PERENNIALS FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES 217 



to adapt themselves to these new environments. Yet this group of 

 plants provides to those who are really interested in the development 

 of our wild flowers an excellent source of satisfaction. In this day of 

 large country estates with the varying types of garden conditions there 

 is no reason why the wild garden consisting of plants which have be- 

 come naturalized should not be as important as any other type of 

 garden, especially to those who are real garden lovers. It is true that 

 many of these plants, such as the varieties of the native ferns, require 

 special conditions of the soil from a standpoint of soil texture, special 

 conditions of the soil from the standpoint of moisture, and also special 

 conditions of exposure concerning the question of open sunlight and the 

 question of shade. It is unfair to expect that any plants which we 

 attempt to naturalize in the wild garden development will continue 

 to grow under conditions which are exactly opposite from the condi- 

 tions of nature in which these plants have been living a "happy" exist- 

 ence in their surroundings of soil and sunlight. The wild garden 

 requires, more than anything else, a soil which contains plenty of 

 humus and is commonly termed leaf mold soil. If such soil is not 

 available then only well-rotted manure or compost should be used. 

 No fertilizer such as sheep manure, dried blood, or other fertilizers 

 commonly used for the forcing of plants should be applied to wild 

 garden material. 



In the use of perennials another problem is often met: that of select- 

 ing proper types for planting at the water's edge. These plants must 

 be of the kind that will thrive with their "feet in water." The group 

 from which selection can be made is comparatively limited, especially 

 with reference to genera. Many of these plants, such as the lemon 

 lily, the loosestrife, and the iris will soon spread beyond control if not 

 carefully thinned out and kept within bounds during the succeeding 

 years. Most of this material is adapted to growth in the open sun and 

 will not withstand extreme shade conditions. 



In the selection of perennials to be used in the development of the 

 large flower garden areas the entire field of perennials is open from 

 which to choose. The development of a small, refined flower garden, 

 the intimate details of which add to its charm, requires a more careful 

 knowledge of perennials, especially of those which usage has proven 

 cannot be safely introduced into such limited areas. These types of 

 perennials should be avoided in the development of a small flower 

 garden. They can be used by one who will give them consistent at- 



