PLAN A. FOR SIDE OF SMALL YARD OR LAWN; PLAN 20 FEET TO THE INCH. 



Finally, and best of all, — barring the novelties and a few varieties that are particu- 

 larly difficult to propagate, they are low in price and increase so rapidly that the humblest 

 cottager need not be deterred form planting them. They are truly the flowers for a the 

 million and the millionaire." 



LOCATION 



Hardy Perennials are so democratic in their nature they quickly adapt themselves to 

 almost any soil or situation. However, they should not, as a rule, be planted where water 

 remains near or upon the surface for a long period, during any part of the year; or beneath 

 overhanging trees which produce a dense shade. Yet there are several varieties which 

 grow and bloom admirably, even in these trying situations. 



In grounds of limited extent, the boundaries of the lot, (one or more sides of it) offer 

 the most appropriate locations and afford the most pleasing effects when properly treated. 

 They may also be placed in the corners of the lawn, beside the house, or along the fence, 

 where one is found. Never plant them in furmal beds cut in the lawn. The front of a 

 hedge has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that it forms a pleas- 

 ing and effective background and protects the plants during a part of each day from the 

 bright sunshine of midsummer — which is benencal. On the other hand, the roots of the 

 hedge extract moisture and fertility from the soil which the plants need. This state of 

 affairs is readily overcome by sinking two inch planks to a depth of two feet at the side 

 of the hedge next to the bed, — using Oak or Chestnut planks if available; though Pine, 

 or even Hemlock, will last for a good many years; as they are not exposed to the action 

 of the air. 



PREPARATION OF THE SOIL 

 As the ground to be planted is to remain undisturbed for a number of years, the soil 

 should be thoroughly prepaired. It should be spaded to a depth of at least a foot, — a foot 

 and a half to two feet is better, — given a liberal supply of well rotted manure and the 

 surface carefully pulverized. If old rotted manure or compost is not to be obtained readi- 

 ly, use finely ground bone or bone meal freely. 



ARRANGEMENT AND SELECTION OF VARIETIES 

 Though sometimes planted as specimens upon the lawn or in the garden, Hardy Per- 

 ennials are usually grouped in beds or borders; planted wholly with them or in connection 

 with Hardy Shrubbery. In a bed, avoid straight lines as much as possible. When made 

 at the side of a lawn or any place where the surroundings will permit, form the outer edge 

 of the bed in graceful curves as indicated in plan A. When straight lines are un- 

 avoidable, grouping can be made in a manner shown by plan B, a plan for bor- 

 ders to be placed on either side of a garden walk. A planting of this character may of 

 course be extended or shortened to meet the requirements of gardens of different extent. 



In making a selection of varieties and placing them, it should ever be borne in mind 

 to produce a display of flowers of varied forms and colors at all times throughout their 

 blooming season of several months; such as will be at no time during that period, tame 

 and uninteresting, but always presenting a pleasing harmony of color. A number of va- 

 rieties are capable of being colonized to produce a natural effect; appearing as though na- 

 ture had placed them where they stand. By all means avoid a mixed mass, without regard 

 for color scheme and habit of growth. It goes without saying, that the tall growing var- 

 ieties should be placed behind the low growing ones. Otherwise the latter would be hid- 

 den from view. 



In arranging for planting these beautiful flowers, do not fail to plan for enough of 

 them to furnish a goodly supply for the house at all times without depleting the beds to 

 the extent of making them appear meagre and spare of bloom. Better still to have 

 enough for presenting your neighbors and friends with frequent boquets; for more than 

 likely they will have none of their own. 



