BEAUTIFYING GROUNDS 



145 



low ferns may servo as border plants. D. 8. Farmers' Bulle- 

 tin 195 will help in the choice of annual flowers for special 

 places. Fall annuals may be used as screens where quick 

 effects are desired (Fig. 8(j). 



Perennial Flowers. — There are large numbers of peren- 

 nial herbs which die to the ground each year and come up 

 from the root again each spring, producing a show of flowers 

 or beautiful foliage each season. These are easily grown from 



Fig. 86. — ^While waiting for permanent shrubs and vines to grow, the void 

 mav be iilled by annual plants. The purple-leaved castor beans shown here grow 

 rapidly. » 



seed, and will usually produce flowers in a year or two. They 

 will give quicker results if started by roots. The seed is 

 usually sown in the open ground, but some varieties, such 

 as pansies may be started- in hotbeds or window boxes. The 

 soil should be mellow and fine and rich in organic matter. 

 When the seeds are planted the surface should be firmly packed 

 and perhaps additional water may be necessary. Partial 

 shade, as from boughs spread over the ground to protect 

 the 3''oung seedlings, is usually best. Most varieties may be 

 transplanted aiter the plants are a few inches high. Two 

 10 



