THE BEGINNER 39 



advice. They will tell us what are suitable plants for 

 special situations, and ease our path by smoothing diffi- 

 culties as they arise. 



In April the time approaches for a quick change. We 

 find shrubs no longer satisfy, and the early bulbs are over. 

 We now want spring flowers, and can buy small ones 

 ready to be planted at Covent Garden, or from any good 

 florist near at hand. We can propagate them ourselves 

 if we have ever so small a garden to fall back upon — if 

 not, why, then we must buy from the shops and market- 

 gardens. Aubrietia, Wall-flowers, Anemones, Narcissus, 

 Myosotis, Tulips, and Iris will all be coming on now, 

 and their flowers are charming. At this season a little 

 fresh mould may be advisable, and a good clean up. 



In May we can make up hanging baskets for the 

 balcony. Large ones do better than small, as a good 

 body of soil can be kept in a more equable state of 

 moisture. Fuchsias are lovely for the basket, and so are 

 all kinds of trailing geraniums. Moss is of course indis- 

 pensable, and small pieces will soon spread. Daisies, both 

 white and yellow, are always ready and welcome. Alpine 

 Strawberries hanging or trailing over a basket look very 

 pretty. 



June is here before we know where we are, and the 

 long sweet summer days. Even our miniature gardens 

 will keep us busy. Watering, staking, thinning out, and 

 weeding — all these things will have to be done, as well as 

 cutting off dead leaves. If a plant looks sickly, do not 

 let that make us too sad. We had better take it out 

 from among its fellows and nurse it up elsewhere. In 

 Paris, there is a hospital for invalid plants, where they are 

 taken care of and restored to health. I am afraid no one 

 has yet started a Flower Hospital for London. 



Petunias come on later, and are splendid plants for 

 town people ; they are brilliant, and do not put them- 

 selves out because of smoke and smuts. They climb 



