18 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS 



moisture-laden soil beneath. Therefore, dig the soil out to a depth of 

 18 to 24 in. and incorporate some well rotted manure into the dead 

 subsoil. 



PLANTING 



Some say it is best to prepare the border in the Fall, leaving the 

 soil rough and subject to the freezing action during the Winter, after 

 which it may be leveled and planted in the Spring. 



Sweeping statements cannot be made about such diverse plants 

 as are here discussed, but it would seem that with the exception of 

 the most tender sorts, early Fall planting is advisable. There is not 

 as much to be done in the garden in the Fall. The plants, if trans- 

 ferred early enough, will become thoroughly established by Spring 

 and will start into growth earher and produce stronger root systems 

 which should enable them to withstand drought. In Autumn the soil 

 works more easily than in Spring, and retaining its Summer warmth, 

 induces root action. Another point worthy of consideration is the fact 

 that many times the nurseries are unable to supply us with just what 

 we want if we order too late in Spring, as they frequently are sold out 

 of popular varieties. Late Fall planting is to be avoided because the 

 plants should be thoroughly established before freezing, as resting 

 plants do not take hold of the soil. 



In the descriptions of the perennials found in this little book the 

 best time for transplanting is usually given. The plants with ever- 

 green foliage are usually best moved in Spring, as are also the less 

 hardy sorts. 



NOURISHMENT FOR PLANTS 



Plants feed from air as well as soil, but it is within our power to 

 improve the soil nourishment only. It is generally agreed that the 

 physical condition of the soil is more important than its actual chemical 

 nature. A soil in good physical condition is well supplied with decayed 

 manure and is fibrous. It is easily worked and is teeming with bacteria 

 which work to release the plant food which most soil contains. The 

 big function of manure added to soil is to give the soil a good texture 

 and assist in releasing its hidden chemical resources. The three main 

 chemicals needed by plants are nitrates, phosphoric acid and potash. 

 Unless these elements are soluble in water they are not available to 

 the plants. Much of the value of fertilizers is to unlock these elements. 



Lime Not a Fertilizer. The value of hme to soil is not that it 

 adds plant food, but that it combines with other substances and be- 

 comes useful to plants. It is of great value for other reasons as well. 

 It makes heavy soils looser, it makes sandy soils more compact, it 



