26 MY GARDEN 



some and leaving out others that did not come up to the 

 standard. We attempt only what we can finish in a 

 day, as the plants must not be long left out of the 

 ground, and we manage to get all round the garden 

 about every three years. 



Some plants, such as "Japanese Anemones, Pseonies, 

 Fraxinella, and Sea Lavender, with a known antipathy 

 for interference, we dig carefully around and arrange a 

 little tempting food within their reach. 



In a series of very helpful articles which appeared in 

 The Garden for February and March, 1914, Mr. Brother- 

 son writes the following: "I know there exists a kind of 

 horror at the thought of introducing a spade among 

 established herbaceous plants, the dear roots being 

 objects of much concern, lest they should be severed. 

 May I express the conviction that nothing better could 

 happen to the plants next to lifting and replanting. By 

 digging deeply and carefully among them they are di- 

 vested of useless roots and an improved root run is pro- 

 vided, into which new roots to take the place of those 

 removed will quickly find their way, to the great bene- 

 fit of the plants. Manure about twelve months old is 

 best fitted for mixing with the soil under these condi- 

 tions." I have seen the beautiful gardens at Preston- 

 kirk, Scotland, over which Mr. Brotherson presides, and 

 their superb well-being is all the testimony required that 

 this seemingly drastic treatment is not only safe but 

 most efficacious. 



