OHAPTEE XII 



Herbaceous Plants, Peonies, Phloxes, Chrysanthemums, 

 Delphiniums, and a select list of Desirables. 



'* There is a lesson in each flower, 

 A story in each stream and bower ; 

 On every herb on which you tread 

 Are written words which, rightly read, 

 Will lead you from earth's fragrant Bod, 

 To hope, and holiness, and God." 



Herbaceous Plants are Perennials, which die down to the roots every 

 winter, but in the spring, send up fresh stems and blossoms from the 

 roots, thereby furnishing the easiest means of adorning a garden. They 

 require but very little care, as the most of them are hardy, while others 

 require a slight protection. The soil should be kept in good order, free 

 from weeds, and a yearly dressing of good compost will make them 

 bloom luxuriantly, and some species are so vigorous that they will 

 continue to bloom annually, even in a neglected grass sod. Many of 

 them bloom early in the season, as soon as the Snowdrop. Crocus and 

 Hyacinth have passed away; and by a judicious selection, a profuse and 

 gorgeous supply of flovrers may be obtained from a bed of these plants, 

 until the garden is brilliant with the brightly tinted Annuals, etc. 



A list of the most desirable of these plants will be given, with their 

 time of flowering ; but I must first call your attention to the Herba- 

 ceous Paeonies, which form a large family of most beautiful flowers, 

 some of which are indispensable in the smallest collection of plants. 



