so-called hardy stock, we must remember that we live in a good sized
country and what would be hardy in Southern Iowa, Missouri and Illinois,
would not stand the winters of Northern Iowa or of Minnesota or other
localities of the same latitude. In shrubs we can be sure of a variety
of lilacs, snowballs, and hydrangea paniculata. Some of the newer
varieties are fine and bloom in August, when few other shrubs are
flowering. Spirea Van Houttii, best known as Bridal Wreath, we might
include and a few of the hardy vines if a trellis or other support was
given for them, such as clematis paniculata, coccinea and jackmani, the
large purple and white honeysuckle, Chinese matrimony vine, etc.

Among hardy roses, which are called the queen of all flowers, are the
Rugosa type, which will stand the winters with no protection and
continue to flower all summer. While the flowers of that type are single
or semi-double, the bushes would be handsome without any flowers. This
type also produces hips, which adds to their attractiveness, and these
may be made into jelly in the fall if so desired. I would advise to
plant some of the most hardy of the hybrid perpetual roses, such as
General Jacqueminot, Magna Charta, Mrs. Chas. Wood, Mrs. John Lang, Mad.
Plantier, with some of the climbers, such as the Rambler in variety,
Prairie Queen, Baltimore Belle and, perhaps, some others, with the
understanding that the hybrids and climbers should have protection in
some form for the winter months.

Then in hardy perennials there is such a variety to select from that one
hardly knows where to begin or when to stop. Of course everyone wants a
few peonies, and some of the hardy phlox, in such a variety of color.
Then the delphinium, or hardy larkspurs, are fine bloomers. The blue and
white platycodon are sure to flower, while the German iris are good and
the Japan iris are fine flowers, but have to have good protection to
stand our winters. For fine white flowers we have the showy achilleas in
variety and gypsophila paniculata, called baby breath as a common name.
Then we must have plenty of space for a variety of annuals, such as
sweet peas, cosmos, pansies, verbenas, etc. Also, we would grow
geraniums in variety, a few summer carnations, and the selection can be
large or small, but almost every one will want some dahlia and gladiolus
bulbs. Those that like yellow, or lemon, lilies can plant them and have
a mass of flowers during June. The Japan lilies,