244 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



November; 18" apart is the proper distance for most vari- 

 eties, and the taller or stronger growing can be given a little 

 more. The old clumps should be cut up into separate 

 pieces, containing several shoots only, using an edger or a 

 very sharp spade. Do not be tempted to keep more plants 

 than you have room for, even though you have to throw 

 some away, although there are generally friends available 

 who would be very glad to use them in their gardens. 



Planting and Replanting Peonies 



Peonies can remain longer in one position without any 

 necessity for replanting than most of the perennials. They 

 are very hardy, free from insects, and usually from disease. 

 The new peony disease has not become widespread and if 

 the plants are bought from a nursery where one is sure that 

 they are healthy, it is not likely to cause trouble. The plants 

 are not particular as to soil; and the ordinary garden soil in 

 which vegetables or flowers do well is all right, but one 

 should be selected that is rather heavy, if it is available. 



Although the flowering season is usually over early in July, 

 the plants continue to grow for some time; the growth should 

 be encouraged as it stores up energy in the fleshy roots for 

 next season, in the same way as rhubarb or asparagus; but 

 the foliage will have completed its growth and will begin to 

 ripen off by the middle of September, and the sooner the 

 plants are put in or replanted after that the better. As 

 each root, although it may seem quite small when put in, 

 will make a very large clump within the course of a very few 

 years, they should be planted from two to three feet apart, 

 and nearly that distance from other plants, where they are 

 set in the hardy border. It is a good plan to set out some 

 of the early, flowering spring bulbs near them in the border, 

 as these are gone by before the peonies require the room. 

 Care should be taken that the manure used is old and does 

 not come into contact with the fleshy roots when setting 

 the plants out. Very frequently the roots are set too deep. 

 The crown of the root after covering should be only 2 to 



