306 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



are classed as perennials, and should therefore be 

 treated as biennials and raised annually from seed. 

 Seed is produced in abundance and should be sown 

 as soon as ripe in a shady place in the garden, or 

 in pans in a cold frame, care being taken to sow the 

 seed very thinly. When the seedlings are large 

 enough to handle they should be lifted and planted 

 out in their permanent quarters. Aquilegias grow- 

 ing in a garden are almost invariably cross-fertilized ; 

 and it is therefore necessary, where more than one 

 variety is in bloom at the same time, to procure the 

 seed from some other dependable source." 



COWSLIP. This flower needs a rich, light soil, 

 not dry. Its small, yellow cup-like flowers with ruby 

 spots in the center blossom in the late April and 

 late May. It grows to six or twelve inches and 

 prefers half-shade. It must be protected in the win- 

 ter. Propagate by seed. Cowslips make a charm- 

 ing border plant and are happy, also, in rock- 

 gardens. 



CROCUS SATIVUS, the beautiful purple flower 

 that blooms in autumn, should be planted near trees. 

 "The cultivation of the garden crocus is so simple 

 a matter that the merest novice may plant the bulbs 

 with the assurance that he, or she, will reap a bright 

 reward in the near future, provided the burrowing 



