The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-05-11
THE FLOWER GaRnrx

Inc weather has now fairly opened nm
nm ana all prooaple danger of frost has unssed
The wet aud cold has thus far nreventod TOD y, ~ !.
usna preparation of the fiower-parden tos cos
the reception OF seed and plants from, 81,
greenhouse. Every one has q plat or erornS vr.S
Of larger or smaller dimensions. and neariu
everybody loves to see the bright and Gov
colors beautifully mingled rs they may be in
a proper selection of flowers and plants. To
those who are not professional florists, but
merely raise such flowers as may suit their
taste or fancy, We offer few suggestions.
that their floWcr-bcds may not lie entire fail
ures, and that they be not disappointed in the
result after their care and labor.
now TO MAKE HOME BEAUTIFUL.
Among all the embellishments of home
there are none more beautiful than flow
ers, shrubs, and plants, and nothing
which for the same amount Of money and
care better repays the owner. Whether
climbing up over the window, running
nesting in the hanging basket, or smiling in
the conservatory; wherever they find
place they enliyen by their presence, and re-
grateful perfume and afford sunshine on a
too, so far from being an irksome task, is an
inviting and healthful pleasure to the young,
the midde-aged, and the old.
Bright and beautiful flowers will not grow
spontaneously, like weeds in garden. The
seed must first be sown, and the plants en-
collraged in their development by proper at
tention.
HOW TO MAKE SELECTIONS.
Much attention should also be paid to the
proper selection and Classification of plants.
For instance, If a tall, snowy group Of flow
ers is desired, plant zinnias, marisolds, bal
sans Qady- -slippers), poppies, dc. If it is de-
sired to have snowy mosscd beds, plant phloX,
candy-tuft, petunias, verbenaS, Sc. If dwarf
cdgiugs are wanted, sweet alySsum, &c. Ii
fragrance be the particular quality sought
for, then Use mgnonette, sweet peas, sweet
alyssum storks, sc. IF leaf color is wanted,
take amaranthus, perila, coleuS, DC. When
mixed beds arc desired, the talle>t flowers
should always be placed in the centre. All
the varieties of flowers mentioned, and in
decd nearly all kinds, may now be soTn.
As a rule, all flowers succeed best in sandy
loan, enliched with wel-rotied stable ma-
nure, which should be thoroughly mixed
with the soil. The soil will not then be-
come hard or baked, thus not only giving
strength to the flowers, but enabling the soil
to be more easily worked.
PLANTING.
Many seed are lost by ipjudicious or inn
proper planting, and the blame is laid to
scotsman or grower, when little knowledge
and care would have brought about very
different results. If fine seed are used, SOW
on the surface and press the ground evenly
with smooth piece Of board. A good rule
is to cover the seed to a depth of twice their
size. If sown too deep they will perish.
Mistakes are often made in this way.
Hdrdy plants will stand more rough treat
ment and colder weather than the half
hardY. Therefore, to avoid the result of Il
failure, the former should be sOWn earlier in
the season than tbe latter.
TRANSATLANTIC.
When your plants, which have been start
ed ia pots, have attained growth Of two
or three inches they are fit to be removed to
the place where they are wanted to bloom,
if the weather is suitable. The transplant
ing should be done in Showery weather, or
in the evening, and the soil should have pre-
yiouSly been spaded up, so as to bring the
moist earth to the top, and should be thor
oughly pulverizcd. Set the plants in the
proper depth and press the soil firmly about
the roots, cover with little loose soil, and
your plant is set. II properly done no after
watering will be necessary, except in very
dry spots or during continued droughts.
After the plants have been set The soil should
be frequently stirred until the plants cover
the ground, as it helps to keep down weeds,
and also keeps the soil moist under the sur
face.