SUMMER FLOWERS 



The end of June and beginning of July — when the days are hot and long, 

 and the earth is warm, and our summer flowers are in fullest mass and 

 beauty — what a time of gladness it is, and of that full and thankful delight 

 that is the sure reward for the labour and careful thoughtfulness of the 

 last autumn and winter, and of the present earlier year ! 



The gardens where this reward comes in fullest measure are perhaps 

 those modest ones of small compass where the owner is the only gardener, 

 at any rate as far as the flowering plants are concerned ; where he thinks 

 out good schemes of plant companionship ; of suitable masses of form and 

 stature; of lovely colour-combination; where, after the day's work, 

 comes the leisurely stroll, when every flower greets and is greeted as a 

 close friend, and all make willing off^ering of what they have of scent and 

 loveliness in grateful return for the past loving labour. 



This is the high tide time of the summer flowers. It may be a week 

 or two earlier or later according to the district, for our small islands have 

 climatic diversities such as can only be matched within the greater part 

 of the whole area of middle Europe, though inclining to a temperate 

 average. For the Myrtle of the Mediterranean is quite hardy in the South 

 and South-West, and Ivy and Gorse, neither of which is hardy in North 

 and Middle Germany, are, with but few exceptions, at home everywhere. 

 Given, therefore, a moderately good soil, fair shelter and a true love of 

 flowers, there will be such goodly masses as those shown in the pictures. 



Advisedly is the word " true " lover of flowers used, for it is now 

 fashionable to like flowers, and much of it is pretence only. The test is 

 to ascertain whether the person professing devotion to a garden works in 



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