A Few Hints on Growing the Flowers Shown in the Garden Cut-Outs

In using the following lists, if the garden space is small, select only the names marked with a star.

The height of each plant is given because it is always desirable to plant low-growing flowers in the foreground; and tall ones in the background.

The following-named Perennials (the roots of which live from year to year) may be grown from seeds, but cannot be depended upon to bloom the first year.

Instead of beginners starting seeds of Perennials, it is well to buy the young plants from a reliable dealer to start the permanent garden, and to experiment with seeds after acquaintance with those plants already established.

Do not buy many plants of any kind, as a few, well cared for, will increase in number the next year.

Annuals (the roots of which die in the Fall) will bloom the same season as planted. Start seeds early, either in a box in a sunny window, or in a warm sunny corner out of doors early in May.

The first step in garden-making is the planning of the garden.

(See [Chapter LXII] on “The Mary Frances Garden Cut-Outs.”)

The second step is selection of the seed, and the ordering of the same from one of the best seed firms.

Never try inferior or untested seeds. It is no economy.

In regard to “color scheme,” see [Chapter LX].

For artistic effect, it is usually best to plant the same kind of flowers close together to obtain “masses” of bloom.

[CHAPTER VII]
Early Spring Garden

LIST No. 1
Five Bulbs* for Early Spring Hardy Garden

See Mary Frances Garden Cut-Out [No. 1].

Plant the following named bulbs in the Fall. See Chapter LVI.

Names.Remarks.
Snowdrops.Pure white small bells, blooming late in February or
early in March, whenever the snow leaves the ground. Leave bulbs in the ground over Winter, covered with leaves. Plant 4 inches deep.
Nar-cis-sus or Daff-o-dils.*Daffodil bulbs are very hardy, and increase in number from year to year. They should be covered with leaves over Winter. The best varieties are “Emperor”* and “Empress.” Plant 4 inches deep. Barii Conspicuus, a Star Narcissus, is beautiful for cutting. Poet’s Narcissus have beautiful white petals, with golden and red center.
Cottage Garden* (May-flowering) Tulips.Beautiful large flowers of all colors, making the Spring garden bright and gay. Plant bulbs 4 inches deep. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches high.
Darwin Tulips.These beautiful, stately tulips grow two feet high and more. Large globe-shaped brilliant blooms. They come in all colors except yellow. Plant 4 inches deep.
Hy-a-cinths.Plant only a few hyacinth bulbs, because they do not “winter over” well; new bulbs should be added every year, as the old ones deteriorate. Colors: pink, purple, white.

* If garden space is small, select only the names marked with a star.