Among the Flowers in Mid-Winter (Alexander Mead 1903)

Source: Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, January 3, 1903. Page 1, col. 6.

"Spake full well, in language quaint and olden,

One who dwelleth by the castle Rhine,

When he called the flowers so blue and golden,

Stars, that in Earth's filament do shine."

How beautifully true are the words of this greatest of all American poets. The beauty of flowers touches a cord in the hearts of everyone. No one can be so hardened that their beauty and scent does not bring a quickening of the heartstrings and a realization that there is a Divine Creator above all. 

Anyone who loves flowers would find it very interesting to make a visit to the greenhouses of Alexander Mead & Son. Even in his early youth the elder Mr. Mead had a great fondness for flowers. It was but natural that he early undertook the study of the growth and culture of flowers. Mr. Mead has been in the business for many years. His early tendencies have given him the secrets of his profession. Many years ago he built a few greenhouses in Greenwich and the success which he immediately achieved led him to make additions until now his nurseries constitute a large and well equipped plant. His houses now number eleven and two new sections are going up. All are of the most convenient size for growing plants. His son Henry whose inclinations were like his father's has taken upon himself a part of the responsibilities of the splendid business which his father has built up, their plant growing has been successful from the start. 

Few people realize what an enormous care the plants must have at all times, and especially in the cold winter months. The greenhouses must be kept at a certain temperature, the plants must be watered at certain intervals and great care must be taken of each and every plant. Each separate plant must have a different soil. The mixing of these soils involve a great deal of care, the soil must be neither too rich nor too sterile. At certain seasons the soil must be renewed. The plants are then taken from their beds with the greatest care and are again planted in the new. Tender and wise handling is necessary in their transplanting.

How many know that the beautiful lilies which we have at Easter time are now but little shrubs. The tall geraniums and the sweeping ferns which we see at that time are now but tiny shoots. As we go through the long lines of beautiful roses and carnations dripping with the silver drops of water which hang on their petals we are reminded of the glorious springtime when wild flowers are in abundance, the scent of flowers is everywhere. How beautiful all are in their winter homes. Yet the beds have just been robbed of their most beautiful blossoms for the holiday trade. The demands upon them have been great, yet in a short time all their wealth of beauty will be lavished on those which remain.