CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 5

CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS

In the cultivation of flowers each one can indulge his peculiar fancy, aud each one's character will represent itself in the taste indulged. Some of stern, conservative mould will be gratified with the plain and hardy perenrial— perhaps the tall, coarse, and ostentatious varieties. Others of fine taste and rtore delicate perceptions will patiently rear the minutest and most evanescent annuaj.3, that, blooming for a few days only, shall live in the fanoy as the fairy children of thought till their yearly return — a higher, purer jjy with eacn annual companionship. The motives to the cultivation of flowers are as various as the tastes of mankind. They a-e the simplest and least expensive ornament of the homestead, imparting an air of taste and comfort, and awakening dreams of beauty, especially in the minds o£ children, that will never entirely fade from the memory, but wijl linger reminiscences of home, and as oft-recurring in centives to strive after a better life. A small amount judiciously expended each year in seeds and plants, would soon surround the home with a great diversity of floral beauty. Flowers abundantly compensate those who cultivate them by the associations to whioh they conduce. They are eminently socialising in their tendency ; the flower garden diffuses pleasure beyond its own precincts, and gladdens other hearts than that of its possessor. While contemplating its varied beauties, kindred natures quicken into sympathy, and f-iendship has often distilled through the aroma of twilight bloom. The flower garden ia proverbially the haunt of lovers. The skilful and intelligent florist will be a welcome guest anywhere, and will make friends a3 readily as baauty finds admireiM. As a relaxation from the cares of a professional or mercantile life, a light diversion to be enjoyed morning and evening, the culture of flowers is peculiarly desirable.