Evening star., 1901-08-10
4 WILD FLOWER SHOW
THE THING FOR RAISING FUNDS FOR
CHARITIES.
Both q Pretty and a Profitable Enter
tainment and Evailable Almost
Anywhere.
Written for The Evening Star.

written Tor Inc Evening Star.
What could be more novel to help out the
funds Of some of the numerous charities
that cry for aid during the summer months
than show of wild flowers? And what
could be simpler, more interesting or less
expensive to arrange: and especially Is
this latter point of Importance when rails
ing money for some good work shows
seem always to appeal to humanity; but
more seasonable now than the horse show,
dog. picture or even chicken show. Is the
one Of wild flowers.
To arrange such an affair. engage first
the interest of the young people In the
neighborhood; those that know where
through the woods, swamps or fields to
find the wild orchids, the meadow beauties.
sennas, lilies, pitcher plants and innumer-
able other lovely boomers that Dame Ma
ture offers throughout the season. Then
let them be taken up with a trowel very
carefully, that the positions Of their roots
may be disturbed as little as possible and
carried to the place where the show Is to
be held. AS an advance preparation for the
smaller ones, quantity Of tumblers Of uni
some crockery shop that wishes to help out
tho work. These, after being carefully
washed in hot water and soap suds that
they may glisten and look pretty. should be
iiilcO Will wei odhu JUST Cuou6h W pdSh
around the plants and hold them firmly.
Afterward they should be wiped of, sprin-
killed. lightly to freshen and finally placed
where it is cool and shady until few
hours before the show Is opened.
Large plants that have been secured.
such the stunning rose mallow, the
great meadow lily, or even azaleas, laurels
or other effective shrubs in blossom at the
time Of the event. require pots and jars,
which also may be borrowed. Many indi-
viduals are willing to lend jardinieres for
this purpose. which help out the plan OF
decoration.
When thus all the material is together
and made ready. the next point to be re-
garded Is It's artistic arrangement. Many,
have the plants well classi1ed-that is, to
place all the orchids on the same table. to
keep the roses together and bank the ferns
and mosses in some especial corner. But
In either case, on each plant should be
label, clearly written, stating both its pop
ular and scientific names. The tables on
which the plants are set look best when
covered all alike with dark green muslin
or cheese cloth. Wild vines, such as the
smilaxes which abound In woods. are Of
much value to form festoons and bind
about unsightly places. In fact, an endless
variety Of delightful ideas suggest them
selves to those ingenious and interested
In the success of such show.
The price Of admission should not be ex-
orbitant, for school children are apt to pa
tronize the show In numbers. Their teach
ers know 1t is of educational value, as well
as a great pleasure. Another source of in
come may be found In well-prepared cat
alogue, to be sold for 10 or Is cents Again,
after the show is over many Of the plants
may be disposed of to those wishing to
plant them in the home garden. For If
well selected and potted with care numbers
of wildings are infinitely more charming
for such purposes than many of the con-
ventional products of nurserymen.
As guide to the special features of in
dividual plants. whether they wilt quickly.
whether they are parasites and thus UNIT
for sale as garden plants, and to help In the
selection Of those that are strong and last
ing, some one OF the numerous books on
the subject should be studied by those in
charge Of the show.