"A wild-flower garden is a joy each year, because up it comes without
constant replanting of seed. It is a hardy garden. As Nature often
covers her wood-flowers over with leaves preparatory to winter, so you
might copy her and do the same.

"Many people say they have no luck at all with such a garden. It is not
a question of luck, but a question of understanding, for wild flowers
are like people and each has its personality. What a plant has been
accustomed to in Nature it desires always. In fact, when removed from
its own sort of living conditions, it sickens and dies. That is enough
to tell us that we should copy Nature herself. Suppose you are hunting
wild flowers. As you choose certain flowers from the woods, notice the
soil they are in, the place, conditions, the surroundings, and the
neighbours.

"Suppose you find dog-tooth violets and wind-flowers growing near
together. Then place them so in your own new garden. Suppose you find a
certain violet enjoying an open situation; then it should always have
the same. You see the point, do you not? If you wish wild flowers to
grow in a tame garden make them feel at home. Cheat them into almost
believing that they are still in their native haunts.

"Wild flowers ought to be transplanted after blossoming time is over.
Take a trowel and a basket into the woods with you. As you take up a
few, a columbine, or a hepatica, be sure to take with the roots some of
the plant's own soil, which must be packed about it when replanted.

"The bed into which these plants are to go should be prepared carefully
before this trip of yours. Surely you do not wish to bring those plants