“Yes,” said her father, “I have plenty of time now, and I will help Billy, if he will act as ‘master of ceremonies.’” “Father, I don’t know such a heap.” Billy’s face colored. “Well, son,” said his father, “we’ll all appreciate your telling us all you can of what you learned. I know a little theory on the subject myself. I only wish I could have had training and experience in gardening when I was a boy.” “It’s the most interesting subject in the world, I believe,“ Billy said earnestly. “Here are the seeds,” cried Mary Frances, as she and Eleanor came with a number of packages. CHAPTER LI GROWING PERENNIALS FROM SEED “WE bought,” said Billy, taking the packages in his hand, “only the seeds of the perennials which are easily grown. It’s far better to buy the young plants of the more delicate kinds.” “I should think so. May we see what you have here?” asked his father, reading aloud the names on the envelopes which Billy gave him. They were— Gaillardia Coreopsis Iceland Poppies Larkspur Bell Flowers Oriental Poppies Baby’s Breath Hollyhocks Foxgloves Columbines “Of course,” Billy explained, “all of these seeds could be started in the early Spring in a sunny window in the house, or in a hotbed, and transplanted to the open ground in June; but the advantage in planting them in July or August is that they will get a good start before cold weather, and will bloom the next Summer.” “Oh, wouldn’t they bloom in the coming Summer if planted in the house very, very early in the Spring?” asked Eleanor. “A few, such as sweet williams and gaillardia, might,” Billy answered, “but it would be quite uncertain.” “Do you make the seed bed in just the same way as for any other seeds?” asked Mary Frances. “Yes, taking great pains to have it finely pulverized. Well, let’s get to work! Father, please tell us what you think is a good place.” After pointing out a good sunny place, his father helped Billy make the seed bed, and the girls sowed the seed. “Cover the tiny seeds with just a thin layer of soil,” directed Billy, “but put a heavier cover on the larger ones. The rule is to cover a seed with three times its diameter.” “Next we press them down firmly,” said Mary Frances, “and sprinkle with water very gently.” “Good!” her father praised her. “What a fine little gardener you are! By the way, when do we see that play house garden of yours, dear?” “Oh, Father, that’s to be another surprise!” Mary Frances answered. “You’re to be invited to a Garden Party—you and Mother, and other people, too.” “Won’t that be fine! I hope you will not forget Aunt Maria,” her father smiled. “That’s a part of the secret, Father; please, please don’t guess any more! And please don’t tell Mother, will you?” Mary Frances begged anxiously. “Indeed, I shall not, little girl,” he answered. “I think it is a delightful idea.” “The bed should be shaded from the hot sunlight,” Billy went on irrelevantly, “until the plants are quite large.”