Evening journal., 1906-11-12
FLOWERS AS
CHRISTMAS GIFTS
They Are Becoming More
in Fashion Every
Year

November planting means Christmas
blooming Each year the giving OF
potted plants as Christmas offerings
is becoming more and more popular
IL the bulbs are purchased and grow
in the living-room window. the gift be-
comes quite inexpensive. besides be-
ing the more acceptable because IL was
grown and cared FOR by the giver II
is best to conane ones attention to
dubious plants for not only are they
more fragrant and beautiful than
any others grown indoors during the
winter, but they are more reliable.
There are many varieties OF bulbs
which bloom In about six weeks from
the time they are planted.
one Of the lesser known OF these is
the cyclamen. This may be grown
from seed. but it takes from IS to IS
months from seed to flower, and that
is too slow for the average American
Bulbs can be procured from the florist
and they should be planted IN FIVE or
six inch pots. The soil should be rich
and be part leaf mold IL IL can be got
The best variety to grow from bulbs is
the ivy-leafed cyclamen, c. Neapoli-
tanum. because It will give more now-
ers. These flowers may not be 50
large as the other varieties which are
grown from seed but the result win
be well worth the effort made.
The Roman Hyaointh.
Everyone knows Of the Roman hya.
cinth and its rapid growth. A pretty
way to grow this flower is to use the
hyacinth grass and grow it in water
A grass may be bought for % cents, or
any vase which just allows the tip OF
the bulb TO touch the water may be
used. Place a few bits OF charcoal IN
the bottom Of the vase to keep the
water sweet, and renew the water as It
evaporates, AS with the bulbs which
are planted in eacn. the water-grown
flowers should be placed in the dark
until the root fibres have formed.
The Chinese Sacred Lily.
Another water flower stin more fasci-
mating and beautiful than the hyacnth,
is the Chinese sacred lily. Several Of
these bulbs should be placed in a shall
low glass dish, with a little sand In
the bottom and enough pebbles to keep
the bulbs from topping over The
lily Is really a narcissus, and the blos-
SONS are large and fragrant, OF a paper
white. with yellow centres. They stay
in bloom for days. and because Of the
legends with which the Chinese have
surrounded these flowers, making them
their emblem of the New Year and
good luck, they seem especially ap-
propriate as a gift.
The polyanthus narcissus Is a variety
that is very pleasing and a quick grow
or. This is grown In pots, and the
blossoms are rather small, but OF the
beautiful creamy white. with yellow
centres. 1n aard sr,a az
The lily of the valley as a house plant
1 is an innovation, and yet they are real
I ly not hard to grow The "pips''
should be got from the florist and
should be taken from cold storage so
that they are not dried. Cut or part
/ Of the roots so that they win absorb
the moisture more readily and plant
in sand or light soil that viii retain the
moisture. Place in a warm corner and
/ let remain two weeks-more II the
corner is not too dark. Afterward the
/ box or pots can be brought to a lighter
situation Very often eracemes OF
blooms will appear in four weeks.
[ Autot lAl4to ciEin 10 uQ utlLtI Wntn
planted in boxes together AS they
bloom they may be transplanted with
out injuring them in the least. A few
spikes Of these fragrant little blossoms
planted in a little jardiniere or tht
tiny jars which can be purchased
in any Of the shops would make a gift
that would bring delight to anyone
man, woman or child.
Then there are some kinds OF tulips.
the daffodils and freezias which may
be used. A good rose for Christmas
blooming is the baby rambler. This
may be got from the florist now with
the buds just formed, and in six o.
seven weeks the bush will be a mass
of blooms. All of the bulbs which are
used should be kept in dark place
for while. and when they are brought
to the light they should be kept in a
sunny window where they will not get
chilled. The earth should be kept
moist. II these directions are followed
and the bulbs are purchased from a
reliable dealer. there is no reason why
the windows should not be gay with
blossoms at Christmas time.