THE HARDY PERENNIALS 97 



slender type, which is good to plant just back of the 

 German varieties. The Japanese Irises are the largest 

 of the group, splendid flowers held on stems which are 

 often three or four feet long. There are also many 

 other less common types of Irises, most of which are 

 beautiful. The flowers of all will open in succession if 

 the stems are cut and placed in water. 



These various Irises are among the most satisfactory 

 perennials for border gardens. They complete their 

 seasonal growth late in summer and should be trans- 

 planted early in autumn, so as to become established 

 before winter. The Japanese varieties will not flourish 

 in soils containing lime, so care should be taken in apply- 

 ing bone meal or similar fertilizers to the Iris bed. 



The Composites 



The great sunflower family or Compositae contains 

 several attractive perennials suitable for border gardens. 

 In these blossoms many tiny flowers or florets are crowded 

 together to form a compact head. The individual 

 florets around the outside commonly form conspicuous 

 ray florets as in the single daisies. 



The plants which we call Wild Asters the English 

 people call Michaelmas Daisies. They are so abundant 

 along our roadsides and in our fields and woods that we 

 do not appreciate them for garden culture as fully as 

 our Enghsh cousins do. They are, however, probably 

 the most desirable plants for flowering late in autumn 

 for the border garden. They are hardier than the 

 Pompon Chrysanthemums and will thrive with less 

 attention. The flowers stand several degrees of frost 

 without injury, so they are able to make a brave showing 



