SOUTHERN HOME GROUNDS 15 
In the first place, thev arc the cheapest of all plants, for, unlike the annuals, 
they do not have to be replanted each year. A planting of perennials is like a 
planting of shrubs or trees, for it increases in value each succeeding year; but, 
unlike them, perennials do not require a couple of years' growth before they 
take their place in your garden plan. 
There are many ways in which plantings of perennials may be used ettec- 
tlvely. Beds, borders, and edgings arc the principal ways to plant them, and 
any of these plans will give good results. Perennials should always be planted 
in masses, for a single plant does not show up the beauty of flower and foliage. 
Perennials readily lend themselves to foundation planting. In such arrange- 
ments it is usual to plant the tall-growing varieties close to the house, the 
lower growers in front, and the dwarf varieties in the immediate foreground. 
This gives a planting that "steps down" and blends with the lawn. In Plant'ng 
a border the same scheme should be followed. Always select the sorts that will 
give varietv in both color of flowers and period of bloom. Suppose you set out 
varieties tliat will flower in succession. Some will bloom m spring, others in 
early summer, more in late summer, and, when fall comes, others will be in 
blossom. This will give you a garden that will have flowers in it all througn 
the warm weather. ,. . i u- 
A few of the best perennials, adapted to our conditions, are Columbines, 
Coreopsis, Hardy Larkspurs. Hardy Pinks. Sweet Williams, Foxgloves, Gaillar- 
dias, Iceland Poppies. Phloxes, and Chinese Bellflowers. , , „ 
Peonies are valuable perennial plants. They are hardy, and the flowers are 
large and of the utmost beautv. Sepu mber is the best time to set them out, 
for it gives them an opportunity to become established before winter. Peonies 
will thrive in any good ordinary soil and they require almost no care. Set the 
plants with the eyes 2 or 3 inches below the surface of the ground. A little cul- 
tivation and the liberal use of manure will produce a result of greater beauty 
in flower and greater freedom of bloom. 
^1^^- All® ^ 
Among perennial, there are no flower, that po.MS. so many di.tinct characterUtics as 
Peome.. Their flower» are larger than thoKi of the Rose, and nearly as beautihil 
