THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 



to those familiar with the good qualities of these so-called "Old- 

 fashioned Hardy Flowers," and it is safe to say that no other 

 class of flowering plants will give as much pleasure in return for 

 the time and care bestowed upon them. Then too, the intro- 

 duction of improved forms stimulates enthusiasm. When we 

 compare the latest varieties of Iris, Columbine, Peony, Lark- 

 spur, Phlox, and Aster, with the real old-fashioned types, we 

 see the wonderful development that has been brought about by 

 the skilled work of the hybridist. We see them made use of in 

 \'arious ways to suit different purposes. Some are well placed 

 in the rock garden, others can be used to good purpose in the 

 shrub border to give color late in the season. The most inter- 

 esting arrangement to plan and care for, is when they are grouped 

 together in a border in such manner as to maintain a succession 

 of bloom throughout the growing season. This calls for good 

 judgment in the selection and arrangement of the different types. 

 Habit of growth, season of bloom, and color, must all receive 

 due consideration. 



Most kinds adapt themselves readily to varied conditions of 

 soil and location, although in some cases the question of hardi- 

 ness is related to these local conditions. Few of them are really 

 happy if standing all winter with "wet feet" in poorly drained 

 soil. 



The keystone to success under any condition is the thorough 

 preparation and enrichment of the soil. No amount of fertil- 

 izer added after can make up for the lack of deep and thorough 

 cultivation in the beginning. Loosen up the soil two feet deep, 

 the extra labor mvolved will be amply repaid in the better growth 

 of the plants. At the same time dig in a good dressing of well 

 decayed manure, or leaf-mold, which will improve the physical 

 nature of the soil as well as supply plant food. In an established 

 border a dressing of sheep manure or bone meal lightly forked 

 in early in the spring is most beneficial. 



The soil ought to be in good friable condition at the time 

 planting is done, and for several reasons I prefer to do this in 

 early autumn rather than spring. The question of dividing 

 and replanting should be determined by the character of the 

 plant itself. Such plants as Peonies, Dicentra, Dictamus and 



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