Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1909 — FLOWERS IN THE HOME. [ARTICLE]

FLOWERS IN THE HOME.

It is a delight at any season to go in a house which is adorned with flowers. The blooms, with their suggestion of garden and field, give a touch of beauty that nothing else dan yield. Yet though flowers are the most beautiful of decorations, their full effect can be gained only when taste is exercised in arrangement. Perhaps- one should be reminded, ‘ first of.all, that it is a mistake to have in the house strongly scented . flowers. Certainly such flowers should not be placed in small rooms or In rooms where people are to be for any length of time. They should absolutely be prohibited from bedrooms. As to the living room or the dining room, if it is summer and there is plenty of fresh air so the air cannot become heavily laden with perfume the objection is not so great. Another thing to consider in selecting flowers for .the home is whether any of the household is addicted to rose colds or hay fever. If so, do not have indoors golden rod, day lillies or other flowers which give off much pollen. The influence of the Japanese had much to do with bringing about more pleasing and effective floral* arrangements. The Japanese do not put many flowers in one vase, nor do they combine different varieties in the same vase. A grouping of three flowers In one vase is a favorite with the Japanese.——■— m —-

Study to follow nature In your arrangement of flowers. If flowers grow in close clusters, act on this hint in their use In the house. If they grow singly, do not mass them clofeely; at any rate, do not have such flowers of uniform height In the vase, and, however close the stems may be. let the blossoms spread. To insure this spreading, the Japanese evolved the flower holder. It Is really a perforated metal weight, which rSst.s In the bottom of Che vase or bowl. Usstally those of Japanese fasEloning are of grotesque design, the dragon or the turtle favorites, tato the openings the stalks or stems of the flowers are placed, the weight of the holder being sufficient to counterbalance that of the blosscuns. A flower-holder can be easily ana? quickly fashioned out of tSea lead. Some flow ers demand an additional: touch of green, while others, such as the chrysanthemum, and sweet pea, are quite sufficient In themselves,. A bit of asparagus or maidbnhair form always adds a decided touch l to tSe carnations.