THE GAKDEN PATH AND BORDER 15 



up through the cold, hard earth. They rise above 

 the snow, bringing gladness in their train. Then 

 comes a procession of dainty bulbs including the 

 hyacinth with its many hues, and the tulips, that 

 stay by us until late in May, clothed in Dolly Var- 

 den gowns, or simple Quaker garb. It is a good 

 plan to plant pansies among the bulbs, so that they 

 will show their painted faces before the last bloom 

 has disappeared. Many people in such borders 

 use sweet alyssum for the outer row, but this, while 

 it is decorative, is not always satisfactory for it 

 grows so high that it is apt to shadow the major 

 scheme. Bulbs can be left in the ground for a 

 second year's blossoming or if new varieties are de- 

 sired they can be carefully lifted and replaced by 

 potted plants, such as the scarlet geranium or the 

 dusty miller, whose soft gray sheen makes an in- 

 teresting note of color as a foreground for the bed 

 that stretches down to touch it, a solid mass of 

 one-toned flowers. 



Within the last few years iris has become a popu- 

 lar accessory for border use. One reason for this 

 is that it stays in bloom from the time of its first 

 opening until the hot blast of the August sun 

 touches its closed head. Well may this be termed 



