November Autumn Work for Summer 



have a second period of beauty when the foliage 

 becomes autumn-tinted. Something can be done to 

 prevent a rapid collapse from splendour to untidiness 

 by choosing plants that continue presentable and by 

 cutting down those that do not, such, for example, as 

 Lupin and Delphinium, to induce them to produce 

 fresh growth. An alternative and an excellent plan is 

 to intermingle a few of the many charming Jackmani 

 Clematis; their slender shoots cover the stems of the 

 early-flowering herbaceous plants, and in late summer 

 will spangle them with delightful blossom. Although 

 it is against the accepted canons of gardening to do so, 

 one might here and there introduce a few vigorous 

 perpetual - flowering Roses. By thus adding greater 

 variety and some stability of form as provided by 

 shrubby growth, the border loses nothing in pictur- 

 esqueness, and is more generally cheerful throughout 

 a longer period. Of shrubs one might choose, among 

 others, a few Deutzias and early - flowering Spiraeas, 

 Berberis, Olearia Haastii (the Daisy bush), dwarf kinds 

 of Mock Orange, a few bushes of Azalea, here and there 

 a standard of ornamental Cherry or Plum, and occasional 

 Lilac and flowering Currant towards the back of the 

 border. Having the shrub groups in position, one can 

 so arrange the offending herbaceous plants that their 

 withering stems and yellowing leaves shall be hidden. 



The occasion of replanting is also opportune for 

 dividing tufts that may have grown too big or have 

 become weakly ; the outer pieces only should be replanted, 

 the inner and older parts being thrown away. Pro- 

 bably many of the failures with hardy plants are due 

 either to planting too deeply or to neglect to make the 

 soil firm about the roots. Choice herbaceous plants 

 are liable to decay during the winter if planted deeply. 

 As a general rule one might advise that the uppermost 

 roots should not be covered with more than 2 inches 

 of soil. 



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