CHAPTER VI. 
HARDY BORDER FLOWERS. 
The hardy herbaceous border is the best feature of the flowe 
garden, though commonly regarded as the worst. When well 
made, well stocked, and well managed, it presents us with 
flowers in abundance during ten months out of twelve, and 
in the remaining two blank months offers some actual enter¬ 
tainment, and many agreeable hints of pleasures to come, to 
make an ample reward for the comparatively small amount of 
labour its proper keeping will necessitate. Given a few trees 
and shrubs, a plot of grass, and comfortable walks, the three 
first essentials of a garden, and a collection of hardy herba¬ 
ceous plants is the fourth essential feature, and may be the 
last; for the bedding system may very well be dispensed with 
in a homely place, provided the hardy flowers are admitted, 
and cared for, according to their merits. It may be that 
many a reader of this will be disposed to question whether 
geraniums should be swept away to make room for lilies, and 
verbenas denied a place because of the superior claims of 
phloxes, but such a question we do not propose—our business 
is to point out that the bedding system is an embellishment 
added to the garden: the herbaceous border is a necessary 
fundamental feature. Therefore we ask for the establishment 
of a collection of herbaceous plants before preparations are 
made for a display of bedding, and our advice to those who 
love their gardens and walk much in them, and find amuse¬ 
ment in watching the growth of plants, and in contrasting 
their various characters and attractions, is, that they should 
seek to develop the herbaceous department, and so become 
acquainted with its full capabilities. In this pursuit enthu- 
riasm may be manifested without incurring the reproach of 
season, for it is a truly intellectual pastime, and demands the 
practice of patience, and the exercise of thought in no small 
