Perennials 



33 



just before its roots start to grow. Plants in general, and early flowering 

 ones in particular, make considerable root growth in the fall. A good rule 

 to follow is : Plant in the early fall those species that blossom before July, 

 and in the spring those that bloom later in the year. 



If it seems best to make the planting all at one time, then early fall 

 will perhaps be the best season for the greatest number. Fall planting 

 should be early, so that the plants can become estabhshed in the soil 

 before freezing weather. It is of course quite possible to move plants 

 at any season, but more care must be used. 



A well-drained, deep soil under the plants is the first and best protection. 

 Too much water in the soil and too weak a root system, with the alternate 

 freezing and thawing, 

 are the main reasons 

 for the winter-killing of 

 otherwise hardy plants. 

 If the beds are given a 

 dressing of short 

 manure in the fall, just 

 sufficient to cover the 

 earth without smother- 

 ing the crowns of the 

 plants, it will prevent 

 the too quick freezing 

 and thawing. 



Plants that are 

 really tender to cold 

 must be mulched to 

 keep the frost from the 

 roots. This can be 

 accomplished with any 

 material, such as straw, 

 leaves, etc., that is open 

 enough to form interior 

 air spaces and so be a 

 poor conductor of cold. 

 It is well to place this 

 material in heaps over s,,,,i„g 3,,,, „, Dodeca.heon 



