FLOWER DECORATIONS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 26

FLOWER DECORATIONS

July is a month when the housewife is sorely taxed for floral decorations. It is indeed a bad time of the year for the most essential ornaments in evqpy refined home. Flowers brighten up the rooms and give a marked appearance of refinement and beauty of thought. Palms and pot ferns may be used to till the breach and many charming effects can be obtained with

holly sprays, the scarlet berries giving a startling contrast to the green foliage. Holly should last three weeks in water. Jonquils, yellow and white, are very plentiful just now; these make splendid hall and verandah decortaion with asparagus or lacipodium for greenery. Most people object to them for use in small rooms owing to their hevay perfume. Arum lilies are beginning to adorn the florists’ windows. These are always attractive if well displayed in large jardinieres. For the diningtable and mantelshelf the blue winter iris cannot be rivalled for beauty and gracefulness. This is Easily the king among winter flowers. Violets are very sweet but unfortunately do not last very long; if these are shut up at night in an air-tight cupboard they will keep much longer. Anemones and early carnations are now to be had from most of the leading florists; these about the only flowers at this time of the year that are suitable for a sick-room. However, before long, the narcissus and freesias will be making their appearance and flowers will again be plentiful. “Flowers are Nature’s jewels.”— Crowley.

First remove all the dead wood together with any weak, spindly growth. Select the strongest growths, cutting them down to IS inches from the ground. Always cut half an inch above an outside bud. making a clean, slanting cut as shown in diagram. This will prevent overcrowding with the new growth and help to keep the centre clear. When extra quality rose blooms are required, the side buds can be nipped out, leaving the centre bud free; thus the nourishment for the three buds is forced into the remaining one and the “Queen of all Flowers” will burst into fragrant glory.