The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-11

true that there are half q dozen or more
women in New York who could popularize
any flower they might choose to wear, even
sunflower-none OF them has ever taken
the trouble to do anything of the kind.
their summer outings.
Yet here are the leading florists, almost
to man, declaring what the particular
floral pets of the next three or four months
are likely to be. Orchids and gardenias,
the latter ew tangled cousin of the old
fashioned jasmine, are st." If the florists
are to be believed This does not mean,
they are careful to explain, that orchids
and gardenias are likely to GUST the splendid
prolific rose or carnation family, or, for
that matter, any other OF the standbys,
from public favor: but only that, like the
debutantes Of any season, they will re-
ceive more general attention than they
ever got before, or probably ever will have
again.
No further proof of the belleship Of the
pinkish lilac variety of orchid and the
fragrant, pure gardenia is needed than the
statement that they will share honors this
season with the violet in decorating my
violet has been without q rival for this
purpose. The violet or nothing, many
women have said, going 20 far three win
ters ago, when the violet supply was short,
as to wear when driving and automobiling
an artificial variety over their hearts. By
the way, corsage bouquet must never
be worn anywhere but just over the heart.
This winter, though, no woman need
feel under obligations to stick to the violet
for personal wear. She now has her choice
Of three blossoms equally suitable for the
purpose and equally modest.
II the orchid costs more than the violet,
it makes up for that by representing more
lasting qualities. But the popularity OF
the orchid and gardenia is not to stop at the
corsage. White orchids will lead every other
flower this fall in first choice for brides
bouquets, and gardenias mixed with Lilies
of the valley will be the second choice--ac-
cording to experts in such matters.
Orders placed with the florists by men
customers, for cut flowers to be sent to
their women friends, include more orchids
than they were ever known to before
in the same length Of time. The reason
for this-although the florists don't say
so-may be that orchid prices are not nearly
SO far out OF reach now as they will be
month hence.
when it comes to making presents Of
flowers though said leading florist, most
men send roses, more particularly II the
Offering is sent late in an afternoon on the
mans way up town. II the flowers are
ordered in the morning then a corsage
bouquet is occasionally chosen and that,
| OF course, is seldom or never OF roses. A
| new wrinkle with men of fashion in sending
| box Of fowers-say long stemmed roses
is to have the florist tuck away in one corner
a corsage bouquet OF the lady's favorite
flower In cases Of courtship 1t Is roses
nearly every time.
THAT reminds me of sad story told to
me the other day by a florist friend Of
NINE One Of his customers was paying
ardent court, as every one knew to lady
| of large means and many graces who was
! long way past the debutante stage fact
about which she was sensitive. Her birth
| day came around and she was particular 10
state that it was her twenty-seventh.
THE young man In the case rushed to
| the florists and ordered roses--twenty-
seven American Beauties--to be sent TO the
lady's house.
He was most particular in giving the
order, but as fate would have It, the clerk
! made a mistake and sent thirty-seven roses
| instead Of twenty-seven. The young man
did not marry the lady. l believe they
don't speak now. Florists can't be too
careful in filing birthday orders.
The American Beauty rose leads all the
flowers for interior decorations. Its scenic
possibilities are unrivalled. Furthermore
the leader OF New York and Newport 80
ciety stamps it, before any other. with her
In using this and other long stemmed
flowers the decorator dispoees them in
large groups here and there rather than
| in scattering devices. The decorations,
though, depend a good deal on the character
Of the entertainment
At young peoples dances. debutante
and wedding receptions, II ID the fashion
to bank the mantel with flowers, to festoon
doors and windows with ropes Of green
| twined with blossoms; whereas the scheme
| of decoration most In vogue at the moro
| stately ball and reception Is more con-
| centrated.
Most Of the modern private bathrooms
| and drawing rooms are too ornate to lend
themselves to scattered decorations. 1t
has been found that big groups OF
hundred or more blooms against gen.
erous background Of palms. placed at
| different points, are more effective. ahd
also that tall vases, crowded with flowers
are all that " needed in some cases.
Only long stemmed flowers lend them
selves well TO this style Of decoration,
| which pakso Il one OF tho NEST exD9nsavo =.