A DESCRIPTION OF MY GARDEN 95 



leaf, not, however, quite square, and tipped with a 

 curious nail-like point, probably to aid it piercing the 

 half-frozen ground. When about four inches high, 

 other growths appear, and encased in these latter is the 

 flower. Usually the bud opens when only three or four 

 inches from the ground, and from it emerges a charming 

 typical Iris flower of the richest purple, and in the 

 throat net-like veins of brilliant gold. It is about 

 three inches in diameter, and shaped like a delicate 

 Spanish Iris, while it is strongly perfumed as with 

 violets. Groups of this lovely little flower can hardly 

 fail to attract, even when the garden is already gleaming 

 with other early and beautiful subjects. 



February in my garden is essentially a month of 

 awakening life, every part is teeming with points of 

 new growth, while the ground is literally alive with 

 bulbous plants pushing their way through it, soon to 

 produce a riot of colour in every portion. 



March brings me Anemone blanda, that beautiful 

 Greek windflower, with petals of richest blue, rising 

 from its bronzy green foliage. In many gardens I 

 , know it is much earlier, but for some reason it develops 

 later with me it is none the less welcome, however, 

 on this account, and if planted not far distant from a 

 patch of Sax. Elizabcethce, its colour contrasts delight- 

 fully with the rich yellow flower, poised on crimson 

 stalks, of this latter plant. 



