2o6 GARDENING BY MYSELF. 



everything and can do anything, I have 

 nothing to say. If they can plant Tuba 

 Flora broadcast, and have a half acre of 

 named crocuses, and an avenue of Lilium 

 auratum, they may be safely left to their 

 own devices. But we, with just a handful 

 of beauties, how shall we dispose them to 

 the best advantage ? 



I will tell you some rules that have 

 wrought fine effects in my own garden. 



First, not planting too many together. 

 For it is not a mere grand sweep of colour 

 that we small florists want, but to study 

 and enjo}^ the special individual plant. Not 

 broad waves and stripes of. tinted glory, a 

 part of the great whole of our country 

 seat ; but groups of lovely, fragrant tufts 

 and bells, each one a friend, each known by 

 sight ; making home more like home, and 

 helping with their quiet grace to soothe 

 and hush and charm away the small rough- 

 nesses and weary breaths that come in the 

 course of one's everyday life. A few 

 h3^acinths together will do this far better 



