206 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



that lawns that have been regularly treated with a heavy 

 roller begin to suffer from what is called " surf ace cohesion." 

 The remedy is the use of a spiked tamper or roller which 

 perforates the sod, making small holes every few inches. 

 These admit air and moisture and the plants are stimulated 

 to new growth. 



Peonies to Plant in August 



A first-class collection of peonies is always desirable and 

 yearly becomes more attractive. The growing of this 

 flower is easy, provided a few fundamental points are at- 

 tended to. Any soil in good mechanical condition is suit- 

 able, though the plant responds well to a little extra care 

 and nourishment. It is not advisable, however, to use fresh 

 manure in too close contact with the roots. The roots re- 

 quire dividing at intervals when they may have become so 

 crowded as to interfere with their flowering. At all times 

 the soil must be kept loose and free from weeds. In planting 

 the roots make sure that the eyes are two to three inches 

 below the surface. Even if small roots are started, full 

 space must be allowed for growth, the rows being three or 

 three and a half feet apart, the plants set two and a half or 

 three feet apart in the rows. 



The best season for planting is the end of August or early 

 September, though peonies may be planted at any time 

 from mid-August until growth is too far advanced in the 

 spring. The following are among the best varieties: 

 Couronne d'Or, pure white; Felix Crousse, rich red; Festiva 

 Maxima, white; Duchess de Nemours, white; Edulis 

 Superba, rich mauve pink; Monsieur Jules Elie, light lilac 

 rose; Madame de Verneville, white with bluish center; Marie 

 Lemoine, pure white and cream; Grandiflora, rose, shaded 

 white; Baroness Shroeder, flesh white; Livingstone, light 

 lilac rose; Monsieur Du Pont, pure white, center splashed 

 crimson; Delicatissima, pale lilac rose; Venus, light hy- 

 drangea pink; Claire Dubois, clear rich violet rose, tipped 

 silvery white; Delachei, violet-crimson, tipped silver; La 

 Tulipe, lilac white; Modiste Guerin, light solferino red. 



