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Gardening for Amateurs 



Hardy Perennials for Gutting 



WHEN planting a flower border 

 the first consideration is to arrange 

 it in such a way that an effective 

 display is obtained, but a valuable second- 

 ary consideration, unless this is provided 

 for in some other part of the garden, is 

 to plant a representative selection of kinds, 

 the flowers of which will be suitable for 

 cutting. When space in the garden per- 

 mits, it is worth while planting a border 

 wholly for the purpose of furnishing cut 

 flowers. This enables one to grow more 

 plants of some kinds than is possible on a 

 border planted for effect. While the blooms 

 of a very large number of hardy perennials 

 may be cut for indoor decoration, they are 

 not all equally suitable. The list given below 

 is limited to those that retain their freshness 

 in water for some time, have long stalks, 

 and are of good colour. As quality in cut 

 flowers is a matter of importance, the plants 

 must not be unduly crowded. 



When to Gut Flowers. Early morning 

 when the dew is on the foliage is the best 

 time to cut flowers. Even when not re- 

 quired until evening for home use, or to pack 

 for sending by post, cut them in the morning, 

 and place in a cool, dark place in water 

 during the day. The water in the vases 

 should be changed every day, and a small 

 piece ought to be taken off the bottom of 

 the stalk if the fkwers are to last as long as 

 possible. If it is noticed that certain flowers 

 fade rather quickly in water, the centre of 

 each stalk should be slit down a little way. 

 This is often found to be beneficial. 



Achillea Ptarmica, The Pearl. The 

 double pure white flowers of this Milfoil 

 are of great value for cutting in summer. 

 The plants grow 2 feet high. 



Anemone japonica (Japanese Ane- 

 mone). The several varieties of the 

 Japanese Wind Flower, especially those with 

 semi-double blooms, are much sought after 

 for table decoration in late summer and 

 autumn. The plants average from 2 to 3 

 feet in height. The popular sorts for cutting 

 are Lord Ardilaun, Whirlwind, and alba, 

 with white flowers, and Prince Heinrich, 



Mont Rose, and Queen Charlotte, of rose 

 shades of colour. 



Aster (Michaelmas Daisy). It is un 

 necessary here to do more than mention the 

 Michaelmas Daisy. Everyone is aware of 

 the value of their blossoms when cut for 

 house decoration. 



Gentaurea montana (Perennial Corn- 

 flower). -The Centaureas are great favour- 

 ites. There are sorts with blue, white, pale 

 yellow, and rose-coloured flowers. The plants 

 are 1^ feet or more in height, flowering from 

 May to July. 



Chrysanthemum. The large white 

 Daisy-like flowers of Chrysanthemum maxi- 

 mum are of the greatest value for cutting in 

 July and August. The border of hardy peren- 

 nials for cutting is incomplete without its row 

 of Shasta Daisies. Of the numerous sorts 

 Mrs. C. Lothian Bell and King Edward VII. 

 are favourites. The plants are about 2J to 3 

 feet high. In October one of the best white 

 flowers we have is the Moon Daisy (Chry- 

 santhemum (Pyrethrum) uliginosum). As 

 the plants grow 5 to 6 feet high, the sprays 

 of flowers can be cut with long stalks. 

 Everyone should grow the border Chrysan- 

 themums for cutting. They flower from 

 August to November, and provide an 

 abundance of blooms, which last longer than 

 most flowers when cut and placed in water. 

 Those who have none and propose planting 

 a few should grow : Carrie, yellow ; Eden, 

 rose ; Goacher's Crimson ; Market White ; 

 Normandie, pink ; and Mabel Roberts, 

 salmon-pink. The varieties vary from 2 to 3 

 feet high. 



Coreopsis grandiflora (Golden Tick- 

 seed). Being of easy cultivation and thriv- 

 ing well in town and suburban gardens, this 

 Coreopsis is immensely popular. Thousands 

 of plants are grown in market nurseries to 

 supply the demand of the florists' shops for 

 the rich yellow flowers. Continually cutting 

 the flowers in summer prolongs the display 

 until autumn ; the plants are 3 feet high. 

 Doronicum excelsum (Leopard's-bane) 

 This hardy flower, known also as Harpur 

 Crewe, flowers in spring and early summer. 





