74 SCHOOL AND HOME GARDENS 



straight rows may give way to graceful curves or to 

 angles. The small space may afford room for the low 

 varieties, while the larger one is planted with the taller 

 kinds. Provision must be made for a succession and for 

 harmony in color. If the flower garden is to be a per- 

 manent feature of the place, walks should be arranged 

 to conform to the contour of the land, or, if the garden is 

 level, it may be given some geometrical design by the 

 use of gravel walks and grass borders. The soil in the 

 various plots may be modified by the addition of sand, 

 leaf mold, or clay, and by the use of plant foods, in order 

 to prepare the soil for the needs of special plants. 



THE ASTER 



The aster is one of the best annuals for cutting. For 

 early flowers the seeds must be sown in boxes or cold 

 frames. Sow in the open ground for late summer and 

 autumn flowering. 



Sowing in boxes. Prepare a compost by mixing leaf 

 mold, soil, and sand. The mixture should be fairly firm 

 but in good condition for drainage. If leaf mold cannot 

 be obtained, well-rotted manure will answer the purpose. 

 Use one part of manure to one of soil and one of sand. 

 Place considerable coarse material in the bottom of the 

 box for drainage. Fill with the prepared soil to within 

 half an inch of the top ; press down lightly with a board ; 

 sow the seeds and sift over them a layer of soil about twice 

 their own thickness. Water through a cloth and cover the 



