COLOUR IN MY GARDEN 



panulas may not be allowed their own way, nor Dame's 

 Rocket for all its sweetness. Hollyhocks are too large to 

 admit of their taking up quarters anywhere the notion 

 strikes them, but Mulleins, for all their great stature, I 

 have seen tucked into a cranny of an old wall, rearing 

 their gilded stalks against the sky with incomparable 

 effect. In England I saw a broad, high flight of stone steps 

 that led up to the entrance of a fine old Tudor mansion 

 literally spouting Chimney Bellflowers, five feet tall, from 

 the joints along the sides. Doubtless the seedlings that had 

 started life in the central portion of the flight had been 

 pulled out that the chief end of steps be not entirely dis- 

 regarded, but certainly the gardener who left the rest to 

 raise and flourish their blue and white banners against the 

 gray old building was gifted with imagination and foresight. 

 Of course wise selection must be practised among the 

 many seedlings of the garden's largess; none should be 

 allowed in the middle of the paths or where they would 

 overpower lesser subjects, but I am very sure that in our 

 passion for tidying up we deprive ourselves of many a 

 charming picture. My own garden, built on several levels, 

 is rich in low retaining walls, dry built, and low flights of 

 stone steps, the joints of which are filled with inviting 

 sandy loam in the hope of attracting some little green 

 home-seeker. Of course, many times I must evict the 

 would-be tenant. Dandelions are always very pressing, 

 and Hollyhocks can squeeze themselves into the tightest 

 quarters, but it is surprising how often the right ones come 

 to fill me with delight at their bright unexpectedness and 

 entire fitness for the position. One flight of steps is almost 



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