A PERENNIAL BORDER 51 



the autumn, and this crop is most useful. A bed of 

 Anchusa plants covered with bloom on September 27th, 

 is a novelty but it is possible. I have seen it done by merely 

 carrying out these last directions. 



Pests of Perennials : The great enemies of perennials 

 in the early spring are slugs, and in the summer earwigs 

 and aphides. Slugs can be kept off by making lines of 

 soot or lime round such choice plants as Pyrethrums, and 

 dusting soot over the others. Earwigs can be trapped in 

 either of the ways described in Chapter XVII. Aphides 

 may be removed by syringing the plants with soft soap 

 dissolved in water. 



The secret of success is good cultivation of the ground. 

 Perennials are not as a rule prone to disease. I have had 

 a big border for years without a trace of disease in it so far. 

 This is only because the plants are treated well, so that they 

 grow strong enough to resist attack. Good cultivation 

 pays. The soil must be made good and rich for most of 

 them. But give them good rich soil and plenty of water, 

 and you will not usually be troubled with disease. 



