GARDENS NEAR THE SEA 



With their feathered edges and many colors they form 

 groups in the garden not easily forgotten. 



An effective border for spring bloom can be made 

 by placing German irises at its back and filling in the 

 front spaces with clumps of hyacinths and tulips, 

 each variety reigning over its own little kingdom. 

 The whole border can then be edged with squills, 

 crocuses, and snowdrops, extending into the grass. 

 By such an arrangement abundant bloom is provided 

 from the beginning until the end of spring. 



Bulbous plants should hold special places in every 

 attractive garden. They produce their radiant flowers 

 before either annuals or perennials have waked to 

 their duty in life. By their employment the garden 

 may truly blossom from the first peep of the snow- 

 drops in February until the end of May, when the 

 lingering tulip droops its head. 



As the yellow bells lead the shrubs into bloom, 

 the daffodils are gay in the garden; the fire bush projects 

 its blossoms while the early red tulips are full of life; 

 and as the soft tints of the lilacs are seen, the hyacinths 

 make the earth more fair. 



It is unfortunate that many seaside dwellers do 

 not go to their summer homes until the early spring 

 shrubs and flowers have passed their beauty. I have 

 many friends who never see the snowdrops, crocuses, 

 and squills, the narcissi, hyacinths, and tulips that 

 beautify their own grounds and gardens. Owing to 

 the convenience of motor cars, however, people are 

 now inclined to remain later each autumn in their homes 

 by the sea, and to return to them earlier each spring. 



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