SUCCESSFUL GARDENS 85 



In Plot No. i, mentioned above, the wisest plan 

 would have been to leave the roots in the ground 

 until hit by a good stiff freeze. The flavor of pars- 

 nips and oyster plant is greatly improved by frost, 

 as is also that of kale. 



EXPLORING THE UNKNOWN: A PLEA FOR 

 UNFAMILIAR VEGETABLES 



And speaking of oyster plant and kale, don't fail 

 to grow these vegetables even if they are strangers. 

 Or at any rate give them a trial, and find out whether 

 you like them. I have been surprised to find how 

 little known the delicious salsify or oyster plant is 

 in some places. Kohlrabi is another "novelty," 

 which ought to be given a regular place in the gar- 

 den. It is more delicate than the turnip, matures 

 more rapidly, and, having its fleshy body above the 

 ground is practically free from insect injury. Swiss 

 chard is a welcome change from spinach and cab- 

 bage, and is just as easy to grow. Of course, I 

 do not suggest letting these newer plants crowd out 

 the old standbys, without which the garden would be 

 as a song without music; at the same time I do urge 

 you to find some place for them to make a little 

 experimental or testing-out bed in the garden, where 

 you can develop new treats for an educated taste. 



BOYS AND GIRLS AND GARDENS 



The garden is the place to keep busy the boys and 

 girls, too, where they can make some pocket money 

 without having to sell papers or dig dandelions out of 

 the neighbors' lawns. Witness the children's gardens 



