Hardy Perennials and Biennials 
By Henry Wild, Connecticut. 
WHAT is the cliarni that keeps the old fashioned 
flowers of grandmother s garden ever green in 
our memories ? Is it the fact that they flower 
year after year, or because they need so little attention.^ 
Perhaps it is because the) are the flowers we knew first 
of all, back in the days of our childhood when with mother 
we watched for the blossoming of the Rock Cress to open 
with the first warm days of spring. 
The hardy Alyssum followed in the crevices of the old 
stone path — self sown and hardly noticed till its cheery 
yellow blossom gave the first touch of color to the garden 
after the snow had gone. 
The Columbines, ever a source of delight, unfolded 
their blue and )ellow flowers, showing to perfection in 
the green setting of foliage of the Foxgloves, Delphini- 
ums, Peonies, etc., that filled the border with their stately 
flowers, spikes and blossoms in early summer. The old 
clove Pinks and Lily of the Valley that spread out on to 
the path were allowed to ramble at will, and were only 
kept in check by cutting the flowers freely and taking of 
slips and roots for the neighl ors. 
The secret of the old fashioned garden lies in its set- 
ting and simplicity. The Lilac bushes, Syringa, Rose of 
Sharon and spice bushes all play their part, forming an 
irregular yet effective background, and lending a touch 
of privacy to the garden inviting one to linger and rest 
among the flowers that breathe a welcome in their own 
quiet way. 
The Damask Rose, the bush of yellow Persian Roses 
that grew close to the porch, or perhaps near the well, all 
had their history, and with the Sweet Williams, Canter- 
bury Bells, Phlox, Madonna Lilies, Larkspurs, Hollyhock, 
and last but not least the hardy Chrysanthemum that 
braved the early frosts and supplied flowers for the 
Thanksgiving table, ending the season in a blaze of glory 
that endeared them to all. The old fashioned garden is 
"Read before the Stamford Horticultural Society, March 2. 
here to stay, it has come into its own — supplying flowers 
from April to November it is no wonder we love it. 
During the last generation a great deal of attention has 
been given to improving the various types of flowers, 
and there are some wonderful hybrids among the Lark- 
spurs, Phlox, Iris, Day Lilies, Spirreas, etc., the old 
flowers in new forms. 
New introductions, such as the Anchuras with their 
glorious shades of blue, Japan Iris that almost equal 
orchids, and many other types have been added that lend 
an attraction to the garden. 
Among the early attractions of the hardy garden are 
the Narcissus and Darwin Tulips, the former when 
planted near Peonies show the many shades of yellow, 
lemon and white in which colors the Narcissi family pre- 
dominate to perfection against the unfolding stem of the 
Peonies. The Darwin Tulips, also the old Cottage Tulips, 
are seldom seen to better advantage than when inter- 
spersed among the tender foliage of the perennials. 
These Tulips add a glorious touch of color to the border 
or garden, owing to their length of stem — from 18 inches 
to 23^ feet in height. They stand well above the early 
foliage of Phlox, Larkspurs, etc., which act as Nature's 
setting to the most glorious of all the Tulip or early bulb 
family. 
Add to the attraction of these Tulips the splendid deco- 
rative quality as a cut flower and the fact that they in- 
crease and last for years in the garden, and you have 
almost the ideal flower for the old fashioned border. 
Lilies may be planted between Peonies and among other 
early flowering plants, such as Aquilegia, or they may be 
jilanted among late plants, such as Anemones. The Ma- 
donna Lily is a splendid companion for Delphinium, Bella- 
donna or the beautiful pink Phlox. Elizabeth Campbell. 
The sky blue of the Delphinium and the pure white flow- 
ers of the Lily form a symphony in blue and white. If 
voti prefer pink and white, try the Phlox with Lilies. 
An Interesting Old-fashioned Garden Planted with Herbaceous Plants purnishing a Beautiful Sii^ht in Ploi^'ering Time. 
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