THE HARDY BORDER 



grass of the lawn. Its proper place is in the 

 excreme background, well to the rear, where dis- 

 tance wiU. lend enchantment to the view. It 

 must not be inferred from this that it is too coarse 

 a flower to give a front place to. It belongs to 

 the rear simply because of its aggressive quali- 

 ties, and the intense eff'ect of its strong, all-per- 

 vading color. You do not want a flower in the 

 front row that, being given an inch, will straight- 

 way insist upon taking an ell. This the Rud- 

 beckia will do, every time, if not promptly 

 checked. It is an exceedingly valuable plant to 

 cut from, as its flowers last for days, and light 

 up a room like a great burst of strong sunshine. 

 Hollyhocks must have a place in every border. 

 Their stately habit, profusion of bloom, wonder- 

 ful range and richness of color, and long-contin- 

 ued flowering period make them indispensable 

 and favorites everywhere. They are most efi'ec- 

 tive when grown in large masses or groups. If 

 they are prevented from ripening seed, they will 

 bloom throughout the greater part of the season. 

 The single varieties are of the tallest, stateliest 

 growth, therefore admirably adapted to back 

 rows in the border. The double kinds work in 

 well in front of them. These are the showiest 

 members of the family because their flowers are 



88 



