24 MY GARDEN 



their full height, any unsightly ends of the brush may be 

 cut off. 



The removal of all withered flowers is of considerable 

 importance in the fair appearance of the garden. The 

 self-sown seedlings of many plants Phlox, for instance 

 are a real nuisance; and besides this, most annuals, 

 and a fair number of perennials, may be kept in bloom 

 for a greatly lengthened period if the plants are not 

 allowed to seed. This is particularly true of Moon- 

 penny Daisies, Geums, Erigeron speciosus, and the 

 hardy Cornflower (Centaurea montand). The blooming 

 period of Phlox, Mulleins, and Anchusas may be ex- 

 tended if the flower stalk is cut just below the lowest 

 blossom; auxiliary flower stems will then be sent out at 

 once. Foxgloves may be bewitched into perennialism if 

 the flower stalks are cut to the ground immediately 

 after fading. Hardy young plants will form around 

 the old crown. This is also true of Hollyhocks. Many 

 low-growing plants, such as Pinks, Aubrietias, Iberis, 

 Cerastium, Sun Roses, and Golden Alyssum are much 

 benefited by a severe shearing after their bloom is past. 

 They are apt to become very untidy in appearance, but if 

 well cut back will soon regain their tidy, rounded form. 



In the summer care of the garden, cultivation of the 

 soil is more important than watering. The latter 

 should not be done at all unless thoroughly that is, the 

 soil soaked at least two inches below the surface. Our 

 own method is to stick the rake handle in the ground, 



