Then the aunts explained how the children must plant seeds in their seed-beds, and after the tiny shoots sprang up, how they must be separated and thinned out.
“And throw away some of them!” exclaimed Dolly in dismay.
“Yes; that’s to make the others stronger and healthier plants.”
“What do we plant in our big gardens?” asked Dick.
“Well, there you can have such plants as you want. Roses, geraniums, and Canterbury Bells are good ones. And then, you transplant to those beds your seedlings that you have already started yourselves.”
“And can’t we plant any seeds in the flower beds?”
“Oh, yes; such as do not need transplanting. You can have borders of portulacca, candytuft, sweet alyssum, and such things.”
“My! it sounds grand!” said Dolly, to whom nearly all these names were new.
“Now suppose we go out there again,” said Aunt Rachel, “and see what seeds Pat has on hand. Then we’ll know what to buy for you.”
So back went the quartette, and found the playground had assumed quite a definite air.