50 JOTTINGS OF A GENTLEMAN GARDENER 



much as 3 ins. of manure may be put, or even 4 ins., but 

 2 ins. is usually enough. A little soil may be sprinkled 

 over it to make it less unsightly. Water through this 

 mulch. It will be found that the plants suffer much less 

 in the dry weather if this is done, and it is well worth the 

 extra trouble. 



Watering : As many perennials are such big rooted 

 plants and very thirsty, it is essential that if watering is 

 done at all it should be done thoroughly. No rosed can 

 is of much use for watering the larger clumps, it is better 

 to pour the water into the clumps carefully from the spout 

 of the can. Give each large clump at least three gallons 

 of water in really dry weather, in the evening. The plants 

 may then also be sprayed over the foliage. I shall deal 

 with watering fully in a later chapter. 



Feeding : Any strong growing perennials may be safely 

 fed with liquid manure when they are in bloom, and better 

 results are obtained by so doing. Feeding can be done 

 three times a week, but twice is enough if the soil is really 

 rich. One of the liquids recommended in Chapter XIX 

 should be used. It is a mistake to give the liquid in strong 

 doses. 



Cutting the Flowers : There is no need to be afraid of 

 cutting flowers from perennials. With a few exceptions 

 they are benefited by the removal of flowers, and they 

 are generous beings, giving more when the first have been 

 taken. The work should be done in the early morning with 

 a sharp knife, the plants may be damaged if they are 

 " pulled " or " plucked." In the following chapter, and in 

 Chapter XX, I shall mention some of the perennials which 

 are specially useful for cutting. 



^Removal of Dead Blooms : Dead flowers should always 

 be removed from the plants, unless seed is to be saved. 

 They weaken the plants and also look untidy. If the 

 foliage of such plants as Anchusas, early sorts of 

 Chrysanthemum maximum, Doronicums, and Pyrethrums, 

 is cut down to the ground at once and well mulched and 

 watered, they will yield a second crop of bloom later on, in 



