BORDER VARIETIES. 
73 
but no heed should be given to such advice. It should be 
remembered that the growths which develop as a consequence 
of the pinching are easily broken out by the strong winds of 
late summer and early autumn, and for this reason it will be 
apparent to all that for garden decoration such pinching of 
the shoots is most ill-advised. In most instances the plants 
commence to branch out into growth when they are some 
six to ten inches in height, and this in a perfectly natural 
manner. The sequence of branching growths continue to 
develop right away until the points of the shoots are covered 
with terminal buds. The garden sorts, as generally under- 
stood, never look better than when they are left to develop 
their growths and buds quite naturally. It is a mistake to dis- 
bud the plants at all, except in the case of those that form too 
dense a cluster at the termination of their growths. Even in 
these instances only the slightest disbudding is necessary, just 
sufficient, in fact, to ensure the even and proper development 
of the flowers subsequently, without being crowded. 
Weeding and Hoeing. — Right away from May until 
the flowering season, which may be said to begin towards 
the closing days of August, little else than the looping of 
the growths is really necessary, in so far as the actual re- 
quirements of the plants are concerned. \\ hat is needed, 
however, is a constant stirring of the soil, and where time 
can be spared it is advisable to hoe between the plants once 
a week, or, at the longest, once a fortnight. By this means 
weeds are kept under, the soil aerated, and the result of this 
well-timed work is seen in the development of plants that leave 
nothing to be desired. Readers will see now why so much 
space was recommended to be allowed between the rows and 
between the plants when grouped in the border. The grower 
can get among them with ease, and hoe and weed the ground, 
and also tie his plants in comfort. 
Feeding. — It will be remembered that, earlier in 
these pages, the free use of potent manures was strongly 
deprecated, as this was pointed out as being likely to pro- 
duce growth of too vigorous a character. For the same reason, 
plants in pots and in the borders should not be fed with liquid 
G 2 
