CHAPTER XI 
PERENNIAL BORDERS 
Location. Perennial borders may be planted near the 
house, along walks or driveways, at the foot of terraces, 
around some obstruction on the lawn, or in any place 
that is in need of a permanent growth to improve the 
landscape. 
Soil. The soil should be spaded to a depth of eighteen 
inches and mixed with rotted sod, leaf mold, or black 
loam if it does not contain loam. A sandy loam with 
an abundance of leaf mold will make the best border. 
Planting. Where the lawn widens, use larger plants 
and give the border more space; use smaller ones for 
the foreground and for narrow spaces. Fill most of 
the space with plants that may be depended upon from 
year to year. These include the peony, yucca, bleeding 
heart, larkspur, sweet William, or any of the perennial 
phloxes or poppies. In making a selection, bear in mind 
the fact that both flowers and foliage should be abundant 
all the season. After making provision for this, group 
other plants around those chosen, as space allows. Put 
early spring flowers and the bulbs that die down after 
their blooming period in places that will be covered by 
the foliage of the large perennials, which are at their 
best during the summer and autumn months. 
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