Friendly Flowers 



In many ways a sandy soil, though it is often 

 cursed, is an advantage. Given rich soil, many 

 flowers will be coarse and over-fed, like vulgar 

 plutocrats : but when there is a struggle for 

 existence, they put forth a more delicate and finer 

 growth. 



Larkspurs will seed themselves all over the 

 garden, and columbines, of a frail growth, have a 

 butterfly poise that is never granted to my rivals, 

 who swagger about their clay soil. 



It means, of course, much top-dressing, and 

 use of chemical manures. In the autumn, basic 

 slag is dug in, which is supplemented in the spring 

 with superphosphates and sulphate of ammonia. 

 Chalk and clay are already there and a liberal 

 supply of manure water is frequently given. Soot 

 also finds its uses, and the grass and yew hedges 

 soon recover their colour after a dressing of it. 

 Constant thought and attention has to be expended, 

 but for the effects aimed at — broad schemes of 

 colour against the dark background of the woods 

 — there is very little cause for complaint. And 

 success is infinitely sweeter if it be won in the 

 face of difficulties. 



With such infinite variety, how shall I choose ? 

 One day I could swear that of all the flowers, the 

 lily is the noblest and most satisfying : another day 



o 209 



