RURAL AND VILLAGE 



that there are great possibilities in the way of 

 decorative planting where the two spaces are 

 treated as one, but that by treating them 

 independently much of the chance for good 

 work is lost. 



I have spoken of hardy plants in the decora- 

 tion of the home grounds. Let me refer to 

 them once more for the purpose of emphasiz- 

 ing my good opinion of their many merits. 

 They are much to be preferred to annuals. 

 They have a dignity not possessed by the latter. 

 They are generally rich in color-effects. They 

 are easily grown. They are good for an in- 

 definite period if properly treated. Their 

 value is becoming more fully understood each 

 year, and the amateur gardener makes a seri- 

 ous mistake if he refuses to avail himself of 

 their assistance in making the home grounds 

 attractive. By a judicious selection of kinds 

 it is possible to have flowers in the hardy border 

 from May to October. A large collection of 

 these plants will require less attention than a 

 few small beds of annuals. But I would not 

 be understood as trying to discourage the cul- 

 tivation of the latter. They are all right in 

 their place, but that place is not on the grounds 

 between the street and the dwelling. 



286 



