J.T.LOVETT, LITTLE J~l LVEP^ , N.J. 



-Border Plaiiicd With Hardy Perennials 



of a hedge has both advant- 

 ages and disadvantages. The 

 advantages are that it forms 

 a pleasing and effective 

 background and protects the 

 plants during a part of each 

 day from the bright sun- 

 shine of midsummer — which 

 is beneficial. 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 sink- 

 ing 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, 

 since the wood is not ex- 

 posed to the action of the 

 air. 



Preparation of the Soil 

 — As the ground to be plant- 

 ed is to remain undisturbed 



for a number of years, the soil should be thoroughly prepared. 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 pulver- 

 ized. If old rotted manure or compost is not to be obtained readily 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 Perennials 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. A large number of 

 varieties of Hardy Perennials succeed admirably and present delightful effects when properly planted in rock gardens 

 — and by rock gardens I do not mean those excrescences upon the face of the earth in the form of an aggregation of 

 pieces of stone, broken crockery, plant-torturing construction and bad taste termed "Rockeries," all too frequently met 

 with- — but rocks placed in svich a manner as to truly represent nature and with due regard for the well being of the 

 plants. 



In making a selection of varieties and placing them, it should 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 varieties 

 are capable of being colonized to produce a natural effect, appearing as though nature 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 say- 

 ing, that the tall growing varieties should be placed behind the low growing ones; otherwise the latter would be 

 hidden from view. In arranging for planting these beautiful flowers, do not fail to plan for enough of them to furnish 

 a goodly supply of cut bloom for the house at all times without depleting the beds to the extent of making them appear 

 meagre and spare of color. Better still to have enough to enable you to present your neighbors and friends with fre- 

 quent bouquets; 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 handful of loose 

 litter or straw upon each 

 plant or by putting straw- 

 berry baskets over them ; 

 and to water copiously. 

 There is also danger of heat- 

 ing 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 varieties. 

 It is essential to give a cov- 



Border planted -with Hardy Perennials and Shrubs. 



