102 MAKING OF A FLOWER GARDEN 



the best, giving a constant succession of bloom all 

 summer and was still covered with, buds when severe 

 freezing weather sent the plants into their winter 

 covering to sleep untU the bluebird's song should 

 awaken them in spring. 



A piece of land lying towards the east and south 

 is best for the rose garden, as they are essentially 

 flowers of warmth and sunshine. Some protection 

 against rough winds on north and west is always bene- 

 ficial, but should not be too close. 



A rich, mellow loam, containing a portion of clay 

 and well enriched with old, well-rotted stable manure, 

 dug very deep and well drained, is essential for best 

 results ; where no clay is present in the soil it can be 

 added and is well worth while. All the plants grown 

 in pots for shipment in nurseries are grown in clay, 

 and this is one reason they so well withstand shipping 

 to distant points, as the clay adheres tenaciously to 

 the roots, protecting them from injury. This it does 

 when grown in beds, and less damage occurs from the 

 ground freezing in winter or drying out in summer, 

 as the roots are never entirely exposed to drought 

 and cold. Clay also adds to the richness of the color. 



The ground should be prepared, if possible, enough 

 in advance of the receipt of the plants to have become 

 settled, as newly worked ground is too porous for 

 planting. A heavy rain after spading will put it in 

 good condition. Should the weather be too cold or 



