The making and upkeep of a flower garden will cost more or less, not only in proportion to its size, but also in proportion to the degree in which the class of plant grown is specialised. It is the latter consideration - an all-important one - which makes it extremely difficult to calculate the cost of flower gardening.

If the reader should fail to appreciate the magnitude of the problem, let him compare the price of a new Dahlia - say five shillings - with that of a standard sort - say sixpence; of a new Rose with an old one - perhaps five shillings against ninepence; and so on with a great many other popular garden flowers. He will then realise that, in proportion as he is bent upon having in his garden the most modern varieties, or is satisfied with older ones as long as they are good, so will the cost of his garden be greater or less.

If this matter be left out of account there is less difficulty, and it may be well to consider the various items of expense connected with the making and maintaining of a beautiful garden under their various headings.