November Autumn Work for Summer 



must be skilful inter-grouping of the flowers of different 

 seasons, so that the blanks shall be as little obtrusive 

 as possible. If he wishes to introduce a system of 

 colour - grouping, his difficulties will be enhanced, for 

 he is faced with the problem of arranging for a blue 

 flower to follow a blue one, a yellow to follow a yellow, 

 and so on. Generally, I think, a mixed border, especially 

 for the amateur of limited leisure, and possessed of only 

 a moderate knowledge of hardy flowers, is most satis- 

 factory a border in which no strict colour scheme is 

 followed. It is easier to avoid discords than it is to 

 create harmonious groups. 



Problem of the Bulbs. The present is the best 

 time to replant and rearrange the hardy flower border, 

 and reference to some of the problems that may confront 

 the planter will, at least, have the advantage of being 

 seasonable. One must make free use of bulbs, especially 

 of Daffodils and May - flowering Tulips. They are 

 undoubtedly a nuisance after the blossoming season 

 is past, but this is one of the unavoidable drawbacks 

 of the three seasons border. Those having a reserve 

 plot, in which the bulbs, after they have bloomed, 

 may be planted to complete their development, possess 

 an advantage. But there is no reason why Daffodils 

 and May Tulips should not be included in the scheme 

 of planting, even though the reserve plot is wanting. 

 Most people make the mistake of planting them all 

 over the border at ,the back, in the middle and towards 

 the front. It must be confessed that, thus dis. 

 posed, they provide a more charming show while in 

 bloom, but afterwards they cause no end of bother. 

 The plan I recommend is to group them towards the 

 back of the border, among strong-growing, late-flowering 

 plants such as Michaelmas Daisies, Helenium, Aconitum 

 or Monkshood, and Golden Rod. These form vigorous 

 tufts, which, as the spring advances, hide the decaying 

 leaves of the bulbs. It is, of course, fatal to a successful 



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