PERENNIALS 93 
The last step is to take up each little pile of 
cards by itself and either subdivide according to 
this or that feature of the memoranda or at once 
choose for the planting. The selected cards will 
then answer as notes from which to make the 
garden, or border, plan. 
Even with this preliminary study, it would be 
far better for every one who is growing peren- 
nials for the first time to plant most species in rows 
like so many vegetables; this for a year or two. 
No matter how much one absorbs from books, it 
is only by watching a perennial grow a season or 
more that it is possible to sense its character in 
every particular, and if this is done in a little home 
nursery the acquired practical knowledge makes 
every definite step in the use of such plants as per- 
manent garden material infinitely easier and more 
effective. No time is really lost and much work- 
ing experience is gained. 
A good reason for this preliminary planting is 
the difficulty of getting a clear idea of the foliage 
spread of a perennial without actual observation. 
The kinds are too numerous to permit of the 
spacing tables by which tulips, hyacinths, pansies 
and geraniums are set out; very few go into the 
ground excepting by what seems guesswork, but 
is really an acquired knack. 
The foliage spread is important to know be- 
fore planning a hardy border or garden, in order 
that enough and not too many plants may be ac- 
quired and set out—thus saving money at the 
