The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-01-29

Flowers are such a delight to have
in the house that they are worth an eff
fort, and various little stands al street
corners sell them now so cheaply that
they are by no means an extravaganza.
One who cares for them is quite willing
10 make a little sacrifice by way of
bit Of ribbon or the Ike, and feel more
than repaid.
Americans still have an idea that a
few flowers are nothing; one must have
many or none That is a mistake, for
some of the most beautiful effects are
gained with only one or two blossoms,
and nothing could be more charming
than the Japanese method of handling
them. Careful scrutiny Of pictures
however. will reveal the fact that rare
~ is more than one blossom placed in
a Jar at a time. sometimes even foliage
being omitted Therefore, with a lit
tie righteousness in selection the pref
test imaginable effects may be had
nightly for a dinner table. the jar after
ward being carried into the library o.
general sitting room.
IN Ouving flowers when money is an
object IL is safe to say that those with
long stems viii be found most effective
This is because the blossom. as rule.
Is large enough to have striking indi-
vidualftv by itself. whereas the short
stemmed fine blossoms require mass
80 have any decorative force. One jon
oUil or narCissus iii a tall slender vase
or Jar. using one or two OF the long.
pointed, narrow green leaves, will be
found charming. If YOU doubht jus,
try il in he center of dinner table
Three or four blossoms might be bet
esv ef-
is slender enough. and tall ttallness is
essential for effect. there will be not
the slightest trace of skimpiness. Hya'
cienths are the least effective of what
might be called distinctly the decora-
tive type Of flowers, because their stems
are never long enough 10 give good
proportion for the heavy long heads
7'hev the better LETT In the pots In which
Two carnations with one piece Of
naiden-hair fern thrust loosely into
slender jar will wonderfully Improve
the looks Of a table The carnations
should droop a little, but If their heads
are so heavy as 70 bend way over, they
should be wired with the highest quail
ity that can be had. This viii make
them irm without being stiff. One
American Beauty rose alone will deco
rate a good sized dinner table.
Fine flowers. such as lilies Of the val
lev, forget-me-nots. viOlets. etc. re-
auire very different treatment. They
should h put into something low and
fiaring. that they may spread. Guam
tity, however, Is not important, even
with these finest of flowers. for few
loosely arranged will be graceful and
all that is necessary TO give pleasure TO
the eye.
The great trouble with the manage
ment of flowers usually Is overerowd-
ing. II Is fact beyond dispute ihat
three American Beauties with Tong
stems and leaves are far more artistic
in a tall vase than if dozen are used
together. such a quantity detracts
from delicacy; IL is a cloying and in
coherent mas Of color that holds the
eye instesH of allowing it at the same
time to appreciate the symmetry and
beautiful form OF the rose itself. This
same effsct Of overcrowding Is given
by even Il few blossoms If they are
tightly tied together. It makes a thick
mass. whereas Individuality nf oIos-
SONS and lghtness is the thing to be
attained.
Another thing to be borne I'm mind
is that the color OF the vase or Jar
shout never conflict with the color of
the flowers. The holder, except for