HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS. 



3 



throu^^hout 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 varieties are 

 capable of being colonized to pro- 

 duce a natural effect; appearing as 

 though nature had placed them 

 where they stand. Ky all means 

 avoid a mixed mass, without re- 

 gard for color scheme and habit 

 of growth. It goes without sa\-- 

 ing, that the tall growing varieties 

 should be placed behind the low 

 growing ones ; otherwise the latter 

 would he hidden from view. In 

 arranging for planting these beau- 

 tiful flowers, do not fail to plan 

 for enough of them to furnish a 

 goodly supply for the house at all hardy perennials colonized. 



ti:nis witioat dspletin^ the be Is to the extent of making them appear meager and spare of bloom. 

 Better still to have enough to enable you to present your neighbors and friends with frecjuent 1 cuquets; 

 for more than likely they will have none of their own. 



Planting and Culture. — It has been stated that Hardy Perennials can be successfully 

 planted any day of the year when the ground is not frozen. If planted in summer time, it is necessary 

 to shield the plants from the sun for a week or ten days by placing a hand full of loose litter or straw 

 upon each plant or by putting strawbeny baskets over them ; and to water copiously. There is also 

 danger of heating in transit if shipped in hot weather. Therefore, spring and autumn are the best 

 seasons for planting— some persons preferring autumn planting and others claiming spring to be the 

 better season. As a matter of fact, neither spring nor fall is to be preferred for the entire list of vari-, 

 eties. It is essential to give a covering or "mulch" of some description to fall plantings. Loose, 

 light manure is perhaps the best material, though almost anything which is not too heavy and soggy 

 will answer. It should be applied as soon as the earth has become crusted by freezing and forked into 

 the soil upon the approach of pleasant weather in the Spring, when all danger of freezing is over. Do 

 not permit it to remain until the plants have become '"started" or made considerable growth; for 

 they will then be more or less damaged when the "digging in " process is performed. The proper 

 distance for placing each plant from its neighbors depends upon the habit of the variety — whether it 

 be a strong and vigorous grower or one of more dwarf and compact habit— varying from a few inches 

 to as much as two feet. Those in the front line should be planted closeh' in order to cover and con- 

 ceal the earth quickly. Plants of creeping or spreading habit and with attractive foliage,— such as the 



Moss Pinks — are frequently planted 

 with tall growing varieties to cover 

 the ground. In planting, straighten 

 and spread out the roots, and press 

 the soil down firmly; but place no 

 deeper than the plants stood in the 

 nursery. The only culture needed 

 is to keep the soil loose and free of 

 weeds by hoeing, to stake here and 

 there, a plant that needs support, 

 and to remove faded flowers. In 

 hot, dry weather a thorough water- 

 ing is decidedly beneficial. If with- 

 out conveniences to water readily, a 

 mulching of lawn clippings or other 

 loose, light material will produce 

 results almost as good. By giving 

 the beds and bonders an annual 

 a bit of rock gardening. , dressing of well rooted manuer or 



