English ivy grows well in water, and you all know that the Japanese lily requires only a layer of pebbles in a dish of water to grow and blossom most beautifully. Hyacinths in their own peculiar glasses are also raised entirely in water.
Of other odd gardens which are full of interest there is one called a
Friendship Garden
This is composed entirely of plants given by various friends of the owner, and each plant is called by the name of the giver. Devote one flower-bed, large or small as the case requires, to your friendship collection, and set out all your plants there. They will probably form a strange medley; but so much the better, it will only make the queer garden the more interesting. Roses, geraniums, lilies, fuchsias, heliotrope, sweet violets—sheltered from too great heat by the larger plants—verbenas and mignonette may all grow in this odd companionship. Endeavor not to crowd them too closely and study the habits of each plant, that it may be kept from encroaching upon the rights of its neighbor, if aggressive, or be crowded out of existence if of a retiring and yielding nature. Give all equal care, and your love for each plant and its giver will also grow and blossom in a way most sweet and marvellous.
The Memory Garden
is in reality a collection of souvenir plants brought from various places one has visited.
You may have your memory garden in your window if you like, for your plants will probably not be large and very likely will do best each in its separate flower-pot with soil adapted to its needs.
From various parts of the United States, from foreign countries, from places of historical and geographical interest you can bring mementoes for your garden that will be beautiful reminders of the pleasant scenes and incidents of your travels.
CHAPTER XXVIII
ACTIVE GAMES
Weavers and Weft