THE GARDEN STEPS 63 



Concrete may not find favor with many garden 

 lovers. It covers the surface so thoroughly that 

 there is no place to introduce growth, but a little in- 

 genuity and common sense removes this difficulty. 

 Holes can be bored through the cement, and these 

 should be large enough to allow the plants full 

 scope to grow. 



Many people for step planting prefer a succes- 

 sion of blossoming plants while others care for 

 growth only. If the former plan is worked out, a 

 charming early bloomer is the Alpine Anemone. 

 Of these the Pulsatilla, or "Pasque Flower," is ef- 

 fective. It shows rich purple blossoms, which ris- 

 ing above the green leaves with their downy, feath- 

 ery collarette of green, develop into handsome 

 seed heads, which are decorative. They nestle into 

 the crevices of the rocks, sending forth their ex- 

 quisite blossoms nine inches in diameter during 

 the months of April and May. 



Variety is always delightful. For this deco- 

 rative purpose why not use crocuses, "The Her- 

 alds of Spring." They thrive in any soil or situ- 

 ation, but in order to obtain the best growth, they 

 should be planted in rich, deep, sandy loam. One 

 of the choicest kinds is the Baron von Brunow. 



