THE OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN 147; 



be^s may be lengthened or new beds added as the oc- 

 casion arises, for all, or most, perennials increase, 

 either by self sowing, by off-shoots or by root division, 

 and a very modest planting to-day will be the nucleus 

 of an extensive one later on. Secondly, a large num- 

 ber of plants of one variety is far more effective than 

 many kinds of plants singly or few in number, and 

 the edging of beds of tall perennials with low-growing 

 plants is distinctive of all old-fashioned gardens and 

 adds a special charm to the planting. 



If, in the beginning of our hardy garden it is not 

 practicable to plant all the various sorts by the dozen 

 or score, then one should use judgment in planting 

 what is available. The important ones — ^those that 

 will remain undisturbed for years until in time they 

 attain noble proportions, like the dictamnus, which 

 is a plant of generations rather than of years — should 

 not b^ placed as near neighbors, so that in time they 

 will encroach upon the room needed by each other, 

 but should rather be neighbored by shorter lived or 

 less important plants which one will not hesitate to 

 remove when their room is needed by the more im- 

 portant plant, and the idea of permanence should not 

 be lost sight of. One should have a clear idea before 

 planting anything, just what the effect will be. Many 

 perennials have no objection to frequent upheavals, 

 but to others it means a check in growth and often 

 complete dissolution. Color incongruities are more 



