Free Iris Perfume
Dried iris rhizomes tossed into a fire in the fireplace produce a delicate scent
that permeates the whole house. They also are excellent to place in chests or
closets where linen is stored. Simply take them up at dividing time, cut the
leaves off flush and scrub and pare them as you would a potato. When they become
thoroughly dry, the perfume becomes evident and often lasts for years.
Growing Flowers on the Beach
To grow flowers in pure beach sand - say in dune areas near a summer cottage -
strip off the sand to a depth of about a foot. Then lay plastic over the bottom
of the ditch and spread several inches of shredded leaves or other organic
matter over the plastic. Refill the trench with the removed sand, adding potash
and phosphorus to it at the rate suggested on the bags. Before the plastic rots
out it will serve as a water barrier, preventing water and nutrients from
leaching away. By the time the plastic does disintegrate, rotting roots and
other vegetation will have formed a true soil in the treated area. Plants grown
in such soil, even the first year, won't have to be fertilized any more than
plants grown in heavier soils. The only other way to grow flowers in sand is by
constant daily watering with a weak fertilizer solution, which won't yield
results nearly as good.
Planting Wildflowers
It costs nothing to plant more wildflowers in the area around you to beautify
the country. Simply gather seed from any wildflowers in the area after the seeds
turn black or dark green, let the seeds dry thoroughly and sow them.
Zinnias, marigolds and other flowers can make good insect repellents when
planted next to vegetables; try a few combinations this year to see how
effective they are in your garden.