CHAPTER I 
THE HARDY FLOWER GARDEN 
THE usual custom is to commence a book with 
directions for the planning and construction 
of a garden for the accommodation of the plants 
one is advised to grow. 
The ideal site is described, the soil of which we 
are told should be a deep rich loam of medium 
texture. The method of making good paths is 
dealt with, and the provision of suitable boundary 
fences, shelters from winds, etc., recommended. 
This is all sound and good, provided one has 
ample means at one's disposal to carry out these 
recommendations, and is in the happy position of 
being at liberty to choose to live just where soil 
and natural environment happen to be in complete 
accordance with the requirements of the perfect 
Eden or the ideal garden. But what percentage of 
us can conform to these conditions in order to possess 
the garden of our ideals ? Is it not far more gener- 
ally the case that force of circumstances places us 
in possession of a garden already made, and which 
with all its faults and shortcomings we have to 
make the best of, and be content with ? 
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