30 



H( 



to Make a Flower Garden 



two inches deep to a foot of soil will loosen a stiff clay, and it will scay loose. 

 Sand will answer to the same end, but not as well. 



The top soil should, if possible, be a good loam, and be at least one foot 

 deep. It should be well enriched with well-rotted manure, bone and wood 

 ashes, or other mineral fertilisers, and put in a finely pulverised condition. 

 The growth of vegetation cannot be vigorous without a deep, rich, well- 

 drained soil. Keep the surface soil rich, and do not get part of the subsoil 

 mixed with it, as many of the garden plants are shahow-rooted and need 



'^m^ 



.^-v 



ipanion crops 



lilies and Liliuni superhum 



a very mellow soil; and further, a good friable surface is needed to allow 

 the growth of annuals and small plants, especially those raised from seed. 

 A good depth of soil gives a lower feeding-room for the strong-rooted plants, 

 and allows the growth of more shallow-rooted plants among them, with 

 far better results than could possibly be obtained on a thin soil. 



When purchasing plants for a border, take pains to obtain good, healthy 

 stock, and see that it is carefuHy planted as soon as received. The best 

 season to transplant any particular plant is while it is yet dormant and 



