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Show REVIVAL OF PRETTY PEONY Old-Time Flower Has Experienced Modern Improvement and Decided Renewal of Its Popularity. The peony is one of the many old-time old-time flowers which have experienced a decided modern improvement and revival of popularity. This is shown by the recent rapid growth of its culture and by the larger number of varieties that are constantly being originated and propagated. Some of the very ardent admirers of this beautiful beau-tiful flower will be surprised to learn The Peony Makes a Fine Cut Flower. that reports on this plant give descriptions de-scriptions of 626 different varieties. It is, however, probably a conservative conserva-tive statement to say that the peony interest of the country would be better bet-ter off If about 75 per cent of the varieties were discarded and further propagation made from the remaining remain-ing 25 per cent, of superior varieties. It is not that these 75 per cent, of the varieties are unattractive; far from it. But the remaining 25 per cent, fill every purpose and have many more virtues than the medium to inferior in-ferior sorts. By growing only the finer varieties, people would become more and more fascinated with this lovely flower. One of the most desirable features of peonies is the ease with which they can be grown. Given a generous preparation at the start you can make i great plantation of peonies with the assurance that beyond keeping the ground clean and fertile they may remain re-main undisturbed for years. In the course of time they will get so thick that they should be divided and replanted, re-planted, but this is little trouble. Pe-Dnies Pe-Dnies thrive in almost any soil, but do best in a deep rich loam. As they remain in one place a number of years it is well to thoroughly prepare the soil, and they amply repay attention given them. Spade to a depth of two or three feet; add liberal supply of thoroughly rotted manure, pulverize ind mix thoroughly. Add a little sand or fine gravel if the soil is inclined to be sticky or heavy. Stiff soil should be well drained. While the peonies desire a liberal supply of water, the ground should not be of a swampy nature. na-ture. Cover the crown three inches, taking care that the earth is well firmed. Plant two and one-half to three feet apart to allow for future development. A mulch of coarse strawy manure is a benefit, particularly particu-larly the first season. Keep well cultivated the first season, after that the ground will be sufficiently covered so little cultivation is necessary. On the small lawn a few clumps will give a liberal reward each Bpring. The Mass of Petals and the Sweet Fragrance of This Peony Makes It a Great Favorite. On grounds of large extent the peony is unexcelled. In the herbaceous border bor-der it thrives from year to year. It is particularly appropriate along boundaries, whether alone or with other hardy plants. Massed at turns of walks or drives or by the edges of steps it is very effective. Where low ornamental hedges are desired It Is unusual and attractive. It is a fine cut flower. If picked early just as it is about to unfold and allowed to open In the house it will last several days, often a week or more. |