THE HARDY BORDER 97 



tallest growing kinds should not, of course, be planted at the front, 

 but neither should all the tall plants be in the background. This plan 

 is commonly followed, however, with the result that the "face" of 

 the border is rather fiat with no interesting combinations as to habits 

 of growth. A much better effect is secured by allowing the "spiky" 

 materials (as Foxgloves, Larkspurs, etc.) to stand out boldly in striking 

 contrast to lower growing or drooping plants. Even along the edge 

 this effect of contrast can be carried out on a smaller scale. Remember, 

 too, it is always best to plant in little colonies or clumps to give a mass 

 effect; furthermore, the cultivation and care are then easier. Possibly, 

 a Peony occasionally dotted along the border is all right, but as a rule 

 such "spot" plants should be omitted from the flower border. 



Many perennials have beautiful flowers but poor foliage, and 

 therefore should not be largely massed. Such kinds should be ar- 

 ranged in small groups and interspersed with some other perennials or 

 bulbs that will flower afterward to hide or improve the appearance 

 of the poor foliage. 



For succession of bloom some bulbs should be included; this sub- 

 ject is discussed on another page (page 98). 



The purely perennial border will at some periods during the season, 

 be practically devoid of flowers, or will permit too much bare soil to 

 be seen. To overcome this we can rely upon annuals. The range of 

 selection is great, making it an easy matter to plan the border. With 

 the help of annuals a constant succession of bloom is assured and the 

 bed is always full of plants covering Mother Earth. 



With this object in view, it is an admirable idea to have a supply 

 of annuals growing in flats (shallow boxes) or pots, that can be trans- 

 planted to the border whenever the necessity arises. 



Some perennials are beautiful for a week or so — while the flowers 

 last — but then die down, leaving bare spaces. Put in a few annuals, 

 and the problem is solved. 



Some of the hardy plants may die when it is too late to plant 

 others. Again, use annuals. 



Aside from this use of annuals in supplementing perennials, some 

 excellent gardens and borders are made up entirely of annuals. In 

 such cases the work must be attended to each year. 



Shrub borders can be greatly improved by introducing annuals 

 along the front to lighten the sometimes heavy, monotonous bank 

 of green foliage. 



