Page 2

2

of sunlight. The exact period of the cycle varies from
species to species, but it is always close to the natural
24 hours, never exactly 24 hours. Which goes to show
that the plants metabolism is somehow built around a spontaneously
cycling internal rhythm that requires daily correction
to keep in step with the physical enviroment.

The Imperial Japanese Morning Glory is one of many
higher plants whose daily activities are regulated by internal
clocks which seem to trigger the opening of each
new bud, setting off the process of unfolding and wilting
that gives each flower its day in the sun. A profusion
of new buds are triggered to replace the flowers of the
day before.

Doubtless the morning glory, long a delight to
gardeners, may now be looked upon by each of us of the Horticultural
with a new respect, and increased joy and amazement.

This is, some one said, the time for violets. Pick
violet leaves, wash them and shake them dry. Serve them
with lemon juice, salad oil, salt and pepper.

Mary Moore Miller also read us a bit of verse for
springtime, as follows:
" On the first day of Spring
my true love gave to me,
Five packs of seeds,
Four sacks of fertilizer,
Three cans of weed killer,
Tow bottles insect spray,
And a pruning knife for the pear tree."

Sylvia's " Forethought" came next and , as usual, was full
of good advice, as follows:
" Clump forming perennials that bloom from early summer
can be divided now, such as chrysanthemums, phlox, hostas,
sedums and asters;

"Bare rooted tree, shrubs and roses benefit from
early planting, so get them into the ground at once;