388 MANUAL OF GARDENING 



land is in sod or is not in good heart, the preparation should begin the 

 season before the peonies are planted. A deep moist loam suits them 

 best; and as the plants grow and bloom, add bone meal and top-dress 

 with manure. When making their growth and when in bloom, they 

 should not be allowed to want for water. 



In purchasing peony roots, be careful to secure only well-grown 

 and selected stock. Cheap stock, job lots, and odds and ends are 

 likely to be very disappointing. 



The plants may be set in fall or spring, the latter being preferable 

 in the North. Cover the crown bud 2 or 3 inches, being careful 

 not to injure it. If the best blooms are desired, give plenty of room, 

 as much as 3 X 4 feet. Peonies grow 2 to 3 feet or even more 

 in height. Strong roots of some varieties will give bloom the first 

 year; considerable bloom will come the second year; but the full 

 bloom on most varieties should not be expected before the third 

 year. The flowers may be brightened and their duration prolonged 

 by partial shade while in bloom. 



If old plants become weak, or if they drop their buds, dig them up 

 and see whether the roots are not more or less dead and decayed; 

 divide to fresh parts and replant in well-enriched ground; or purchase 

 new plants. 



Peonies are propagated by division of the roots in early fall, one 

 good strong eye being left to each piece. 



The peony has merit for its foliage as well as for its bloom, particu- 

 larly when the soil is rich and the growth luxuriant. This value of 

 the plant is commonly overlooked. The peony deserves its popu- 

 larity. 



Phlox. — Garden phloxes are of two kinds, the annual and peren- 

 nial. Both are most valuable. 



Excepting the petunia, no plant will give the profusion of bloom 

 with as little care as the annual phlox {Phlox Drummondii) . For clear 

 and brilliant colors, the many varieties of this are certainly unrivaled. 

 The dwarf kinds are the more desirable for ribbon-beds, as they are not 

 so ''leggy." There are whites, pinks, reds, and variegated of the most ' 

 dazzling brilliancy. The dwarfs grow ten inches high, and bloom 

 continuously. Set them 8 inches apart in good soil. Seed may be 



