The word is derived from the Greek words _Dios_, divine, and _Anthos_, a
flower; God's flower, or the flower of Jove. There are several species,
and many varieties of Dianthus; _Dianthus Caryophyllus_ is what is
commonly known as the Clove Pink, and from it have been produced the
double varieties called Carnations and Picotees. The plant in its wild
state is found growing on the south side of the Swiss Alps, at a low
altitude, where the winters are not severe. The common perennial garden
Pink is _Dianthus Plumarias_. The old and well-known Chinese Pink,
_Dianthus Chinensis_, is a biennial, flowering the first season from
seed sown in spring, lives during the winter, blooms the second year,
and then dies. New and superb varieties have been introduced of late
years from Japan, and _Dianthus Laciniatus_, and _Dianthus Heddewigii_,
both single and double, make a splendid display, and are among the most
desirable of our garden flowers. _Dianthus Diadematus_ is of dwarf
habit, very profuse in blooming, and the flowers are of various hues,
from white to dark maroon, and also beautifully marbled and spotted. Of
the recent novelties _Eastern Queen_ and _Crimson Belle_ are superb; we
speak from personal knowledge. "Eastern Queen" is beautifully marbled;
the broad bands of rich mauve upon the paler surface of the petals are
very striking. "Crimson Belle," as its name implies, is of a rich
crimson hue, with dark markings; very large and finely fringed.
For early blooming it is well to sow seed as early as April. June sowing
will secure good hardy plants for the following season. When there is a
profusion of bloom, it is well to remove a portion of the flowers, so
that the plants may not become exhausted, and the seed pods beyond what
are desired for ripening, ought also to be cut off.
A Talk About Climbers.
Oh, a dainty plant is the Ivy green,
That creepeth o'er ruins old!
Of right choice food are his meals I ween,
In his cell so lone and cold,
The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed,
To pleasure his dainty whim;
And the moldering dust that years have made,
Is a merry meal for him.
Creeping where no life is seen,
A rare old plant is the Ivy green.