CHAPTER XI 



PEREKNIAL BORDERS 



Location. Perennial borders may be planted near the 

 house, along walks or driveways, at the foot of terraces, 

 around some obstruction on the lawn, or in any place 

 that is in need of a permanent growth to improve the 

 landscape. 



Soil. The soil should be spaded to a depth of eighteen 

 inches and mixed with rotted sod, leaf mold, or black 

 loam if it does not contain loam. A sandy loam with 

 an abundance of leaf mold will make the best border. 



Planting. Where the lawn widens, use larger plants 

 and give the border more space ; use smaller ones for 

 the foreground and for narrow spaces. Fill most of 

 the space with plants that may be depended upon from 

 year to year. These include the peony, yucca, bleeding 

 heart, larkspur, sweet William, or any of the perennial 

 phloxes or poppies. In making a selection, bear in mind 

 the fact that both flowers and foliage should be abundant 

 all the season. After making provision for this, group 

 other plants around those chosen, as space allows. Put 

 early spring flowers and the bulbs that die down after 

 their blooming period in places that will be covered by 

 the foliage of the large perennials, which are at their 



best during the summer and autumn months. 



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