172 



THE SCHOOL GARDEN BOOK 



educational value in making, for a time at least, a specialty 

 of certain favorite flowers grown in named varieties of the 

 principal types of each, thereby becoming familiar with their 

 appearance and habits of growth. One who would thus 



make a specialty of the Perennial 

 Phlox, the columbine, the iris, 

 the larkspurs, the campanulas, 

 or the peony would soon acquire 

 a special knowledge which would 

 add greatly to his interest in 

 gardening. 



Most of the hardy perennials 

 start their growth early in the 

 season, and consequently it is de- 

 sirable to plant them as soon in 

 spring as the ground can be put 

 thoroughly in order. Those 

 which bloom early, like peonies, 

 however, are best divided and 

 transplanted in September, for 

 this allows them to become well 

 established before winter, while 

 abundant new roots are thus de- 

 veloped to support large blos- 

 soms the following spring. 



The Perennial Phloxes are among the most indispensable 

 of the hardy border plants for a home garden. Coming into 

 bloom rather early in summer, they continue to make a 

 beautiful display until autumn, and may be had in a great 

 variety of colors, so that one can suit almost any taste in 

 their selection. They are easy to grow and the plants are in- 



Percnnial Phlox. 



