22 BOOK OF THE COTTAGE GARDEN 



inch of surface can be covered with a growth of living 

 things, beautiful and interesting throughout the year. 

 In summer the soil will be cool and moist, its depth 

 enabling slender root fibres to thrust their way down- 

 ward far below the wilting influence of even the most 

 scorching sun. In winter there will be no risk of its 

 becoming cold and waterlogged, the drainage being 

 ample to carry off any surplus moisture. Consequently 

 the plants are always healthy ; roots secure from decay ; 

 bulbs, maturing, by Nature's secret processes, bloom and 

 leaf spike wherewith to greet the Spring ; a million life 

 forces nourished, lulled, and quickened by the kindly 

 earth to fulfil in due season their appointed destiny. 



In choosing positions for permanent borders it is 

 unnecessary to hamper oneself with orthodox rules. 

 Their suitability for the class of plants which will 

 occupy them is the only consideration of any import- 

 ance ; unlike the stereotyped flower beds of geometrical 

 outline they look well anywhere, and are equally suited 

 to gardens of small or large extent. For the choicer 

 plants an open, sunny situation is best, though care 

 must be taken that it is not wind-swept. High winds 

 are indeed the greatest menace to the culture of hardy 

 border plants, whose height and luxuriance render them 

 particularly susceptible to damage. The provision of 

 shelter, so easily attained by the judicious planting of 

 suitable shrubs, is always the first care of the gardener 

 who studies the needs of flowers. Wide borders of 

 perennials flanking the main pathway of the cottage 

 garden are perhaps the commonest and most delightful 

 way of securing appreciation for this particular feature. 

 Filled with boldly massed plants of fine form and 

 colour, we have a bright yet dignified approach to the 

 smallest dwelling. In these flanking borders we would 

 plant all the best of the hardy flowers, and by thoughtful 

 arrangement secure an almost uninterrupted succession 



