VI PREFACE. 



Many gardens are very small, but these, if pro- 

 perly managed, have their advantages. The smaller 

 the garden the more choice should be the collection, 

 and the more highly should it be cultivated. I shall 

 be glad if anything I say tends in this direction. 

 From my notes of plants useful memoranda may be 

 made, with the object of adding a few of the freest 

 bloomers in each month, thus avoiding the error often 

 committed of growing such subjects as mostly flower 

 at one time, after which the garden has a forlorn 

 appearance. The plants should not be blamed for 

 this; the selection is at fault. No amount of time 

 and care can make a garden what it should be if 

 untidy and weedy plants prevail. On the other hand, 

 the most beautiful species, both as regards foliage 

 and flowers, can be just as easily cultivated. 



The object of this small work is to furnish the names 

 and descriptions of really useful and reliable Hardy 

 and Perennial Plants, suitable for all kinds of flower 

 gardens, together with definite cultural hints on each 

 plant. 



Perhaps flowers were never cultivated of more di- 

 versified kinds than at the present time ; and it is a 

 legitimate and not uncommon question to ask, " What 

 do you grow ? " Not only have we now the lovers of 

 the distinct and showy, but numerous admirers of such 

 species as need to be closely examined, that their 

 beautiful and interesting features may gladden and stir 

 the mind. The latter class of plants, without doubt, is 

 capable of giving most pleasure ; and to meet the grow- 



