296 MY GARDEN 



little beds, it is a simple matter to provide more than one 

 kind of soil. 



In the choice of herbs for our garden our ideal is that 

 of Erasmus, "To have nothing here but Sweet Herbs, 

 and these only choice ones, too." 



For the most we grow perennials, but there are a few 

 annuals without which no collection would be complete. 

 Of these Borage, herb of courage and glorifier of claret 

 cup, is one of the most important, its soft-coloured foli- 

 age and azure flowers making it a striking plant for any 

 situation. Once sown it is ever with us, for the seeds are 

 hardy and spring up year after year. Then there are 

 the five annuals esteemed for their seeds, Anise, Dili, 

 Cumin, Caraway, and Coriander all pretty and grace- 

 ful enough if rather fleeting. Saffron bears a pretty 

 yellow flower and is worth growing, and Calendula 

 officinalis, the Pot Marigold of other days, must have a 

 place, both for its fine tawny colour and for its many 

 uses and traditions. Parsley and Chervil belong here, 

 and the latter provides quite as pretty a garnish as 

 the former. The brothers Basil, "sweet" and "bush 

 green," the latter growing into the most fetching little 

 bushes imaginable, are indispensable and give to salad 

 and stew a decided piquancy. The great Florence 

 Fennel is an annual and a most beautiful plant, rising 

 some four or five feet and spreading its broad yellow 

 umbrellas over the garden in a striking manner. Sum- 

 mer Savoury is a small-leaved aromatic little bush with 



