiolus the effect of the roses alone would be spoiled. The gladiolus, like roses and geraniums, are beauti- ful flowers, but they do not harmonize well together. _ Again, scarlet geraniums and salmon ones do not combine well, but any white flower can be used with scarlet, and deep- toned orange or brown flowers, like coreopsis, can be effectively grouped with the salmon varieties. When it is possible, flowers should be surrounded by their own foliage, and the rich green of perfect rose leaves is particu- larly handsome. Some writers say that roses should never be | put into vases with any other flower. This may be applied asa general rule, but there are exceptions to most rules, and to this I will make one exception. Say you had a vase of pink roses, and desire something to increase or bring out the good effects. Adda flower of the wild clematis or virgin’s bower and note the effect. The ciematis, with its delicate, airy nature, gives precisely the unstudied grace which any vase of flowers should have. If you practice on such combinations and study their effects carefully, you will understand better whatI mean. In arranging flowers always bear in mind that the dish or vase chosen to con- FLORAL TALKS. 19 tain them should be of a character to suit the flowers, as, for in- stance, short-stemmed flowers like balsams show to the best ad- vantage in shallow dishes, while tall flowers should be given tall wases. There can be no greater sign of human progress than the evi- dence all around us, of the earnest, energetic people becoming im- bued with the love of plant life. Flowers are emblems of re- finement, purity and happiness, and I have observed that those families who cultivate them live in peace and love. Quarrels and continuous strifes, which so often curse and blight domestic life, are seldom known where flowers are grown. Does not the experience of mankind largely, if not fully, confirm the truth of this observation ? They possess a charm that seems to temper the hardness and sordidness of earthly life, and excite in the mind the tenderest, most kindly, innocent and cheerful thoughts. The pleasure of cultivating a flower garden, and the particular love for its products, afford a quiet observation and thought, and there is pleasurein all the work. One must give care and companion- ship to plants and bowers in order to learn their graceful nature and feel their beneficial influences. They are unrivaled, too, as friends and companions, and their conversation is always in char- ity and good sense. The importance of this subject, seems tome, would justify a careful examination into it, andif the result of that examination be given to the world, I feel sure it would be favorable to the most beneficial influence of flowers on domestic happiness. Every family can surely find a little space for flowers, and if it is only a few feet square you can have many choice plants. The labor and care required to keep a few flowers in proper or- der is not as much as people imagine, and their missions, like the angels, are pure, while their color, symmetry and fragrance at- tract the eye, delight the sense of smell and kindle a taste for the beautiful. A pot or box of flowers ina city window contributes to the happiness of al! who see it, and the fragrance which ascends from their swaying blossoms has a tendency to sweeten not only the atmosphere of the room in which they may be, but the very nature of the occupants of the house, though it should happen to be a humble tenement. If you have plenty of flowers, give them with a liberal hand to friends and acquaintances who have none, and, above all, to the sick. Perhaps a few of our readers can appreciate the pleas- ure and encouragement a gift of flowers must be to those who are unable to be out of doors and enjoy the beauties of Nature. A gift of flowers-can be seldom unappropriate, if ever, either to young or old, and purity and goodness are painted on every petal. here has been a great deal written about the care of plants in the sitting room, and how they should be treated so as to be a pleasure at all times, and yet the subject will bear further com- 20 FLORAL TALKS. ment. I think one reason for dissatisfaction is due to the fact that many times they are allowed to become too dusty from sweeping. This may be partially avoided if a light cloth or news- paper is thrown over at that time, and occasionally the leaves may be washed in clear water which will leave them clean. Then, too, the art of watering plants requires careful study, for some plants need wetting much oftener than others, and it is seldom that a whole collection requires water at the same time. The amateur, however, who really loves flowers, will readily learn this, but there is one thing I wish to call particular atten- tion to, and which is of great importance in plant culture. It is to provide perfect drainage, that is, place an inch of broken crock- ery or small pebbles in the bottom of the pot, so that ‘all surplus water will run off. If plants are given what they want or need, but above all, fresh air, I see no reason why you should not suc- ceed with them. A word in season. It will soon be time to make arrangement for the Fall planting of bulbs, and before giving a list of the most desirable sorts, I wish to make a few preliminary suggestions. October is considered the best month for out-door planting of bulbs, although they can be set any time later, so long as you can get good bulbs and the frost will allow you to put them in the ground. It is not, however, best to wait for the last chance. The soilin which to plant bulbs should be light and sandy, and enriched with plenty of well-rotted manure, which is the best of all for bulbs, and may be used in any condition. It isa good idea to raise the bed, in which bulbs are planted, a few inches above the level of the yard, and ifa little higher in the middle than at the sides it will be an advantage. The potting of bulbs for blooming in the house may also be continued through the month. A good soil for this purpose, and one which I have used with success, is composed*of one part leaf mold from the woods or fence corners where leaves have drifted for a long time and rotted; to this add one part sand and two parts soil from beneath the sods of old pastures, and mix the whole thoroughly with a small quantity of well-decayed manure. This compound requires but little variation of the ingredients to make it a proper soil for the cultivation of most of our flowers, and I would advise all who intend to grow flowers to get a little pile on hand. You can keep each ingredient in a separate box or pile, if desired, and mix as wanted for use. After: bulbs have been potted, they should be set in a cool, dark place for a few weeks to form roots; so that when you bring them to the light and warmth, they may receive nourishment from the soil to support the growth of leaves and flowers. If you want something to brighten up a window and make your house cheerful and home-like, don’t fail to have a few bulbs. Let each of my readers try half a dozen, at least, whether he or she be interested in flowers or not. Encourage your children to FLORAL TALKS. 21 love flowers and grow them. You will make better boys and girls of them, and the small amount invested in flowers will never be regretted. Bulbs for In-doors and Out. August, the last of the Summer months, is gone. Another season of buds and blossoms will soon be numbered among the past. The ripening leaves are about to put on their gala dress of gold and scarlet before bidding us a long farewell, and the Au- tumn storms, and Winter cold, will soon compel us to retire to the sitting room and parlor. Here we may seek pleasure in the soci- ety of books, plants and friends. I have carefully prepared the following list of bulbs for Fall planting in the garden, and for forcing in the house. The de- scription of each is brief, which must necessarily be, in order to mention all of them in the space devoted to this department. They are all charming flowers and excellent for decorating purposes to brighten up the window in Winter and make home cheerful. All are beautiful and desirable, but, if there is one that I admire more than the others, it is the Bermuda or Easter Lily. One of these bulbs should, by all means, be in every collection. The Bermuda or Easter Lily. This is a favorite flower everywhere, and one that will give satisfaction. It was exhibited at N. Y. Horticultural Society in 1881, by Prof. W. K. Harris of Philadelphia, Pa., and was named Lillium Harrisii. Since then it has been extensively used for dec- orative purposes at Easter, and the general public have substitut- ed the name ‘Easter Lily.””. By experiments it has been found that bulbs of a superior quality can be produced in the Bermuda Island, than when raised in our dryer climate, and so remarkably does it succeed there, that itis now known as the Bermuda Easter Lily. It isa very free bloomer, and is not difficult to succeed with, assome people imagine. Give it the same soil as recommend- ed for hyacinths and tulips, and after potting set in a cellar, or some place whereit is cool and dark, until roots have formed. When you bring it to the window, give it the coolest place. Do not allow the direct sunlight to strike the plant, and if you have provided good drainage, you may be reasonably sure of success. If you desire them by Easter, the pots should be brought up by the middle of February. The flowers are large trumpet shaped, of she purest white and delightfully fragrant. Can anything be more beautiful? I much prefer them to hyacinths or tulips, and would advise all those who love flowers to try one, and before the season of bloom has ended you will wish you had half a dozen instead of one. Sometimes the lily is attacked by green lice. Should you discover any, take particular care to keep them from damaging the plant, which can be easily done, by washing or syringine the leaves and stalks with a decoction of tobacco. Avoid 22 FLORAL TALKS. the use of this after the flowers appear, because it will stain the petals. The Freesia. This bulbous plant is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and was introduced into England many years ago, but for some rea- son it dropped out of cultivation, and little has been known of it until recently. For Winter blooming it is one of the best. The flowers are yellow, sometimes pale or even creamy, with an orange blotch on each of the lower divisions of the perianth. Some are white, occasionally showing a few violet lines on the lower divi- sions of the flower. They are delightfully fragrant and each stalk will bear a cluster of from two to a dozen tlowers, which last for several days. They are very casily grown in pots the same as _tu- lips or hyacinths, but instead of setting one bulb in a pot, you can plant half a dozen in a five inch pot, because they are so small. The foliage is not unlike that of the giadiolus, only much smaller. The Freesia will give much pleasure for the money invested, and it would be well to have half a dozen pots. Afterthey have com- pleted their growth, which can be told by the dying leaves, take the bulbs from the soil, wrap them in paper, and keep in a dry, cool place during the Summer. Inthe Fall you can repot them again, 3 The Hyacinth. Among the Dutch bulbs the Hyacinth is perhaps the most beautiful, fragrant and most popular. No flower has done so much to make cheerful the tedious Winters of northern coun- triesas this. When a plant isin full bloom in the house it will send forth its delicious perfume and fill the air of a room with breath of Spring. Hyacinths differ in habit very much. Some varie- ties throw up strong flower stalks, with a bold or rather loose truss, while others have but a short stem with a compact truss. My preference are the single varieties, because they have larger spikes and the flowers are not so crowded together. This is, how- ever, a matter of taste, and there are others who may prefer the double varieties. There is a variety called the Roman Hyacinth, which is not as popular as the ordinary sort, but with those who love flowers for real beauty, it will become a favorite when once known. The flowers of this variety are somewhat smaller than the ordinary hyacinth, but what they lack in this respect is fully made up in gracefulness and quantity, sending up, as they do, from one to five flower stalks from the same bulb. The flowers are not so closely set aiong the stem, and are given a chance to show themselves, while the others grow such short stems that the flowers are not given chance to develop, and much of their beauty cannot be seen. . Narcissus. This is one of the most popular bulbs forforcing. The flow- ers are very delicate and emit a delightful perfume. Perhaps FLORAL TALKS. 93 some of our readers are familiar with the fabulous story connect- ed with this flower, but for the benefit of those who may not have heard of it, I would say that it runs to the effect that Narcissus was the son of Cephisus, one of the Grecian River gods. He was uncommonly beautiful and fell violently in love with himself on seeing his figure reflected in the fountain, and wasted away with desire until he was changed into the flower that bears his name. The varieties of the single and double Narcissus are hardy with us at the North, but the polanthus family are tender in this locality in the open ground and should be kept for Winter forc- ing. For forcing, one bulb is sufticient in a five or six inch pot. There is a variety of Narcissus of the polanthus family that is comparatively new to many flower lovers; it is grown extensively in China as a national flower, for blooming at Christmas and New Year, and is known as the Sacred Lily. The bulbs are very large, and each one throws up many flower spikes bearing clus- ters of pure white flowers, with a yellowish centre, which are quite fragrant. They can be grown in soil or water. The Chi- nese usually flower them in a bowl or some vessel, filled with pebbles, in which the bulb is set. The dish is then filled with water and set in a light sunny window, where it blossoms in two or three weeks. It is not always that one can get the true bulbs in this country. Tulip. The Tulip has been a favorite flower for many years, and it comes as a matter of course in such variety that it is an easy mat- ter to suit all tastes in the selection of color. You could investa good many dollars in named varieties without duplicating the bulb; but I would not advise you to do this, for some of the cheaper sorts are quite as satisfactory as the higher priced ones. Named varieties are sold at fancy prices because they are new, and not because of special beauty. Mixed collections can be had at very reasonable prices, and contain nothing that it is not well worth growing. The variety, known asthe Duc Van Thol, does well in the house; but, as a general rule, it is best to leave the se- lection of variety with your dealer, unless you are experienced in this line, simply telling him whether you desire them for pot or garden culture, and what colors you prefer. The Crocus and Snow Drop. The Crocus is an interesting Spring blooming plant. Itis of low growth and blossoms much earlier than any of the other bulbs. It is often used for borders along the edges of walks and beds, and it is one of the few plants that can beset in the grass to take care of itself year after year, and without the least fear of being crowded out of the grass. Few other garden plants give signs of awakening from Winter’s slumbers when this comes into bloom, and only the Snow Drop is earlier. The Snow Drop may 24 FLORAL TALKS. be treatcd like the Crocus, and one of the best uses that may be made of both is to set them here and there in the grass during the Fall. There are other bulbs that are desirable for Fall planting in the garden; but to describe each separately would take up too much space, so I will simply mention them and you can find the description in some catalogue. The Lily of the Valley is known by everyone, and a sweet little flower it is; but the Scilla and Crown Imperial are not so well known, yet they are worthy of notice and perfectly hardy. The Grape Hyacinth isan interesting plant bearing little blue and white flowers. Then there is the Iris or Flowering Flag, as it is sometimes called, and the Anemone, which produce very pretty flowers, as all will admit who have seen them. Decorations for the Holidays. At the approach of the holiday season, the subject of room decoration is one of interest almost everywhere, but in many communities it is often puzzling about this time to decide as to what shall be used for the season near at hand. Flowers are usually scarce at such times and involve an expense too great, that it cannot be afforded in many instances and the question pre- sents itself, ‘‘how shall we trim?” Well, we must first have something to trim with, and the foundation of most of the work, which I propose to outline here, will necessarily contain evergreens of different varieties, such as Cedar, Spruce, Pineand Hemlock. These are all sombre colors, I fancy you will say, but by a little thoughtfulness, at the proper season, bright Autumn leaves and the berries of some of our wild flowers may be gathered from the woods which will relieve this sombre effect produced by the evergreens. Some people make a habit of gathering ferns and Autumn leaves to press, and if any of our readers, who are interested in the coming festive decorations, have been thoughtful enough to gather some the past season, here is an opportunity to use them; for nothing makes prettier or more fairy-like decorations than ferns, and the bright Autumn leaves work up elegantly. The large leaves of the English Ivy and Ivy Geranium, where such are at command, taken from the branches, can be used to form many pretty de- signs; or the growing vines, with their pots concealed, may be draped over pictures and windows in a very artistic manner. Then we have the bright fruits of the Wild Rose, Climbing Bit- ter Sweet, Sumac and Mountain Ash, while the different varieties of everlasting flowers furnish much valuable material. In some parts of the country grains or grasses, if gathered before they become too old and carefully dried in the shade, can be used to great effect. A careful summary of the materials here mentioned will re- veal the fact that we have a pretty good stock, and which costs nothing but a little forethought, and care in gathering them at the FLORAL TALKS. 25 proper time. In decorating, festoons of evergreen can be made to bring about very satisfactory results if judiciously arranged. These are made with a stout rope, and fastened in place by wind- ing twine or fine wire about them as fast as the evergreen is put in position. Care should be taken to wrap the twine firm, if you would have a substantial wreath. An occasional cluster of the bright berries or fruits, previously mentioned, may be worked in the festooning in such a manner as to produce very pleasing ef-_ fects, but unless you have plenty of them I would advise using them sparingly, or perhaps a better way would be to wait until you have the festoons in place, and then add the little clusters of nee or everlasting flowers where they will stand out in bold relief. Nothing is more suggestive or pretty than mottoes, and those who possess the art of making the letters for this purpose can render valuable assistance to the decorator. The letters should be cut from heavy card-board with a sharp knife, after first de- termining the heighth you want them, and marking out the letters with a lead pencil. The surface of each letter is next covered with small branches of evergreen, and fastened in place witha needle and thread or glue, and afterward trimmed into shape with the scissors. If some of the bright hued materials of what- ever you have to work with is worked in the letters, it will give a bit of color that will contrast effectively with the more solemn tints of the evergreen, and, where judiciously used, cannot help but please the eye. In most communities there are persons that can make real pretty paper flowers, and where real flowers are not obtainable, vases of these paper flowers mingled with dried leaves, grasses, or everlasting flowers, can be displayed ina very satisfactory manner, while groups of bright Autumn leaves interwoven with ferns may be securely sewed to heavy paper or card-board and fastened to the walls of the rooms here and there, to relieve the bareness. I would suggest that the card-board used for this purpose be as near * the color of the wall as possible. This will give your work the appearance of being attached directly to the wall, instead of on paper. Two very pretty designs for festive decorations are a star and a cross. The star can be made quite easily out of laths or similar pieces of wood, nailed together so as to forma triangle. Make another triangle of exactly the same size and shape, and nail both triangles together in such a manner as to bring thé point of each opposite the centre of each lath that form the triangles. This will forma six-point star that will be strong and durable. This may be cov- ered with evergreens in the same manner as the festooning and a small cluster or sonething bright may be fastened to the inter- sections of the triangles. A small bouquet can be suspended in the centre of the star by two fine wires crossing each other like an X, thus giving it the appearance of being finished.