FLOWERS FOR SUBURBAN GARDENS 361 



Annual Ramblers. Much can be done to beautify walls and fences 

 in summer with annual flowers, notably Convolvuluses, Lathyrus 

 (Everlasting Peas), and Tropaeolums (including Nasturtiums). 



The absence of beauty on division fences is often due to the 

 fact that the soil is poor and dry. Particular attention should 

 be paid to preparing the ground under walls. It must be turned 

 over deeply, the subsoil being broken up and manured. Further, 

 a particular point should be made of planting early in spring, 

 except in the case of tender Annuals. A great deal can be done 

 to keep the plants healthy and vigorous by weekly soakings of 

 water and occasional applications of liquid manure. Light daily 

 sprinklings are of very little use. 



Herbaceous Plants for Suburban Gardens. The selection of 

 plants for the borders will give food for much consideration. In 

 this connection we would refer readers who want full information 

 to previous chapters, notably those on herbaceous plants and 

 tender bedders. In these days hardy herbaceous plants hold the 

 sway in large gardens, and there is no reason why suburban 

 amateurs should not grow a few representatives of this large, 

 popular, and beautiful class. A border four feet wide will not, of 

 course, give the scope for fine colour effects which are procurable 

 by a judicious use of fine perennials. There is not room for large 

 groups. But handsome clumps of some good plants can be grown 

 if the soil is well dug and manured. Let us summarise a few of 

 the best. Double and single Pyrethrums thrive, and there are 

 few plants more beautiful. They are suitable for small borders, 

 because their habit is neat and compact. The foliage is graceful 

 without being far-spreading. The flowers are thrown well up on 

 long stems. They are useful for cutting on this account. On the 

 whole, we certainly commend Pyrethrums to suburban amateurs. 

 Columbines are delightful plants, the habit being neat and the 

 flowers elegant, as well as charming in colour. Snapdragons are 

 admirable in every way. They grow freely almost anywhere, bloom 



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