A PERENNIAL BORDER 47 



usual way, slipping off just below a joint if possible with 

 a sharp knife. 



Have ready a piece of land in a half shady position 

 and throw some old potting soil and some sand over it after 

 it has been forked up. In the case of cuttings without 

 rootlets, plant them with a dibber, pegging them firmly 

 in, and give a good watering. Keep close and shaded by 

 a hand-light over the beds, and sprinkle the plants freely 

 overhead. These cuttings are sometimes shy at rooting, 

 and the frame must be kept on till they begin to grow. It 

 may then be removed gradually, accustoming the plants 

 to light and air again. In early August transplant into rich 

 soil in a sunny reserve border ; water freely till established ; 

 and plant in their flowering positions either in November, 

 or the following March. 



Those " cuttings " which already possess small roots 

 need no frame or hand-light ; nor any sprinklings. They 

 should merely be planted 9-12 ins. apart each way in a semi- 

 shady border of sandy but rich soil. They should be 

 watered freely in dry weather, and kept well hoed, and will 

 then be ready for setting in their flowering quarters in 

 November. 



Be sure to draw up the soil a little around the roots of 

 the old plants from which small rooted cuttings have been 

 taken, and give them a good watering each evening for 

 some days afterwards, otherwise they will receive a check 

 from which it may take them some little time to recover. 



Perennials from Seed : The most economical way of 

 obtaining a good collection of perennials is to raise the 

 plants from seed, and though this takes much time and 

 patience, it is often worth it. A good way is to buy a few 

 plants of some of the strong growing perennials and plant 

 them in the border as a start, and then to raise others from 

 seed to fill and extend the border later. 



It is not so easy to raise perennials from seed as it is 

 annuals, but it is not really difficult. Prepare a light com- 

 post of loam, leaf- soil, and sand and spread this 2 or 4 ins. 

 deep over a plot of ground which has been well forked up. 



