156 THE JOY OF GARDENS 



veiled at midday, while through the long afternoon 

 broods the calm of contentment. 



If we were to believe the flowers the cosmos, nico- 

 tinas, tritomas, phlox, cardinal flowers, turtleheads, and 

 lilies and nasturtiums keeping a bold front in the pres- 

 ence of the dahlias and gladioli we would turn the 

 pages of the log book and begin another month of blos- 

 soms. But the September calendar announces seedtime, 

 and among my dreams there are none so ardent as those 

 that picture the future better than the past. 



Next year the progeny of the golden-eyed coreopsis 

 shall have many square yards to itself; next year the big 

 snapdragons will become greater giants by sowing the 

 seed in a sunnier place; next year the poppies shall stir 

 envy in the hearts of the town. Then we haste to gather 

 the seeds. 



One of the privileges of pride in gardening is showing 

 off its treasures to friends. It is a pure delight, for you 

 are parading the glories of nature. And what think you 

 when, boldly before your watching eyes, some thoughtless 

 guest breaks off the seed that you have been nursing for 

 days'? What would you do when they take "slips" from 

 your symmetrical begonias and geraniums'? What say 

 you when they wait till your back is turned and help 

 themselves to a root of your choice dahlias, or smuggle a 

 hoped-for Mefistofile or Baron Hulot gladiolus in their 

 pockets? 



