198 PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING 



BORDERS ALONG A FENCE 



A very satisfactory arrangement of beds along a fence (Fig. 15S) 

 is to have a narrow bed, say two feet wide, for the taller growing 

 varieties right against the fence, then a turf strip, two and one-half 

 or three feet between this and a larger bed on the lawn side. This 

 will afford a charming vista and give more variet}' to the scene. 



BOEDERS IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



The vegetable garden (Fig. 159) may be much improved by the 

 introduction of perennial borders along the walks which bisect it 

 and also along the outer walks. It is not necessary to sacrifice, to 

 any great extent, the utilitarian side of the garden for this esthetic 

 feature, as the beds may be made quite narrow (Fig. 160). From 

 four to five feet is a desirable width and will afford an area suscepti- 

 ble of very pleasing treatment. It is well to gi\'e character to bor- 

 ders of this kind by planting tall flowering shrubs at the corners 

 formed by the intersection of the walks and at the outside corners. 



WIDTH OF BORDERS 



The width of the borders will vary somewhat according to 

 location. In the open, where it is practical to reach beds from both 

 sides, they may be made six feet wide. In positions where they 

 can only be reached from one side the width should not exceed four 

 feet; three feet is preferable. 



PREPARATION OF BEDS 



In itself the word " hardy " is suggestive that permanency should 

 be the first consideration in the planting of such a border, so that 

 with but simple care the plants will continue for years. It is essen- 

 tial, therefore, that thorough preparation of the soil be made before 

 planting. Two feet of good soil, well enriched with plant food, 

 should be provided for borders. Well rotted manure, finely ground 

 bone and well puh'erized sheep manure, in equal parts by weight, 

 are good fertilizers for perennials. 



' TlilE TO PLANT 



Very early Spring, just as the plants are starting into growth, 

 is the most favorable season for planting the majority of perennials. 

 Do not plant in wet soil; it is better to wait until the ground is 

 fairly dry. In some localities the Spring season is very short and 

 uncertain; this may call for planting to be done in the Fall. Plants 



