PERENNIALS 93 



The last step is to take up each little pile of 

 cards by itself and either subdivide according to 

 this or that feature of the memoranda or at once 

 choose for the planting. The selected cards will 

 then answer as notes from which to make the 

 garden, or border, plan. 



Even with this preliminary study, it would be 

 far better for every one who is growing peren- 

 nials for the first time to plant most species in rows 

 like so many vegetables; this for a year or two. 

 No matter how much one absorbs from books, it 

 is only by watching a perennial grow a season or 

 more that it is possible to sense its character in 

 every particular, and if this is done in a little home 

 nursery the acquired practical knowledge makes 

 every definite step in the use of such plants as per- 

 manent garden material infinitely easier and more 

 effective. No time is really lost and much work- 

 ing experience is gained. 



A good reason for this preliminary planting is 

 the difficulty of getting a clear idea of the foliage 

 spread of a perennial without actual observation. 

 The kinds are too numerous to permit of the 

 spacing tables by which tulips, hyacinths, pansies 

 and geraniums are set out; very few go into the 

 ground excepting by what seems guesswork, but 

 is really an acquired knack. 



The foliage spread is important to know be- 

 fore planning a hardy border or garden, in order 

 that enough and not too many plants may be ac- 

 quired and set out thus saving money at the 



