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Work for August in the Garden 
By John Johnson, Massachusetts 
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THE hardy herbaceous perennials, known as the old 
fashioned garden flowers, have gained in popu- 
larity of late years more than any other type of 
garden plants. This is not surprising when we consider 
the simple treatment usually required to produce a wealth 
of diversified forms of floral beauty. From dawn of spring 
when the Snowdrop, Crocus and Squill greet us, until long 
after the early autumn frosts annihilate the occupants of 
the parterre garden, dail}- changes bring forth something 
anew in the perennial border, giving interest and delight 
alike to the cultivator and casual observer. Flowers of 
the most brilliant hues and elegant foliage combined ren- 
der hardy herbaceous perennials among the most useful 
and desirable occupants of the flower garden. During 
the growing season is the time to note each combination 
of plants which prove chaste and pleasing. On the other 
hand it is equally necessary and even more important to 
observe that which appears tyrannical with a view to ap- 
plying a remedy in the months which ensue. Autumn is 
the best time to replant the majority of hardy perennials 
if the work needs attention. Don't plan to have a too 
frequent repetition of the same combination ; borders 
otherwise well-arranged are often marred by the mo- 
notony of this sameness in color scheme. 
Place the order for Candidum Lilies early, and on re- 
ceipt plant the bulbs. It is a great mistake to allow them 
to he around. Paeonies move better toward the end of 
this month or early September than at any other season. 
It is, however, unwise to frequently transplant Paeony, 
Anthericum. Dielytra, Gypsophila and kindred sorts 
which produce new growth from a crown of fleshy roots. 
Unless handled with extreme care at the time of plant- 
ing these subjects rarely do well the season following 
the operation. 
Attend to watering Helianthus, Helenium, late Aconi- 
tum. Michaelmas Aster, Cimicifaga and Artemisia and 
give support to prevent their falling about. 
Cut back bush roses to three or four good "eyes" to 
induce vigorous growths which produce useful blooms 
in Autumn when the choicer outdoor flowers are scarce. 
Toward the end of the month commence propagating 
stock of tender bedding plants as Heliotrope, Alternan- 
thera. Geranium, Fuchsia, Lantana, etc. 
Sow Pansies for wintering in permanent quarters out- 
of-doors, or otherwise to be carried in cold frames for 
transplanting next spring. There is still time to sow 
hardy ])erennials and biennials. Shade the seedbeds until 
germination takes place, then gradually inure the seed- 
lings to light. 
Now that the young gniwth on coniferous trees and 
various evergreen shrubs is fully developed, transplant 
any which need it. Transpiration is most rapid during 
bright weather, therefore, give the roots protection by 
moving with a ball of earth attached and this covered 
with canvas. Sustain moisture about the roots after 
planting and spray overhead when the weather is hot 
and dry. Keep all evergreens free from red spider by 
the use of an approved insecticide. 
Early flowering shrubs should have all seedy growths 
removed if this has not already been done. Thin out 
congested wood and allow full develo[)ment of the cur- 
rent season's growth. 
Vegetable Garden. Encourage all growing crops by 
an occasional application of either weak liquid manure 
or a dressing of a complete fertilizer worked into the sur- 
face soil. As the earlier crops are cleared plant String 
Beans, Beets, Turnip and Carrot. Toward the end of 
the month make a sowing of round-leaf spinach or the 
prickly seeded variety. With very little protection this- 
crop may be carried through the winter and will be 
available for early spring consumption. 
As a speculative crop an early variety of Pea may be 
sown forthwith. While the result of this sowing cannot 
be regarded with any degree of certainty, the cultivator 
is usually well rewarded for the nominal outlay of seed 
and labor. 
The ])resent is a favorable time to prepare mushroom, 
beds. The old fashioned way of collecting horse drop- 
pings from the barn every morning is a dabbling prac- 
tice. Shake out a sufficient quantity of droppings for at 
least one bed from the freshest manure pile at hand. 
Heap them together in a dry open shed to ferment and 
turn the heap occasionally to prevent violent heating. If 
the manure is at all dry give a light sprinkling of water. 
Where a large supply is required a specially constructed 
cellar is desirable. This should be convenient to the 
greenhouse or other facility for providing heat and main- 
taining an atmospheric temperature of 50" to 55°. Beds 
of almost any shape can be made productive, but the av- 
erage mushroom cellar is fitted with benches supported 
one above the other. In making up the bed shake out and 
spread the manure evenly, then tread or beat firmly to- 
the depth of twelve or fifteen inches. When the tempera- 
ture of the bed declines to 90° insert pieces of spawn 
about the size of a hen's egg in holes made six inches 
apart all over the bed, covering the spawn with manure. 
In seven to ten days the bed will be ready to cover with 
one inch of good loam previously screened and in a hold- 
ing condition when beaten with the back of a spade. 
Cover the bed with straw to retain heat and moisture, and 
maintain an equable degree of moisture in the bed by 
watering through a fine sprinkler. From the time of 
spawning until the crop appears requires about si.x weeks. 
The fruit of outdoor melons will now need support. Keep 
them above ground by using inverted flower pots or 
pieces of wood. Spray the latest plantation of celery 
with Bordeaux if rust is likely to be troublesome. Dust 
the foliage with Scotch Soot early in the day while the 
dew is still on to ward ofif celery fly and at the same 
time be helpful as a fertilizer. Earth earlier plantations 
of Celery, Leeks, and Cardoon as the work becomes 
necessary. Remove such from Sweet Corn and give this 
crop generous treatment. Keep Tomatoes tied and dis- 
budded regularly. These plants often sulYer ruthless de- 
foliation at the hands of the overworked and idle gar- 
dener. Expose the fruit to sun and air as much as pos- 
sible Ijut do not denude the vines of leafage entirely. 
Do not allow garden rubbish to accumulate in odd cor- 
ners. During hot weather it soon becomes offensive and 
a public nuisance. The short and easy way to dispose of 
green refuse is to dig it under. 
Remove the raspberry canes which have fruited and 
tie in the new growth. Prepare strawberry beds and 
plant at the earliest possible moment. \\'ater in dry 
weather and keep the cultivator working to prevent: 
cracking. JoHX Johnson. 
272 
