IN THE FRONT YARD. 141 



Lilies, and then say what excuse you have to offer for 

 your poor taste. Xot that of cost, for Lily bulbs are 

 to be had for as little money as bedding plants, and as 

 Lilies are hardy, their first cost is their only cost, while 

 bedding" plants must be bought every season.'' 



We are to remember this was written of the east, and 

 that Azaleas and Kalmias will not grow in the West. 



THE GAILLARDIA. 



This perennial is beginning to receive much atten- 

 tion, and with reason. There is no plant so susceptible 

 of improvement. In England the Ivelways have made 

 marvelous success as regards size and color. They have 

 produced some five inches across. A bed of them pre- 

 sents a very lively and brilliant appearance. They are 

 l)rodigal bloomers. I doubt if there is any flower 

 which can give such an abundance of continuous bloom 

 as these. Commencing in June, they are clothed in 

 beauty until the hard frosts of Autumn. They endure 

 dry Aveather well, and seem hardy every way. As cut 

 flowers they are brilliant and showy and among the 

 longest keepers. 



They need heavy mulching with coarse manure when 

 the ground freezes. It would be as w^ell to leave the 

 tops on and throw the mulching on them, thus giving 

 ventilation as well as protection. The seeds grow read- 

 ily. A portion can be started in the house and then 

 set out after danger of frost is over. Of course it is 

 better to get the plants, but the roots are small, com- 

 pared to the upper growth, and seem insignificant. 



