THE EARLY WINDOW-BOX 13 



must never be forgotten, nor yet the simple Prim- 

 rose, which looks so fair near beds of heavenly blue 

 (Grape-hyacinth, Forget-me-not, and Bluebell, are contem- 

 poraries), and we should start our window-garden as soon 

 as we come back from seaside holidays, say in the quiet 

 days of late September. 



Through the long winter nothing gives a more delight- 

 ful sense of restful expectation than a box or border we 

 have filled with bulbs and covered comfortably with some 

 simple greenery. It secures for us a taste of the real 

 pleasures of gardening. Our part is done ; Nature, even 

 in towns, will do the rest. 



" The bulbs lie close 

 In the earth's warm keeping ; 

 But when Spring wakes, 

 That now is sleeping, 

 Crocus and daffodil, 

 Hyacinth and jonquil. 

 Their dreams unfold 

 In blue and gold, 

 For lovers reaping/' 



