36 FLOWER GARDENING 



nothing unready. In odd moments cut stakes of 

 various kinds and make or repair trellises. 



On the first day of April, some years a little 

 earlier, it is safe to uncover the flower beds in 

 gardens as far north as Connecticut. It is better 

 for the plants, and easier for you, to do this 

 gradually. The point is to give light and air to 

 plants that have begun to grow, thus preventing 

 the blanching that weakens shoots and foliage. Be- 

 gin by lifting leaves or other covering from the top 

 of plants like grass pinks that remained above 

 ground all winter and from bulbs that are piercing 

 the soil. 



Use the hands if there is little to do; if there is 

 much, take an iron rake and draw off gently, taking 

 care that the teeth do not sink deep enough to 

 tear creeping plants or root up the little fellows. 

 Carry all coarse stuff, like stalks, to the bonfire, 

 but give the leaves, which have not begun to lose 

 their usefulness, to the compost heap. 



Take off from time to time the litter between 

 the plants or, if well rotted and there is plenty 

 of space, work it into the ground. This is readily 

 done with roses and peonies, for both of which 

 the leaves in the soil will be very beneficial. Leav- 

 ing some of the litter between plants serves to 

 keep the ground warm. It is nature's way and is 

 not necessarily untidy. If plants need to be cod- 

 dled, a little pile of litter may be left near them 

 against cold April nights; some gardeners inva- 

 riably do this with tulips and hyacinths. In such 



