CHAPTER IV 



LATE SHOWERS AND EARLY FLOWERS 



April When *' February fill-dyke " has played its traditional 

 part, the April garden is full of promise. The well- 

 moistened soil promotes a strong flow of sap. Shrubs 

 and fruit trees burst their fat buds. Bulbous plants, 

 which love moisture above everything, and rarely get 

 enough of it, grow into large masses and bloom pro- 

 fusely. But April showers are welcome, especially to 

 those gardeners who have soils which get steely under 

 the influence of cold, harsh March winds. The rain 

 softens the hard lumps, and enables the cultivator to 

 crumble them with his tools ; and showers are very 

 welcome to the seedlings which are now coming through, 

 both in flower and kitchen garden. 



There is no greater stimulus to young crops than a 

 shower and a hoeing. Observe how the plants leap after 

 rain and soil-loosening. They "jump" in a way that 

 gladdens the grower's heart. The rain sets the sap 

 moving with fresh supplies of food ; the hoeing lets in 

 air and uproots weeds. 



I have already said that the gardening year ought to 

 begin in winter, because the rougher work, such as pre- 

 paring soil, making lawns and forming paths, can be 

 done with greater deliberation and thoroughness. But 

 many amateurs make their annual start in April, and my 

 advice to them is to resolve, by prompt and resolute 

 action, to make the most of every fine spell in the month 

 i68 



