EXHIBITION FLOWERS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2052, 21 September 1880, Page 2

EXHIBITION FLOWERS.

In reply to inquiries about the best methods of taking flowers to shows, the July number of “ Vick’s Monthly” has the following : * Many years’ experience in carrying cut flowers long distances to shows has convinced us of the superiority of common market baskets for conveying them. We have tried many ways, and been at much expense, to cajry flowers so as to present them in the beat condition, and the market basket has proved itself the moat serviceable of all packages. We first place a layer of moss (sphagnum) in the bottom of the basket; the moss is only a little damp, for too much moisture is to be feared, causing the flowers to decay. Flowers that can be cut with long stems are bunched together in the hand as they are cut, and without further handling or re-arranging are set close together on the layer of moss; thus handful after handful are placed in until the basket is full. Then the baskets are covered with a firm manilla paper that is securely tied down. A piece is cut out on each tide of the paper so that it may pass by the handle and tie down snugly ; this secures a moist atmosphere for the flowers, the cracks in the basket allowing suffi ciont air, and yet not enough to dry off the moisture.

It is always beat to cut flowers in the morning, or at least before noon, as during the heat of the day they are apt to flig some, and, if cut in this condition, they will continue to present a wilted appearance. Dahlias should be carefully labelled as they are cut; a wooden label with a wire or string fastened to the stem of each bloom, and then these are set in the mess as thick as they will stand. Pansies are cut and placed in little thumb-pots, partly filled with moss, and moss enough packed around the stems to hold them secure, and then the little pots placed in the moss in the basket. Gladiolus spikes are cut by the handful and placed in a basket, setting the cut end of the stems in the moss ; named varieties are first eorrectly labelled. We find no trouble in carrying gladiolus spikes without covering them. Tall spikes of Tritomas, or any other kinds of flowers, may be carried in the same way. Olose-headed flowers, like zinnias and dahlias, require more room than loose, open blooms, as, unless they have plenty of air, they are apt to become too damp and fall to pieces when too long on the road. The arrangement of flowers at an exhibition will depend samewhat upon the rules adopted by the society for the regulation of this matter, but in general it will be found that they can bo displayed and kept best by inserting their stems in moist sand. Experience has determined that the most practical way to provide for flowers at an exhibition is to make tables of rough boards about three and a half feet wide, and as long as may bo needed. All around the edge of the table nail a baud or strip of board about three and a half inches wide, thus leaving a space two and a half inches deep to be filled with sand all over the table. After the sand is evenly spread it can be moistened by sprinkling, and is then ready to receive the flowers, the stems of which arc inserted in it. Tall flowers and bouquets are placed in vases, or commonly in fruit jars, because they are most easily procured. If green moss from the woods can bo procured, nothing will finish a table better than to lay moss all over the sand ; it presents a very gritifying appearance. Sometimes it is found necessary to place a railing about tho table to prevent visitors handling tho flowers, and if this is covered up with branches or twigs of evergreens, it will conform in style to the moss-covered tables.