anfc JBorfcers. 129 



should be marked in some manner by stakes, or otherwise. 

 In spring the surface should be stirred and raked even and 

 level, and when the hot summer begins to scorch the ground 

 a good mulching of clean, decayed manure is absolutely nec- 

 essary in some localities. Some of the taller plants will need 

 staking, and this should be done as neatly as possible, green- 

 painted garden stakes and bamboo canes being preferable 

 to any other. 



As early as March or April the border will begin to 

 be a source of interest. Christmas roses and winter aconite 

 bloom during these months. Later on we have the many 

 varieties of oxlip, cowslip, and primrose, the early spring 

 bulbs, Lenten roses, spring Adonis and Lenten lilies. In 

 May we have the anemones and windflowers ; in May and 

 June, columbines, poet's narcissus, bleeding-hearts, peonies, 

 foxgloves, night violets, some bellflowers, pinks, and lark- 

 spurs, followed by an endless succession of poppies, lilies, 

 hollyhocks, Lychnis, lupins, Pentstemons, and Ptarmicas, 

 and in the late summer months by marshrnallows and the 

 thousand and one forms of composite plants. 



A flower-garden of more or less complex design, in 

 symmetrical style, with narrow walks at straight angles and 

 square or rectangular beds for summer flowers and carpet 

 beddings, is sometimes desirable. It is generally located 

 near the residence, enclosed by low hedges of box or by 

 stone borders in harmony with the architecture of the house. 

 Where there is a conservatory or greenhouse the flower- 

 garden should form a part of the design around these 

 structures. Here the neatest and choicest of exotic plants 

 should be used ; the dwarfest and most floriferous kinds of 



