EPOCHS OF THE FORMAL GARDEN 



we try the variegated geranium or Pelargonium as the 

 English call it? We might put it around the center 

 beds only this year and see how we like the effect." 



So it was done, but the critical eye of the Master 

 found fault with the grayish shade; variegated leaves 

 are not favorites of ours at any time, they have to our 

 eyes an unnatural and sickly appearance. 



"What can we have for an edging then?" demanded 

 the Lady Gardener. "Up at Lake Minnetonka I saw 

 a lovely fine-leaved plant which they called Jacob's 

 Ladder. I wonder how that would do." 



"I 'm afraid it would n't last all the season," answered 

 the Head of the House, "but we '11 make inquiries." 



"If you can keep the Polemonium from blossoming," 

 returned our interested correspondent, "it will remain 

 green and flourish, but as soon as it blooms the leaves 

 turn yellow and die down." 



"Well, let 's try it," I agreed, and rich plants of 

 Polemonium caeruleum were carefully placed about the 

 four central beds. If I had realized the tenacity of 

 purpose, the will-power and determination to multiply 



79 



