New and Desirable Herbaceous Plants 
By Arthur E. 
DURING the past fifteen years many new species 
and varieties have been introduced, and it is no 
doubt a truism to say that we can dispense alto- 
gether with some of the older forms which were popular 
fifty years ago in favor of the much improved and beauti- 
ful new kinds. But it must not be supposed that all the 
old friends can be discarded. There are some which will 
undoubtedly continue to be grown so long as gardens 
exist, and this applies more to species than varieties, for 
it is among the iatter that one looks for the majority of 
new plants. Although a large number of the newer in- 
troductions originated in American and European gar- 
dens, the most noteworthy are to be found among the 
new plants discovered by Mr. E. H. Wilson. 
Horticulture is composed of many different branches, 
each having its own special claim upon the indi- 
vidual, and while all are of absorbing interest I do 
not think there is one that has greater claims upon us 
than the cultivation of herbaceous plants. In this coun- 
try it is probable that they have not yet attained the same 
degree of popularity as in Europe, but with the ever- 
increasing love for outside gardening, which is so notice- 
able here, I feel sure that the day is not far distant when 
their merits will be fully appreciated. In no country in 
the world can they be grown more successfully, and one 
lias only to notice the luxuriance of the native flora, such 
as Solidagos. Asters, Cypripediums and Lobelias to see 
this. I would like to say a word here about cultivation 
as one frequently meets people who are under the impres- 
sion that herbaceous plants when once planted can be 
left to take care of themselves for an indefinite period, 
but this is quite erroneous; and though they may not be 
so exacting in their requirements as the denizens of glass 
houses, yet to maintain them in good health and produce 
the best results the necessary amount of attention must 
he given. In making a herbaceous border, which is to be 
permanent, it should first of all 1 e seen that the drainage 
Thatcher, Maine. 
is good, as very few except semi-aquatics will succeed 
under water-logged condition, and the border should be 
not less than six feet in width, but much finer effects can 
be produced if from eight to ten feet can be allowed. A 
good background is always desirable, and two excellent 
subjects for the purpose are climbing roses or a row of 
sweet peas, but. of course, what to use must be decided 
by the situation of the border. Drench the soil in the fall 
to a depth of two and a half to three feet and incorporate 
plenty of decayed manure or other enriching material 
and leave the surface in a rough condition till spring so 
that the climatic effects may sweeten the soil and render 
it in good condition for working. The latter part of 
March or the first two weeks in April is the best time to 
plant if the frost is out of the ground sufficiently, and it 
is advisable, if one is not well acquainted with the sub- 
jects, to make a plan of the border beforehand, showing 
where each variety is to be planted. Harmony of color 
is of great importance and can only be obtained by mak- 
ing a plan or having a good knowledge of the plants, and 
of equal importance is the arrangement. Tall growing 
plants must, of course, find positions at the back of the 
border, but the mistake is not infrequently made of care- 
fully graduating the heights so that the tallest are at the 
back and the lowest at the front, just as one would ar- 
range Geraniums on a greenhouse bench. In this way 
plants lose their individuality, for much of the charm of 
the border depends on seeing each separately. The most 
effective arrangement is obtained by planting some vari- 
eties in groups and others as single specimens, and by 
having plants of medium height near the front of the 
border much greater depths results and the general effect 
is altogether more pleasing. 
Early flowering varieties should not be too near the 
edge of the border, unless they retain good foliage till the 
fall, and others which flower at a later season should be 
Courtesy of Mt. Desert Nurseries. 
A Grouping of Herbaceous Plants in a Well-Planned Garden. 
391 
