A GHAT ABOUT HERBS, 145 



Watercress. — Mthougii running water is best, Watercress 

 may be grown on a clamp, shady border: the tiavoiir is usually 

 a little stronger, that is all. A start may be made with seed, or some 

 fresh bits of Cress mrty be put in 4 inches apart : they will soon 

 be established. 



CDapter 31,-l>erD$, 



The herb border has its charms as well as its uses : it is usually 

 a pleasant, aromatic spot, where one loves to linger. The com- 

 plete herb garden will contain the following, and perhaps sorne 

 others : Angelica, Balm, Bush and Sweet Basil Borage, Chervil, 

 Chives, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Horehound, Hyssop, Lavender, 

 MalloAV^ Pot Marigold, Sweet Ma>rjoram, Mint, Parsley, Penny- 

 royal, Purslane, Rampion, Rosemary, Rue, Sage, Summer and 

 Winter Savory, Skirret, Sorrel, TaiTagon, Common and Lemon 

 Thyme, and W ormwood. Nearly all may be raised from seed in 

 spring, and others, such as Lavender, Mint, Sage, and Thyme, 

 can be quickly propagated by cuttings. 



The smallest garden should contain its quota of herbs. Mint, 

 Parsley, Sage, and Thyme being regarded as indispensables. 

 Frequently they are thrust away into a corner, and allowed to 

 look after themselves. This is unfortunate. If possible a bed 

 should be made, and the Parsley will come in admirably for 

 bordering it. Mint is easily propagated by cuttings, and it is 

 best to establish a fresh stock at times, and clear out the old ; 

 for the plant runs so freely at the root that it greatly im- 

 poverishes the soil. Moreover, it is often attacked by a disease 

 called rust, and frequent renewal is, therefore, additionally 

 advisable. 



Parsley will generally stand the winter, but it is advisable to sow a 

 fresh row, or rows, every year, as second season rows frequently 

 run to seed. Some beautifully curled strains are now offered by 

 our leading seedsmen. 



Sage is readily propagated by cuttings of the young growing 

 shoots in early summer. Common Thyme is easily increased by 

 division in spring. Lemon Thyme is not quite so hardy, and in 

 cold places is best lifted and potted in autumn, and cuttings 

 struck in spring. Where it stands the winter it may be increased 

 by division in spring. 



