HARDY GARDENING 



with the early frost. I was astounded last 

 summer on visiting several fine places, where 

 the gardeners were considered masters of their 

 art, to see the poor planting of perennials and 

 annuals. I recall particularly two Italian 

 gardens, perfectly laid out by landscape gar- 

 deners, but which amounted to nothing be- 

 cause the planting was insufficient, — here a 

 Phlox, there a Lily, then a Rose, with per- 

 haps a Larkspur or a Marigold, all rigidly 

 set out in single plants far apart, with noth- 

 ing in masses, and no colour effects. 



To attain success in growth, as well as in 

 effect, plants must be so closely set that 

 when they are developed no ground is to be 

 seen. If so placed, their foliage shades the 

 earth, and moisture is retained. In a border 

 planted in this way, individual plants are far 

 finer than those which, when grown, are six 

 inches or a foot apart. 



First of all in gardening, comes the prepa- 

 ration of the soil. Give the plants the food 

 they need and plenty of water, and the 



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