HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS 65 



circumstances) everything that comes along, and in the order in 

 which it presents itself. In such haphazard fashion are mixed 

 borders often formed. But if the amateur marked out a given 

 number of sites in the border, extending its whole length, and 

 established a group on each, he would at once discover that he had 

 a definite scheme to work on, which gave him the nucleus of a 

 beautiful border forthwith. 



The leading idea should not be to cover every square inch of 

 surface at the earliest possible moment. That inevitably leads to 

 ultimate overcrowding. Bare earth in 

 spring and early summer is not in the 

 least offensive, so long as it is not 

 weedy. With clear spaces between the 

 different groups the hoe can be plied 

 freely and conveniently when the ground 

 dries after every shower, to the swift 

 destruction of weeds, and the immense 

 benefit of the proper occupants of the 

 border. 



Later in the year confusion is often 

 caused by the falling about of the 



growths of tall plants in windy weather. This should be cor- 

 rected at once by staking and tying. In this connection the 

 amateur may be advised to remember that tight "bunching-up " 

 is undesirable, and that a tie near the bottom of a plant, 

 and another near the top, will generally hold it more evenly 

 and securely than one in the middle. Plants with flower stems 

 which droop gracefully, such as Solomon's Seal, Foxgloves, and 

 Gladioli, should not be held as straight and stiff as soldiers 

 on parade. 



It has been mentioned that spring is a good time for planting 

 herbaceous borders, but it may be done in autumn or winter 

 (except when the ground is hard with frost), if more convenient. 





HERBACEOUS BORDER WITH TURF 



A, border ; B, wall, or fence, or background ; 

 C, grass ; D, path. 



