THE GARDEN 53 



straggling branches either to the old supports, or to strong central 

 branches, or to new stakes. 



This same warning applies as well to j^oung shrubs and trees. 

 No winter ever passes by without leaving many easily prevented ravages 

 behind in its tracks. Soft snows, and sleet, and ice storms do the most 

 mischief. True, after one of these storms, the snap of the camera is thru 

 all the land; but so also is the snap of many breaking branches. 



We warn you, too, when tackling the climbing roses, do not forget to 

 be well gloved. You may adore your roses; they doubtless adore you 

 ^Iso; but thorns are thorns; and, in our humble opinion and experience, 

 nothing on earth sends a more piercing, entirely-unforgettable stab thru 

 one's whole system than a rose thorn. 



LOOKING AROUND 



The summer over, autumn well on its way, bulbs all snugly in their 

 toeds, the wise and thoughtful gardener will seize the opportunity given 

 in the few weeks before the frost sets in for good, of making several im- 

 provements on the garden plan of the past seasons. 



No matter how well and carefully planned the garden has been, no 

 matter how luxuriant and altogether satisfying the bloom has been, never- 

 theless, no garden has ever been perfect. Nor does any gardener ever plan 

 his layout the same year after year. 



During the summer our observant gardener has, no doubt, seen several 

 new plants that he has decided to make his; has observed a few new 

 garden tricks that he himself can make use of; has decided on improve- 

 ments, on changes, on things to be added, and things to be discarded. 

 All means work. 



The three or four weeks between bulb planting and the arrival of 

 mulching time presents a good opportunity of carrying out these 

 several plans. 



For instance, perhaps our gardener has decided on making a rockery, 

 or rock garden; or perhaps he has determined to add a water garden, to 

 add to the restful attractions in some hidden corner at the back of his 

 lawn. Perhaps a summer house has been decided upon. Hedges may 

 bave been thought about; new shrubs chosen. Pergolas on ,which to spread 

 new vines or support choice grape vines are to be built. 



Arches across the garden gate, or between hidden pathways, are to be 

 built to frame a happy picture. Perhaps even fresh walks are to be laid, 

 or old ones are to be freshened up. Cold frames are to be built and hot 

 beds against the early appearance of next spring. 



And so the wise gardener will make use of these fine workable days 

 before the November rains set in, and so soften the ground that outside 

 work is not quite feasible. 



October is the ideal month in which to do most of these tasks. 



There are countless plants, mostly perennials, from which cuttings 

 may be taken and planted to increase one's stock for next year. A careful, 

 observant and economical gardener will not wait until late in summer or 

 the last days of fall to seize the ever-present opportunities that sturdy, 

 bushy plants are even as early in the season as June offering him to in- 

 crease the number of favorite plants. 



For instance, the sweet Williams, perennials of sturdy growth are al- 

 ready headed up, the heavy heads spiky with tiny green florets that will 

 show up in a few days, now, as gorgeous blotches of color. If one looks 

 closely, it will be seen that theplant is composed of usually one strong 

 thick stalk, topped by the great flower-head, but, besides this thick central 

 stem, there are also a number of smaller side stalks, issuin?; from the 

 t)ase of the root, topped with their several flower heads, which help to form 



