The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Mayflower, January, 1905This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Mayflower, January, 1905Author: VariousEditor: John Lewis ChildsRelease date: September 10, 2009 [eBook #29951]Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Bryan Ness and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAYFLOWER, JANUARY, 1905 ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: The Mayflower, January, 1905Author: VariousEditor: John Lewis ChildsRelease date: September 10, 2009 [eBook #29951]Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Bryan Ness and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Title: The Mayflower, January, 1905
Author: VariousEditor: John Lewis Childs
Author: Various
Editor: John Lewis Childs
Release date: September 10, 2009 [eBook #29951]
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Bryan Ness and the Online DistributedProofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAYFLOWER, JANUARY, 1905 ***
PAGEEditorial Notes5THE ASTERBy Lora S. La ManceHistory of the Aster6The Modern Aster6General Culture of the Aster7-11About Seed,7—Time to Start Asters,8—Preparing an Aster Bed,8—Mulching and Watering,8—Insect Foes of Asters,9—Other Cultural Rules,11The Aster as a Cut Flower11Leading Varieties of Asters12-13,The Winter Woods (Poem)13The Live Oak (Poem)13Information Box14-15,Communications16-30
ISSUED BYTheMAYFLOWER PUBLISHING CO.FLORAL PARK, N.Y.
Childs' Giant Cyclamen.Our new strain of Cyclamen is the finest in the world. Enormous flowers, delicate colors, superb foliage. Each bulb produces scores of flowers at once, and each flower keeps perfect about two months before fading. As easily grown in a window as a Geranium. Colors range from dark red to white, delicate blush and pink shades prevailing. Often flowers will be spotted. The foliage is very beautiful, being variegated, with different shades of green, and helps to show off the flowers which rise above it, to a remarkable degree. In fact, a plant in bloom always looks like a tastily arranged vase of flowers and foliage. We offer bulbs for blooming at once, and seed which soon makes flowering plants.BULBS.Giant White—pure white.Giant Carmine—Bright.Giant Pink—Exquisite shade.Giant White Crimson Eye.Bulbs, 30c. each; the 4 for $1.00.Giant Mixed—All colors, tints and shades, some being finely spotted. 25c. each; 5 for $1.00.SEED.—Of above sorts and colors separate or all of them mixed, at 20c. per pkt.; 3 pkts. for 50c.Seeds—Bulbs—Plants—FruitsOUR 1905 CATALOGUE.30th Anniversary Edition. 148 pages, colored plates and hundreds of superb cuts.SENT FREE TO ALL WHO APPLY.Among our great Novelties and Specialties are the following:Ivy-leaved Moonflowers, New Asters, Carnations, Geraniums, Coleus, Petunias, Verbenas, Pansies, Primulas, Pink and Yellow Callas, Burbank's Giant Amaryllis, Caladiums, Begonias, Gladiolus. Dahlias, Cannas, Lilies, Azaleas, Midwinter Chrysanthemums, New Shrubs, Vines and Rare New Fruits. Address at once.JOHN LEWIS CHILDS, Floral Park, N. Y.
Our new strain of Cyclamen is the finest in the world. Enormous flowers, delicate colors, superb foliage. Each bulb produces scores of flowers at once, and each flower keeps perfect about two months before fading. As easily grown in a window as a Geranium. Colors range from dark red to white, delicate blush and pink shades prevailing. Often flowers will be spotted. The foliage is very beautiful, being variegated, with different shades of green, and helps to show off the flowers which rise above it, to a remarkable degree. In fact, a plant in bloom always looks like a tastily arranged vase of flowers and foliage. We offer bulbs for blooming at once, and seed which soon makes flowering plants.BULBS.Giant White—pure white.Giant Carmine—Bright.Giant Pink—Exquisite shade.Giant White Crimson Eye.Bulbs, 30c. each; the 4 for $1.00.Giant Mixed—All colors, tints and shades, some being finely spotted. 25c. each; 5 for $1.00.SEED.—Of above sorts and colors separate or all of them mixed, at 20c. per pkt.; 3 pkts. for 50c.
Our new strain of Cyclamen is the finest in the world. Enormous flowers, delicate colors, superb foliage. Each bulb produces scores of flowers at once, and each flower keeps perfect about two months before fading. As easily grown in a window as a Geranium. Colors range from dark red to white, delicate blush and pink shades prevailing. Often flowers will be spotted. The foliage is very beautiful, being variegated, with different shades of green, and helps to show off the flowers which rise above it, to a remarkable degree. In fact, a plant in bloom always looks like a tastily arranged vase of flowers and foliage. We offer bulbs for blooming at once, and seed which soon makes flowering plants.
Giant White—pure white.Giant Carmine—Bright.Giant Pink—Exquisite shade.Giant White Crimson Eye.
Bulbs, 30c. each; the 4 for $1.00.
Giant Mixed—All colors, tints and shades, some being finely spotted. 25c. each; 5 for $1.00.
SEED.—Of above sorts and colors separate or all of them mixed, at 20c. per pkt.; 3 pkts. for 50c.
Seeds—Bulbs—Plants—FruitsOUR 1905 CATALOGUE.30th Anniversary Edition. 148 pages, colored plates and hundreds of superb cuts.SENT FREE TO ALL WHO APPLY.Among our great Novelties and Specialties are the following:Ivy-leaved Moonflowers, New Asters, Carnations, Geraniums, Coleus, Petunias, Verbenas, Pansies, Primulas, Pink and Yellow Callas, Burbank's Giant Amaryllis, Caladiums, Begonias, Gladiolus. Dahlias, Cannas, Lilies, Azaleas, Midwinter Chrysanthemums, New Shrubs, Vines and Rare New Fruits. Address at once.JOHN LEWIS CHILDS, Floral Park, N. Y.
30th Anniversary Edition. 148 pages, colored plates and hundreds of superb cuts.
Among our great Novelties and Specialties are the following:
Ivy-leaved Moonflowers, New Asters, Carnations, Geraniums, Coleus, Petunias, Verbenas, Pansies, Primulas, Pink and Yellow Callas, Burbank's Giant Amaryllis, Caladiums, Begonias, Gladiolus. Dahlias, Cannas, Lilies, Azaleas, Midwinter Chrysanthemums, New Shrubs, Vines and Rare New Fruits. Address at once.
JOHN LEWIS CHILDS, Floral Park, N. Y.
Sent for 3 years for only 30c. together with 10 fine Flowering Bulbs Free.
For twenty yearsThe Mayflowermonthly magazine has been the most popular horticultural publication issued, going all over the world to hundreds of thousands of subscribers. It is devoted exclusively to the cultivation of Flowers, Plants, Fruits, Vegetables, and to gardening and home adornment in general. Each issue contains a leading article on some one subject and this subject is treated fully and concisely, being a perfect treatise. Some of the leading articles for next year will be as follows: Dahlias, Sweet Peas, Nasturtiums, Carnations, Violets, Asters, etc. Besides these leading articles each issue contains many more which while not so lengthy are none the less useful and interesting. Each issue also contains two important and useful departments, namely:
The Information Box:What our Readers Want to Know, by Lora S. La Mance. Here requests for information asked by our readers will be answered in a thorough and interesting manner.
Correspondence:Under the heading of each individual state are published interesting and useful letters from our readers, questions and answers, etc., which make this department of great interest and value to every subscriber. Most of our articles are finely illustrated, and all in allThe Mayfloweris the greatest help that any lover of flowers and gardening can have, keeping one abreast of the times on methods of culture, new varieties and scores of topics of general usefulness.
Knowing that The Mayflower is the greatest help any one can have in the successful cultivation of flowers and gardens we have made the price so very low that it is easily within the reach of all.SUBSCRIPTION PRICEonly 25 cents for 3 years, or for 30 cents we will mailFREEThe Mayfloweruntil January 1908, and 10 fine flowering bulbs as follows:
Knowing that The Mayflower is the greatest help any one can have in the successful cultivation of flowers and gardens we have made the price so very low that it is easily within the reach of all.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICEonly 25 cents for 3 years, or for 30 cents we will mailFREEThe Mayfloweruntil January 1908, and 10 fine flowering bulbs as follows:
10 Splendid Summer-Flowering Bulbs for each of those who Subscribe, at a Cost of Only 5 cts. for postage.
We have made up a Collection of 10 very choice and beautiful Summer-Flowering Bulbs as sort of a premium or present to those who subscribe this season. To get these 10 Bulbs it is necessary only to send5 cents,in addition to the subscription price (25c. for 3 years) making only 30c. to be sent to get the 10 Bulbs andThe Mayflowerfor 3 years, or until January 1908. They are as follows:
We have made up a Collection of 10 very choice and beautiful Summer-Flowering Bulbs as sort of a premium or present to those who subscribe this season. To get these 10 Bulbs it is necessary only to send5 cents,in addition to the subscription price (25c. for 3 years) making only 30c. to be sent to get the 10 Bulbs andThe Mayflowerfor 3 years, or until January 1908. They are as follows:
3 Gladiolus Groff's New Hybrids, newest type1 Montbretia Sulphurea, golden yellow1 Chlidanthus Fragrans1 Phadranassa1 Mexican Gem (Milla or Bessera)1 Mammoth Oxalis1 Hyacinthus Candicans1 Zephyranthus
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The Mayfloweris so good and valuable that it is a very easy matter for anyone, man, woman, or child, to get up a club among their friends and neighbors. Just think of it.The Mayflowerthree whole years for only 30 cents. We give the club-raiser a fine premium for every subscriber sent in. The club-raiser may elect one of the following fine Plants or Bulbs forevery subscribersent us, and same will be mailed free.Remember also that everyone who subscribes for The Mayflower for 3 years may by sending 5 cts. more receive the 10 superb Summer-Flowering bulbs.
The Mayfloweris so good and valuable that it is a very easy matter for anyone, man, woman, or child, to get up a club among their friends and neighbors. Just think of it.The Mayflowerthree whole years for only 30 cents. We give the club-raiser a fine premium for every subscriber sent in. The club-raiser may elect one of the following fine Plants or Bulbs forevery subscribersent us, and same will be mailed free.
Remember also that everyone who subscribes for The Mayflower for 3 years may by sending 5 cts. more receive the 10 superb Summer-Flowering bulbs.
1BulbChlidanthus Fragrans1"Yellow Calla1"New Giant Gloxinia1"New Giant Begonia1"Canna Musafolia1"Fancy Caladium1"Gloxinia Tubiflora1"Sauromatum Simlense1"Japan Lily1"Easter Gladiolus1Pkt. SeedJubilee Phlox1"Multiflora Roses1"Mayflower Verbena1"Jennings Pansy1"Giant Petunia1"New Double Sweet Peas, 4 sorts1"Marg. Carnation New Dwarf-Extra fine1"Giant Emperor Asparagus1"Rosy Nugget Watermelon, finest sort1"Everbearing Bush Strawberry
Subscriptions may be sent toTHE MAYFLOWER PUBLISHING CO., Floral Park, N. Y.
Thousands of Women Have Kidney Trouble and Never Suspect It.Didn't Know I Had Kidney TroubleI had tried so many remedies without benefit that I was about discouraged, but in a few days after taking your wonderful Swamp-Root I began to feel better.I was out of health and run down generally; had no appetite, was dizzy and suffered with headache most of the time. I did not realize that my kidneys were the cause of my trouble, but somehow felt they might be, and I began taking Swamp-Root, as above stated. There is such a pleasant taste to Swamp-Root, and it goes right to the spot and certainly drives disease out of the system. It has cured me, and I cheerfully recommend it to all sufferers.Gratefully yours,Mrs. A. L. Walker,21 McDaniel St., Atlanta, Ga.WOMENsuffer untold misery because the nature of their disease is not always correctly understood; in many cases when doctoring, they are led to believe that womb trouble or female weakness of some sort is responsible for their ills, when in fact disordered kidneys are the chief cause of their distressing troubles. Perhaps you suffer almost continually with pain in the back, bearing-down feelings, headache and utter exhaustion.Your poor health makes you nervous, irritable, and at times despondent; but thousands of just such suffering or broken-down women are being restored to health and strength every day by the use of that wonderful discovery, Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root, the great kidney, liver and bladder remedy.Why Swamp-Root Gives StrengthNot only does Swamp-Root bring new life and activity to the kidneys, thecauseof the trouble, but by strengthening the kidneys it acts as a general tonic and food for the entire constitution.The mild and extraordinary effect of the world-famous kidney and bladder remedy, Swamp-Root, is soon realized. It stands the highest for its wonderful cures of the most distressing cases. A trial will convince anyone—and you may have a sample bottle free by mail.In taking Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root you afford natural help to Nature, for Swamp-Root is the most perfect healer and gentle aid to the kidneys that has been discovered. Don't make any mistake, but remember the name, Swamp-Root, Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root, and the address, Binghamton, N. Y., on every bottle.To Prove What SWAMP-ROOT, the Great Kidney, Liver and Bladder Remedy Will do forYOU, Every Reader of The Mayflower May Have a Sample Bottle FREE by Mail.EDITORIAL NOTICE—No matter how many doctors you have tried—no matter how much money you have spent on other medicines, you really owe it to yourself, and to your family, to at least give Swamp-Root a trial. Its strongest friends to-day are those who had almost given up hope of ever becoming well again, So successful is Swamp-Root in promptly curing even the most distressing cases, that to prove its wonderful merits you may have a sample bottle and a book of valuable information, both sent absolutely free by mail. The book contains many of the thousands upon thousands of testimonial letters received from men and women cured. The value and success of Swamp-Root is so well known that our readers are advised to send for a sample bottle.In writing to Dr. Kilmer & Co., Binghamton, N. Y., be sure to say that you read this generous offer inThe Mayflower. The proprietors of this paper guarantee the genuineness of this offer. If you are already convinced that Swamp-Root is what you need, you can purchase the regular fifty-cent and one-dollar size bottles at all drug stores everywhere.
I had tried so many remedies without benefit that I was about discouraged, but in a few days after taking your wonderful Swamp-Root I began to feel better.
I was out of health and run down generally; had no appetite, was dizzy and suffered with headache most of the time. I did not realize that my kidneys were the cause of my trouble, but somehow felt they might be, and I began taking Swamp-Root, as above stated. There is such a pleasant taste to Swamp-Root, and it goes right to the spot and certainly drives disease out of the system. It has cured me, and I cheerfully recommend it to all sufferers.
Gratefully yours,
Mrs. A. L. Walker,21 McDaniel St., Atlanta, Ga.
WOMENsuffer untold misery because the nature of their disease is not always correctly understood; in many cases when doctoring, they are led to believe that womb trouble or female weakness of some sort is responsible for their ills, when in fact disordered kidneys are the chief cause of their distressing troubles. Perhaps you suffer almost continually with pain in the back, bearing-down feelings, headache and utter exhaustion.
Your poor health makes you nervous, irritable, and at times despondent; but thousands of just such suffering or broken-down women are being restored to health and strength every day by the use of that wonderful discovery, Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root, the great kidney, liver and bladder remedy.
Why Swamp-Root Gives Strength
Not only does Swamp-Root bring new life and activity to the kidneys, thecauseof the trouble, but by strengthening the kidneys it acts as a general tonic and food for the entire constitution.
The mild and extraordinary effect of the world-famous kidney and bladder remedy, Swamp-Root, is soon realized. It stands the highest for its wonderful cures of the most distressing cases. A trial will convince anyone—and you may have a sample bottle free by mail.
In taking Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root you afford natural help to Nature, for Swamp-Root is the most perfect healer and gentle aid to the kidneys that has been discovered. Don't make any mistake, but remember the name, Swamp-Root, Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Root, and the address, Binghamton, N. Y., on every bottle.
To Prove What SWAMP-ROOT, the Great Kidney, Liver and Bladder Remedy Will do forYOU, Every Reader of The Mayflower May Have a Sample Bottle FREE by Mail.
EDITORIAL NOTICE—No matter how many doctors you have tried—no matter how much money you have spent on other medicines, you really owe it to yourself, and to your family, to at least give Swamp-Root a trial. Its strongest friends to-day are those who had almost given up hope of ever becoming well again, So successful is Swamp-Root in promptly curing even the most distressing cases, that to prove its wonderful merits you may have a sample bottle and a book of valuable information, both sent absolutely free by mail. The book contains many of the thousands upon thousands of testimonial letters received from men and women cured. The value and success of Swamp-Root is so well known that our readers are advised to send for a sample bottle.
In writing to Dr. Kilmer & Co., Binghamton, N. Y., be sure to say that you read this generous offer inThe Mayflower. The proprietors of this paper guarantee the genuineness of this offer. If you are already convinced that Swamp-Root is what you need, you can purchase the regular fifty-cent and one-dollar size bottles at all drug stores everywhere.
Vol.XXI. FLORAL PARK, N. Y., JANUARY, 1905.No. 1
Subscription Price, 50 Cents for 3 years.
Foreign subscribers must send two shillings extra for postage.
Devoted to the cultivation of Flowers and Plants, Gardening and Home Adornment in general.
Copyrighted 1904 by the Mayflower Publishing Company
Entered as Second Class Mail Matter at Floral Park P. O., N. Y.
The principal subject of this issue is The Aster, by Lora S. La Mance. Read it and preserve the copy. It is worth keeping and you are quite likely to need it for future reference.
Complete volume ofThe Mayflowerfor 1904, now ready, price 25c. postpaid. Any volume from 1894 to 1904, inclusive, 25 cts. each.
Our Attractive Offer for 1905
We would refer our readers to one of the foregoing pages for complete information regarding our club premiums for 1905. As usual, we offer a good premium, (one that is well worth working for,) to the club raiser for every subscriber he or she sends us. Here is a chance for all our readers to add materially to their collection of floral treasures, as it is the simplest thing in the world to go out among one's friends and neighbors and get subscribers toThe Mayflower. So good a floral magazine, at only 25c. for 3 years, together with 10 beautiful summer blooming bulbs for only 5c. extra, is a proposition that people are likely to accept, when it is brought to their attention, especially if they are the least bit interested in flowers or gardening.
The Warbler
If you are in the least interested in the scientific study of birds and bird protection, you surely needThe Warblermagazine, which we publish at $1.00 per year, and which is advertised elsewhere in our columns.
Imitation Gardenias
The gardenia flowers now so much favored for wearing are expensive. All the dames beautiful enough to deserve them in profusion, do not receive them, perhaps. Clever imitations of the sprays are sometimes made up of the large shining leaves of the Japan Euonymus and the flowers of the Double Poet's Narcissus, N. alba plena odorata. Unfortunately, the difference in odor does not lend itself to the illusion.
Two Favorite Bedding Pansies
These are Emperor William and Lord Beaconsfield. One is light blue and the other yellow, so that, en masse, they are effective at a distance. The rich, dark, velvety Pansies are really more beautiful to look at, but we must stand close by them or hold them in the hand in order to enjoy them. In photographs the flowers of dark varieties hardly show at all. A good example of the handling of Pansies for effectiveness is shown in the planting of the six solid beds usually devoted to them in the grounds of Girard College, Philadelphia. The beds chosen for them are those that have been planted with Tulips the autumn beforehand. From seed sown in August grow thrifty young plants that are wintered in a cold-frame. As soon as the Tulips show leaves above ground young Pansy plants are set between them. When the Tulip flowers begin to fade the Pansies are opening their buds, and when the faded bulb-stems are cut away, lo! Pansy beds in full bloom!
History of the Aster—The Modern Aster—General Culture of the Aster—About Seed—Time to Start Asters—Preparing an Aster Bed—Mulching and Watering—Insect Foes of Asters—Other Cultural Rules—The Aster as a Cut Flower—Leading Varieties of Asters.
Starworts or Aster-like flowers of the Compositæ family are found in many parts of the world. In far-off China a flower-loving Catholic missionary noted a showy flower of late summer and early autumn. That was nearly two hundred years ago. The flower was what is botanically known as Callistephus, a Greek term meaning beautiful crown. From a scientific standpoint it was not an Aster at all, though closely related to that family. This wild Daisy-like Callistephus bore many graceful single flowers about the size of our largest wild Asters. The flowers consisted of a single row of light bluish-purple ray petals surrounding a golden disk-like center. In 1731 the Jesuit missionary sent seeds of it to France. It was liked from the first, and its early French cultivators politely named itReine Marguerite—Queen Daisy.
In due time the plant reached England. Here it was re-named. In allusion to its origin and to the star-like spread of its bluish petals, they called it China Aster,i.e.China Star. Even in our mother's day it was still called the China Aster. It became popular, especially as it soon sported into different colors. Otherwise there was little change in it until a little after 1840, when the first double flowers were produced.
From that time its development was something marvelous. French, English, German and American hybridizers have vied with each other in bringing out new forms. It must be considered now as one of the few flowers that has all but reached perfection. There are three or four marked types of flowers, and it would seem impossible in any of these types to add to their beauty of form or to improve their colors, unless it would be to add a really deep yellow to the list of shades. Nor is anything lacking in size or doubleness of bloom.
Our Asters of to-day range in size from the dwarfs, 6 to 12 inches high, to half dwarfs, 15 to 18 inches tall, and tall sorts, 20 inches to 2 feet in height. There are three leading types of flowers. (1) Rose-flowered, shaped and imbricated like a blooded rose, the outer petals reflexed or rolled back, and the inner ones slightly recurved. This type of flower is much prized by those who like regularity of petals. They are as perfect as though moulded and shaped out of wax. (2) Peony-flowered, large blossoms with incurved petals, making a globe-shaped flower. (3) Chrysanthemum-flowered, with closely arranged, informal petals, sometimes curled and feathered to a high degree. Beside there are quilled, ball, and tassel Asters, etc., modifications or sports of the types mentioned.
The Aster is a showy flower, and grows well for those who treat it well, in any climate or country. They come into bloom in late midsummer and last until frost, one of the scarcest times in the year for really good flowers. It is fine for exhibition at flower shows, and is useful as a cut flower. For all of these reasons the Aster would be a standard flower. Their great popularity is based, however, on two qualifications not mentioned above, and both of which they possess in a superlative degree. These qualities are great beauty of flower and a wonderful diversity and perfection of coloring.
A well grown Aster is simply magnificent. The Chrysanthemum is acknowledged to be the queen of autumn. Nevertheless more than one unscrupulous florist has palmed off great fluffy white blooms of Asters as those of Queen Chrysanthemum herself. Size, form, color and substance go to make up a superbly beautiful flower without a trace of coarseness or gaudiness about it. In poetical language their flowers symbolize both bounty and cheerfulness in old age.
No one but an artist should attempt to describe an Aster's colors. There are nearly thirty shades in Truffaut's Peony-flowered Asters. Victoria Asters can be purchased under twenty-four separate colors. Other sections show still other shades, to say nothing of those with white crownsand colored borders, and those with striped and silver-tipped flowers.
A BED OF MIXED VARIETIES OF ASTERSA BED OF MIXED VARIETIES OF ASTERS
Only the drifted snow can compare with the purity of a white Aster. It has those spotless flowers that bring thoughts of heaven. Asters have many blue and lavender tints. None of them are muddy, or metallic, or dingy, as are too many blues and lavenders. They show the blue of a June sky, or the blue of the amethyst, or the color of the lilac of spring, together with soft lavenders, pale blues and deep indigo. Sulphur and primrose tints are the nearest yellow, but in reds they run the gamut from rosy flesh and palest apple-blossom through shell pink, peach, rose, carmine, scarlet and blood red to deepest crimson. Many of the pink shades are exquisitely beautiful. Only the pure whites can surpass them.
I would like to say that a six-year old child can raise good Asters, and that they will grow in any kind of ground from a clay bank to a sand pit, or stand any kind of treatment. I can't truthfully say those things, however, for my Lady Aster is a fastidious dame. She wants plenty to eat and plenty to drink, and requires her insect foes kept at bay. Those who are not willing to do this had better let her alone. James Vick, that good old seedsman now gone to his reward, was an Aster enthusiast. His experience concisely summed up amounts to this:
Never let them flag from seed-leaf to time of full bloom. Give deep, rich ground, plenty of sunshine, and mulch with coarse manure. Stake the tall varieties so as to prevent their blowing over.
Never let them flag from seed-leaf to time of full bloom. Give deep, rich ground, plenty of sunshine, and mulch with coarse manure. Stake the tall varieties so as to prevent their blowing over.
That's a good rule for those who want everything in a nutshell. It may be summed up in another way. The way to have fine Asters is to do these six things: (1) Get the best seed; (2) start in a seasonable time; (3) give rich, mellow ground; (4) never allow them to parch; (5) keep insects down; and (6) stake when necessary.
About Seed
There are many kinds of seed that may be home grown year after year and the strain suffer no deterioration. Aster seed is not one of these kinds. If they were given high culture so as to bloom their best, and only a few of the very choicest individual flowers allowed to seed, they would of course come true from seed year afteryear. The trouble is that home saving is generally from all the flowers as they run, culls, off-colored specimens and all. Our best Asters represent very high breeding indeed. It is well known that highly bred plants quickly run out unless kept at the same high standard. Therefore never trust to haphazard seed if you desire first class Asters. Do not depend either upon cheap seed. Choose a reliable seed house, one that takes a pride in keeping the choicest strains of all the leading flowers and has too much regard for its reputation to send out inferior seeds under some high-sounding title.
DWARF BOUQUET ASTERDWARF BOUQUET ASTER
Time to Start Asters
A great many people start Aster seed in the house or greenhouse as early as February. There is not only nothing gained by this—for the Aster is a late flower and does not come to its best estate before August, start it when you will—but an actual disadvantage. Like James Vick, I would emphasize the importance of never letting the plants get a check if the finest flowers are wanted. Now the Aster is not naturally a hothouse plant. It needs in its young stage plenty of fresh air. Without it, or without sufficient light, or in too warm an atmosphere, the young Aster plants become tall and spindling, or, as florists express it, are drawn. A drawn Aster invariably makes a weak, sickly plant, and never bears large or handsome flowers. Sow the seed thinly and cover lightly. They should germinate in from 5 to 7 days.
In the middle states the best growers make a practice of sowing the seeds in boxes about the last of April or first of May. Some make a couple of later sowings between that date and the first of June, sowing these in carefully prepared seed-beds in the open ground. This is to keep up a succession of flowers. So many sowings are scarcely necessary now that there are both early and late varieties to be chosen in the first place. The period of first sowing will allow for all, if kinds that flower at various times are chosen. In the Southern states a June sowing is recommended. A lath frame will keep the plants from parching.
Late Asters may be lifted for the house. It is a good plan if one wishes several of them for pot plants to sow seed of them in July, under a lath frame where they will be shaded somewhat and protected from drying winds until up and of some little size. These will come into bloom before the first Holland bulbs are ready for the window, and will remain in full beauty for several weeks. An August sowing will give late winter and early spring flowers.
Asters are easily transplanted and should never be allowed to become cramped for room, or to be grown in the shade of other plants. If carefully done, an Aster in almost full bloom can be taken up and replanted without injuring it in the least. So there is no excuse for letting them be crowded in either seed-box or seed-bed.
Preparing an Aster Bed
There is no use trying to get good Asters from plants in poor ground. They are gross feeders. They dislike sandy soil the most of all. Clay ground is better for them than sand, and loamy soil the best of all. If the soil is sandy, plant Asters so as to leave a little depression around each plant. The water will thus sink about them and more moisture be retained. Sour, undrained soils where the water stands should be raised a little above the level of the lawn, if for Asters, so that excess of water may drain off. They like moisture but not stagnant water. Whatever the character of the ground, spade it deep so that it may be mellow, and make it very rich. If the ground is to be spaded a foot deep, a 3-inch layer of rotted manure is about right to dig in. Rotted manure does not mean fresh or lumpy manure. It means that the fertilizing element shall have been rotted until ready to drop to pieces. Stable manure is too fiery. Cow manure over a year old is best. Many expert Aster growers scatter an inch of unleached hardwood ashes over the bed before it is broken up and spade it in with the manure. They claim it both suits the Aster and helps to keep off root-lice.
It is usual to plant tall or half dwarf varieties in the center of the beds, and use some of the dwarf Asters for an outside row or border. The tall kinds should stand 10 to 12 inches apart in the row. The dwarf ones about 8 inches apart. Asters make a sightly bed because of the uniform height of each class and because of their blooming at the same time.
Hot dry soil quickly spoils Asters. About July mulch them well.
Mulching and Watering
Two inches of coarse manure spread out well over their roots is the best mulch of all, as every rain washes nutrition from it down to the roots below. Chip dirt, pine needles, or grass clippings will do, or anything else that is light, yet will let the rains or waterings leach through. No one who has not actually tried it can know of the help a mulch really is to Asters. I doubt whether first-class flowers can be obtained in dry, windy countries, or in hot, sun-scorched valleys without its aid. Asters love the sun, nevertheless unless their feet are kept cool and moist they inevitably burn and wilt. A mulch keeps the ground cool, and it keeps it moist also.
I know of Asters that gained the prizes at county fairs that were regularly soaked once a week with the suds from the weekly washing. In most climates a thorough drenching of the ground once a week will promote a luxuriant growth of the plants. There is nothing gained by watering in dry weather unless the ground is mulched. Without this protection the ground will bake as hard as a brick and the plants suffer more than if no water had been given. In some sections hot dry winds prevail through August and September. This is most trying to Asters. If there is a tank, or system of water works, a good sprinkling, not only to the roots but of the foliage as well, will revive them wonderfully. Use the hose about sunset. By morning the plants will be entirely revived.
Insect Foes of Asters
The red spider and aphis have no special fondness for the Aster. They get after it when it comes in their way, as they do anything else. But the Aster has two implacable enemies that by their ravages have done more to discourage people from growing these plants than all other causes combined. These two foes are blister beetles and root lice.
Red spiderbothers in hot dry weather. Water is their foe. When the familiar thin, half-dying foliage appears, grey on the under-side and showing a few fine webs underneath, there is no mistaking the signs. It is the red spider. If a hose is used in the garden, turn the water on under a full head, directing it to the under-side of the leaves where the invisible pests have their colonies. Never mind if it does bend the plants by the force of the stream. They can be straightened afterwards. Play up and down, under and all around. If well done, and the deed repeated a couple of days after, they will have been killed. If no hose is available, use a sprinkler, dashing the water on with all the force possible.
Aphisis the common plant louse. Some use tobacco stems as a mulch about Asters instead of manure. Tobacco factories and dealers in florist's supplies sell these at low prices, as it is the refuse material left after manufacturing tobacco for smoking and chewing. Where these can be obtained it is a sure preventative not only against aphis but almost any other insect.
Other remedies for aphis are spraying with a hard stream of water. Two or three thorough applications will finish them. Kerosene emulsion will kill them. So will insect powder if it has not become stale, and if used on a still, calm day when there is no air stirring to revive its suffocated victims.
The blister beetleor aster beetle comes along when the plants are in bloom or in bud. They are half to three-quarters of an inch long, black with grey stripes down their back. Oh! how they devour all before them! Out of the unknown they come, hordes of them. They tarry but two or three days, and leave but bare stalks behind them, every bed, every flower, and every leaf eaten off.
The remedy is to fight them.
QUILLED GERMAN ASTERQUILLED GERMAN ASTER
When the lytta,aliasblister beetle, arrives, prepare to give a warm welcome to him and all of his kind. There are several methods of doing this. Any of them must be repeated two or three times a day, for there seem to be successive waves of the beetles. In a few days the danger is past.
My own method is to get a helper, and, taking one plant at a time, knock the beetles off and kill them with a stick. It is a joy to look upon the heaps of slain when all is done. Whenever the plant upon which it is is jarred in the slightest, this beetle falls to the ground exactly as though it were dead. Only for a second, however, then it runs for dear life. That is why it takes more than one person, for it's no child's play to kill a score of scampering bugs in a quarter of a minute.
My other half's way is to get a fresh supply of insect powder (Dalmation, Persian, Bubach, etc.,whatever name it may be sold under) and squirt it thickly over the bugs by the use of one of those 10-cent powder guns that all druggists keep. It is effective if the insect powder is fresh.
Other remedies are to put netting over the bed; to spray the plants with poisoned water, made by stirring 1 teaspoonful of Paris green into 2 gallons of water; and to use kerosene emulsion. The last is made after this formula: 1 tablespoonful of kerosene beaten up with half a cupful of milk. Dilute with 2 gallons of water.
Do not forget that any remedy must be used two or three times a day while the raid is on.
Root-lice,blue aphis, etc., is one of the most common enemies of the Aster. When the plants are almost at their best the tops turn a peculiar sickly green, or they wilt, or become brown. They die quickly unless something is at once done. Pull one up and the roots are found alive with a little insect that looks like a plant louse. Insecticides poured on the soil rarely kill the pests. A bed that has been ashed, or had a mulching of tobacco stems, as has already been advised, will have escaped.
Where the root lice have already commenced, Rexford recommends drawing the dirt away until the roots are exposed, then sifting tobacco dust thickly over them replacing the soil afterwards. Others recommend flooding the bed with kerosene emulsion in the same way. While some have success, others claim failure by either of these methods. Here is a way of dealing with root lice, however, that is always sure.
Heat a lot of water. Then pull up every affected plant, shake the dirt off their roots, and dip them quickly into scalding water. Leave them in but a second, but dip their roots two or three times to make sure every bug gets its dose. Pour boiling water into the ground where the Asters had been. That settles the fate of every root-louse in the ground. As soon as the ground has cooled a little, plant the Asters back, stake them so as to hold them up, and shade lightly for a day or two.
Will it not kill the plants? No, it will not injure them. Of course the plants should have been taken up very carefully so as not to break off the roots. The Aster will stand more in the way of lifting than any other plant I know. Mature plants may be washed out by the roots in a severe storm, but if promptly planted again will be all right in a day or two after. I know a lady who had to move some distance in August. She had a fine bed of Asters. She made the ground soaking wet, then took them every one up, putting them as close as they would stand in ordinary soap boxes. They never minded the transfer in the least, and bloomed so handsomely in their boxes as to call forth many compliments. I give these instances to convince doubting Thomasesthat pulling up Asters and scalding the root-lice on them is not so desperate a remedy as it sounds. And it is a sure remedy.
Other Cultural Rules
Until it is time to mulch Asters, stir the ground, or hoe the bed once a week. In some climates, particularly in warm ones, tall Asters sometimes take on a tall, thin growth. These leggy plants are not beautiful, nor do they bear many flowers. Whenever plants show a disposition to run up this way, pinch out the tops. Repeat the pinching two or three times if necessary, until a disposition to branch shows itself.
The tall sorts are the better for a support. Otherwise hard winds uproot them. Stakes should be used that when driven will be about two-thirds the height of the plants. Tie with soft string, with a sort of a slip-knot so that a half dozen of the main branches have a band supporting them, yet are not drawn up so hard and tight as to cut into the branch.
If a display of Asters are wanted for a flower show make the ground as wet as mud. Then lift each plant with a spade or mattock slowly and skillfully. The roots, dirt and all, will come up in a solid mass. Pot at once, before any of the earth is shaken off. They will not wither in the least if kept out of direct sunshine for a few days. If enormous blooms are wanted, disbud, leaving but one bud to each tip. Trim off the small side branches also, to throw the strength of the plant into these chosen blooms. Most people prefer more flowers and less size.
There are generally a few promising late Asters that are not yet in bloom when frosts come. Lift these in the same careful manner for the house. They do not do well in hot rooms. In cool rooms, not above 60 to 65 degrees by day, they thrive. They like some sunshine, but will get along with little of it if they have good light beside. They do finely in halls and bedrooms where the temperature is almost to the frost line at night, and no fire heat at all during the day. An Aster will not bloom all winter. Its period of bloom is quite long enough, however, to make it a welcome guest in the plant window, and when through blooming it can be thrown away.
NEW ROSE ASTERNEW ROSE ASTER
An Aster is at its very best as a cut flower, and remains in good condition for two weeks. It comes in the late summer season before Chrysanthemums are ready and after Lilies are gone. It is a time of dearth of really fine flowers. Florists are growing it more and more for their sales, and to use in decorations for August and September weddings and parties. White Asters are much used for funeral wreaths also.
Amateurs cannot make up elaborate floral pieces like florists, and it is not wise to attempt it. But it is well enough for us all to remember that a simple spray of white Asters in a setting of green Ferns, or of lace-like Asparagus plumosus, is a gift of remembrance that no loving hand need be ashamed of placing on the coffin of a friend. A loose, careless nosegay of Asters, bright with its pretty pinks and blues, and a deep crimson one or two to bear its white companions company, will cheer up a sick friend. Always remember the touch of color in flowers for the sick. They need cheer and brightness, and sunny flowers give them both.
The taller Asters are fine to cut for vases and for pulpit bouquets, if the longest stems are chosen. Use plenty of pretty greenery, and arrange the flowers so that each stands out airily by itself,not wedged between its neighbors. Asters can be over-crowded in a bouquet until heavy and clumsy looking. It is the one fault to avoid. The remedy is to use more foliage with them, and to put fewer flowers in the bouquet. Enough is better than a surplus in arranging cut-flowers.