GARDENS NEAR THE SEA 



unfold on its stalk, then another, and another, until 

 they command the interest of the garden, towering 

 above shorter growth, and gleaming in innumerable 

 colors with silver sheen. In old gardens hollyhocks 

 held their place for generations, and were deeply 

 beloved by all. Against the landscape they formed 

 most striking pictures. The formal garden of to-day 

 cannot do without them, while the charm they lend 

 to the naturalistic one is keenly felt when they are 

 seen in some deserted garden, standing proudly erect 

 and making a struggle for their former prestige. They 

 can be grouped effectively in front of evergreens, 

 and as guardians of walls and fences they have few 

 rivals. Although often planted at the back of hardy 

 borders, they have there less raison d'etre than in most 

 other places. As the season advances, their lower leaves 

 become exceedingly large and heavy, and unless they 

 are taken off several times before the bloom occurs, 

 the less vigorous plants in front of them are apt to be 

 overpowered. 



The range of color in hollyhocks is very great. 

 The yellow ones, the delicate pinks, and the white 

 ones are especially lovely. But although there has 

 been much improvement in the double varieties, they 

 have not the free grace of the single flowers; this is 

 similarly true of the double Shirley poppies, which 

 lack the enchantment of those that are without added 

 petals. 



The bloom of the young plants is larger and finer 

 than that of individuals which have lived for several 

 years. The stalks, however, seldom grow over four 



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