CONCERNING HARDY PLANTS 45 



all summer, and even at midwinter a few tufts left in a 

 sunny spot, at the bottom of a wall by the snowdrops, 

 will surprise you with round, cheerful faces with the 

 snow coverlet tucked quite under their chins. 



It is well to keep a tabulated list of these old-time 

 perennials in the Garden Boke, so that in the feverish 

 haste and excitement of the planting season a mere 

 glance will be a reminder of height, colour, and time of 

 bloom. I lend you mine, not as containing anything 

 new or original, but simply as a suggestion, a hint of 

 what one garden has found good and writ on its honour 

 list. Newer things and hybrids are now endless, and 

 may be tested and added, one by one, but it takes at 

 least three seasons of this adorably unmonotonous 

 climate of alternate drought, damp, open or cold winter, 

 to prove a plant hardy and worthy a place on the honour 

 roll. (See p. 376.) 



Before you plant, sit down by yourself with the pack- 

 ages spread before you and examine the seeds at your 

 leisure. This is the first uplifting of the veil that you 

 may see into the real life of a garden, a personal knowl- 

 edge of the seed that mothers the perfect plant. 



It may seem a trivial matter, but it is not so ; each 

 seed, be it seemingly but a dust grain, bears its own type 

 and identity. Also, from its shape, size, and the hard- 



