The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1895-07-10
For THE FLORAL DEPARTMENT,
Some Flower Notes.

AS look out on the small area that we
have this year allotted to flowers. (the spa
cious grounds will not be ornamented for
some time). wonder much that we ever at
tempt to cultivate plants about which we
are doubtful, when there are so many va
rieties that are perfectly at home in our
gardens.
We have but the beginning of what we
hope to sometime have-a handsome flower
yard; yet such gladiol1, balsams, cannas,
znnias, petunias, etc have never been in
my possession before. | enjoyed the max
ing of these few flower beds, though had
assistance, and planting of the seeds as 1
never have before; for every seed was put
into the ground by my own fingers.
had intended trying dahlias myself, but
had so many seeds sent me by kind friends,
who seemed to anticipate my wishes in this
direction, that my hands were full prepar-
ing places for them. Some of these flowers
I find to be old friends, some are new to
me, and l must expend some thought upon
their cultivation; so that novelties are best
let alone this year. I prefer to profit by
the failure of others. if failures there must
be; so read with much interest Carlos {"
experiments with dahlias
They ought to grow well here as they are
natives of Mexico, 1 believe; though that
may be no argument in our favor-the
table lands of Mexico produce plants that
will not flourish in our low, sandy soils.
If were lover of that gorgeous flower,
would not give up after one trial only, but
TRY, try again." l have heard of dahlias
grown in Florida. There is lady living
in Dade City, am told, who has mag
nifcent display of the most perfect plants
and blossoms of every known color.
Whether there is any mystery about her
treatment of them do not know-they are
with other plants in the open ground, of
course.
AS zinnias seem to be far less trouble,
and | have some very fine specimens, as
double as it is for flower to be, in color
rivaling the tints of the rainbow, some rich
and dark, others of the faintest hues l
shall content myself this year, at least,
without dahlias. The "shell flower" about
which Carlos" wrote sometime ago, must
be an acquisition.
Have any of our amateurs tried begonias
from seed Having had some choice va
rieties sent me, I felt tempted to try my
"'prentice hand" Nothing attempted,
nothing gained. 1 was aware the con-
ditions for growing these handsome foliage
plants are warmth. moisture, partial shade
and good soil; but the directions given in
nearly all the floral magazines and cata-
logues refer to the plants in different stages
of DEVELOPMENT in one l found what l was
looking for. The catalogue from Jessa-
mine gardens, told me how to sow the tiny
seed. mixed fine soil with the seed first;
then pressed it into the flower pot. damp
ened, and covered it with pane of glass.
By the time the seedlings appear. | hope
some reader of this department will give
me advice on the way to treat them; other
WISE must simply use common sense
nerhaps little of that will not hurt them
ANYHOW. The seed sown is of the tuber-
Gus rooted begonia. Have paper of B. Rex
to sow; but will wait to hear what our edl-
tor saws upon the subject, Il don't want to