OUR MOUNTAIN GARDEN 



and cardinals are in theirs, and I find it 

 infinitely fascinating to coax these shy wild 

 blossoms to take root and live with me. 



It is, however, a long process to establish 

 colonies of wild flowers extensive enough 

 to make much spectacular effect. One 

 cannot dig and prepare beds in woods 

 and marshes, for the ground is matted 

 with roots. Furthermore, if one did this, 

 the wildness of the spot would immedi- 

 ately give place to civilization and lose its 

 character. So the plants and seeds have 

 to be coaxed to take root naturally in 

 the soil, just as they find it, and make 

 themselves at home. 



All the assistance I give them in such 

 places is some water, for a time, at the 

 start, and afterwards a sprinkle of phos- 

 phate once in a while to encourage them. 

 In the fall, if nature does not top dress 

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