THE FLOWER GARDEN 159, 



and the top soil replaced. If the bottom soil is heavy and does not 

 afford good drainage, sufficient sand or coal ashes should be added 

 in addition to the manure. A free circulation of air and abundant 

 moisture are requisites of root growth; and soil preparation should 

 be such that will make these readily available. Coal ashes worked 

 into bottom soil will afford good drainage and, at the same time, 

 supply moisture from the lower strata by capillary attraction. 



HUMUS 



Humus in the form of decayed vegetable matter from bogs or 

 lakes should be used generously in preparing garden beds. This 

 material is rich in plant foods and, worked well into the surface soil, 

 lessens the tendency to puddle or bake. 



TLORAL TREATMENT 



The construction and setting of the garden, essential as these 

 are to its success, are second in importance to the floral ensemble 

 (Figs. 130 and 131). In the selection and arrangement of the flowers 

 (Fig. 132) a great deal of liberty may be exercised and personal 

 tastes indulged. The best planned and most enjoyable gardens are 

 those which provide a sequence of bloom, starting with the Snow- 

 drops and Crocuses in early Spring and continuing on through the 

 Spring, Summer and Fall until the waning season is brightened by 

 such old favorites as the Japanese Anemones and ushered out by 

 the hardy Chrysanthemums. 



An important subject to be considered in the arrangement of the 

 flowers is that of balance. The height of the foliage and bloom on 

 one side of the garden should have a corresponding unit on the 

 other, not necessarily the same plant, but there should be some 

 degree of similarity in outline and color. 



Much has been written of color in the garden. I would lay 

 stress on these few points. It is well to keep the purples and blues 

 at some distance from the principal point of view; the lighter colors 

 should be in the foreground. This will enhance the distance and 

 give a pleasing graduation of color. 



The question of mass should be given consideration. Most of 

 the perennials have but a short season of bloom after which they 

 are of little use. In selecting varieties for large clumps, those with 

 a long blooming season should be chosen. Exceptions to this rule 



