CHAPTER XVIII 



UP-TO-DATE VARIETIES OF OLD-FASHIONED FLOWERS 



One may still grow old-world kinds of plants in the form of 

 up-to-date varieties. 



WHY does the average amateur gardener grow the old- 

 fashioned, saw-edged, split-blossomed Carnations that 

 did duty years ago, when there are dozens of other and 

 better sorts to choose from ? Why does he grow roses 

 that only bloom once a year when he might just as easily 

 (and often far more easily) grow others that blossom 

 twice or three times in one summer ? Why does he grow 

 the white Rock Cress with single flowers when the double 

 variety is a far worthier thing ? Why does he still grow 

 old-fashioned magenta-coloured Phloxes when there are 

 scores of better sorts in pure and glowing colours ? Why 

 does he grow the dwarf, graceless Tulips that did duty 

 a generation ago and exclude from his collection the 

 exquisitely beautiful and incomparably graceful Darwin 

 and Cottage varieties that last in bloom as long again ? 

 Why but who can tell ? Possibly because he is a con- 

 servative being, who dislikes discarding old flowers for 

 new ; probably because he is unaware how old-fashioned 

 his varieties are, and ignorant of the many improvements 



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