GARDENS NEAR THE SEA 



gardens snuggled up rather closely to the house, which 

 then formed their wind-break. The sun could play 

 over them from his early uprising in the east until 

 two or three o'clock in the day, after which time they 

 rested in complete shade. Sunshine and shade, an 

 abundance of air, and yet protection from high winds, 

 are among the requirements of a rose garden. 



Nor is the soil of such a place a matter to pass 

 over lightly. Roses, although it seems a bit unfeeling 

 to accentuate the point, are the greediest feeders of 

 almost any plants. They like rich nourishment given 

 to them very freely. 



The danger concerning the soil of many seaside 

 gardens is that it may be too light, sandy, or gravelly 

 to give these plants the firm hold that is essential. In 

 this case, it should be mixed with heavy loam or even 

 with clay. Roses will not do well in a soil that attaches 

 them loosely; they need to be held firmly. 



Rose beds should be made deep. Usually they are 

 dug out to the depth of about eighteen inches, covered 

 with a thick layer, or one-third filled with well-decom- 

 posed manure, and finally completed with rich turfy 

 loam and top soil. They should then be given about 

 two weeks in which to settle, before any planting is 

 attempted. This is a plain, simple rule for making a 

 rose bed, yet one that has been tried and found satis- 

 factory over and over again. From time to time, it 

 is necessary to give the plants additional nourish- 

 ment; but with their bed thus deeply and richly made, 

 they have at least an opportunity to start well in the 

 garden. 



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