American homes and gardens (1911) (18126800476)

Title: American homes and gardens
Identifier: americanhomesgar81911newy (find matches)
Year: 1905 (1900s)
Authors:
Subjects: Architecture, Domestic; Landscape gardening
Publisher: New York : Munn and Co
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library



Text Appearing Before Image:
January, igi i AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 39
Text Appearing After Image:
Fig. i Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 1—Strips of the bark should be cut off the lower part of the stem. Fig. 2—Before the branches are placed in water the lower part should be cut off like this. Fig. 3—The branches should be placed in a sunny window. successfully practised is during the months of January and active growth. Of course the method is one often followed February. Strange as it may seem the buds always expand by florists when they wish to revive drooping flowers. more readily if they have been subjected to a week or two It is just as well to leave the branches in the dark cup- of frost, so during a spell of severe weather is a good time board for twenty-four hours, although naturally the water to secure the boughs. It is, of course a matter of impor- will have become cold long before this interval has elapsed, tance to be able to select the boughs of the trees which are but this does not matter. It is a question for the individual well budded for blossom. Mostly the flower buds will be to decide whether the boughs shall be grown to perfection fatter than those producing only foilage. Another dis- in the vases, or whether they shall only be placed in the tinguishing feature is illustrated in an accompanying photo- ornamental receptacles after they have fully developed. graph showing two pieces of ornamental plum. The spray Some people do not find the leafless branches inartistic, and which would throw a goodly show of flowers is that bearing these are of course soon adorned with expanding buds the large buds on the short shoots. This method of judg- which give a delightful "spring" feeling to the apartment, ing a branch is one well known to fruit growers. Whichever course is adopted the boughs should be placed In cutting the branches from the trees it is a matter of at once in pure water, which it is very necessary should be some importance to make a clean severance, seeing that kept in a fresh condition. To this end it is not a bad plan to torn or ragged fractures prevent a free development on the place a lump of charcoal in each vase or bowl, although this part of the twigs. The most shapely branches should be is not essential if the water is changed about every two days. selected and all along it should be borne in mind that the It is now desirable that the branches should be placed in sprays are to be used in vases for decorative purposes. In order to enable the boughs to absorb water as freely as pos- sible it is a good plan to remove some of the bark on the lower portion of the stem. This is best cut away with a sharp knife in alternate slices as is shown in the illustration. Now secure a number of large bowls into which some hot—not scalding—water has been poured. Tie all the branches to a fully light position, if possible in front of a window where they will get all the sunshine. The speed of growth will be entirely dependent upon the warmth of the room; if the tem- perature is high the buds will commence to swell verv rapidly. Soon the expanding flowers and leaves will be plainly visible and at this stage dust is harmful to the young growth. If possible, the boughs should be protected when be treated into bundles and place the ends of the boughs any sweeping is going on in the apartment, and in any case in the water, at once removing the whole thing to a dark the shoots will be benefited if they are sprinkled occasionally cupboard. This immersion in hot water seems to have the with hike warm water. It should be pointed out in conclu- curious tonic effect of stirring the sleeping buds so that when sion, however, that the directions emphasized in the forego- brought out into the light they will be able to commence ing lines should be followed if the best results are desired.