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Annuals Blooming September 12th. Bryn Mawr, Pa

INTRODUCTION There have been many excellent books written on garden design and landscape work in general; much stress has been laid on the fascinating topic of artistic and harmonious color combinations so necessary for securing the finest results. But what is gained by filling the beds with plants effectively grouped and artistically combined if the knowledge of how to grow them and care for their needs be lacking? It is, therefore, a combined knowledge of the artistic and the practical that assures the greatest success.

This book goes forth to all my garden friends who share with me the keen delight and enthusiasm of hardy gardening. It is written especially for the benefit of those who take care of their own gardens, and its object is to be a purely practical guide to help solve the simple, everyday garden problems which arise.

For this reason I have given but superficial attention to the landscape phase of the question and have dealt chiefly with the more vital problem of how to grow and how to take care of the garden inhabitants for is not this, after all, the most important?

Plants in common with individuals have their own INTRODUCTION idiosyncrasies, and an intimate knowledge of the needs peculiar to the plants we wish to grow is the one sure road to success. What soil do they require? How are they propagated? And what must be done to keep them well and happy so that they may continue to add their bit of cheer and beauty to the garden? Bearing this in mind, the requirements of the leading and most desirable plants, perennial, bulbous and annual, are discussed separately, it being my wish to pass on for the benefit of others some of my own gardening experiences, hoping that they may prove of benefit to those looking for assistance in the work of improving their gardens.