CHAPTER VIII 



THE GARDEN OF A YEAR 



THERE is an association so stablished and endur- 

 ing with the very thought of a garden that a single 

 year of tenancy seems to put an end to any idea 

 of achievement or progress. We conclude that if 

 there be a garden at all attached to our temporary 

 home, we must content ourselves with making the 

 best of what is, and leave the rest to the tender 

 mercies of Fate. Most of us have to pass through 

 an experience of the kind at least once in our lives, 

 and it is just as well to make up our minds at 

 once that it is needless to give way to this kind 

 of despondency if we are only willing to take a 

 little trouble. In annuals we have a whole series 

 of the most effective flowering plants that can be 

 desired, and the main thing that is wanted is the 

 skill and experience that will enable us to grow 

 and use them to the best advantage. 



The day has long gone by when, on a fine spring 

 morning, generally in April, it used to be the cus- 

 tom to sally forth with basket, trowel, and labels 

 all prepared, and annuals not having then at- 

 tained to their present perfection with a few neat 

 little packets of nemophila, candytuft, mignonette, 

 and possibly two sorts of sweet pea, one the pink 



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