A GARDEN FESTIVAL.
One expression of this garden zeal is the popularity of new varieties. Some of the newest bulbs have sold at prices round about 10s. each to owners of small village gardens ; and some of these villagers have won a great number of prizes, and the best prizes, at central shows in London. I have known of very big prices being paid for some of the newer gladiolus, and very splendid the flowers are ; but the greatest rural successes have been won with the dahlia, which was always a favourite in the villages and is now grown to great perfection in many gardens scarcely more than a pole square. Owners of country houses could perhaps do more for cottage gardeners. Every gardener has superfluities, most of which are thrown away. I should like to repeat a plea for the fixing of a Garden Day, a festival which all gardeners should celebrate by giving or exchanging plants and seeds. On such a day the owner of the big garden might authorize a list on which any visitor should put down what he would like, supposing it were to spare at such-or-such a date. Cuttings and seeds would be included as well as divided roots. What a deal may be done even with prunings !
Previous page
