THE GARDEN 9 



he done with perennials so early in the season. In this way unseemly gaps 

 in the lines of bloom may be mended. 



The clumps of perennials should be gone over, and all dead stalks 

 removed, not by pulling them out forcibly, as this never fails to bring up 

 some new shoots along with the old stalks, but by using the garden shears 

 to clip the withered stems off close to the earth. 



The columbines have been in evidence since the last week in March, 

 and by April are some three inches or so in height, with the buds forming 

 in the centre of the clump. Remove all the dead stems by clipping. Do 

 take a close look at these plants. Did you ever see anything so delicately 

 lOTely as the closely-curled rosettes of metallic prune-green foliage? 



The myosotis (forget-me-nots) have been twinkling out in tiny, fairy- 

 like leaves, close to the ground, for a week or ten days. Have you ever 

 noticed what ugly, black, ragged strings last year's vines have been all 

 through the cold winter? Do not clear away these burned-up looking 

 strings. Truly, they do not appear to have the least spark of life in them. 

 But just wait a few days longer and you shall see what you shall see. 



The pink roots should be heeled up with the garden fork to make them 

 firm and steady in the ground. Do not move them away or attempt to 

 divide yet. 



PERENNIALS EASILY GROWN FROM SEED 



Now, in the matter of growing perennials, one word, be patient. Per- 

 ennials grow very slowly. Having planted the seeds, see to it that the sur- 

 face of the bed is kept moist all the time. Cover it during the middle of 

 the day, because the hot days of July and August will cook wee plants in 

 the shortest time. If by Sept. 1 the seedlings are large enough to be trans- 

 planted, they will have a good six weeks of growing weather to make them 

 ready for the winter. Growth will go on under the warm mulching that 

 will be spread above the bed for the winter. Nearly half the list mentioned 

 above will do well in shady spots. All will stand transplanting readily, 

 very early in the spring. This collection I have given you will give an ideal 

 amount of coloring, bloom and fragrance: 



Pearl achillea, one of the most beautiful white flowering perennials; 

 double daisy-like flowers from early June to September. Splendid for 

 shady spots. 



Columbine, content to thrive in sun or shade, these dainty, graceful 

 flowers are unequaled. See descriptions above for complete instructions. 



Hollyhocks should be planted as backgrounds. They belong in the 

 same class as the larkspurs, and should have careful winter protection. 



APRIL IN THE GARDEN 



By April time the gardener should have removed most of the mulch- 

 ing from the various beds. It is never a wise plan to leave the heavy, rich 

 manure on the beds until the last minute. Of course, one wishes the full 

 benefit of the early rains which will soak through the richly nitrogen-laden 

 material, carrying food and strengthening moisture down into the earth. 

 But too much of this richness is most detrimental to the well-being of the 

 various roots buried beneath the surface. 



About the middle of March, weather conditions being favorable, the 

 thickest portion of the straw and leaves and manure should have been 

 removed, and a light sprinkling of straw spread loosely, but fairly thickly 

 back again. 



If this method is practised it will be found that all roots will send up 

 stout, sturdy shoots, strong and vigorous, and well able to withstand the 



