HERBACEOUS GARDEN 
52 
not to cut right down to the ground, but to 
leave from 9 to 12 inches, both for purposes 
of identification and to give the stalks and 
leaves a little chance to mature growth. This 
plan has been found not to weaken the plants, 
which yearly make luxuriant growth, and in 
a favoured summer will, even in the case of 
delphiniums, throw up late bloom. Should 
any weakness be feared, it is always easy to 
top-dress, or feed with weak stimulant in the 
way of manure water. Soot-water, made by 
soaking a small tied-up bag of soot in a tub of 
water, is also excellent for this purpose. It 
seems to enrich the colour of the foliage more 
than any other stimulant. 
Staking and tying-out perennials is an art 
in itself. Gone, happily, are the days when 
a length of twine knotted to a stake and the 
bunching up of a clump of flowers into a bundle 
was thought to be all that was necessary. It 
is as well, perhaps, to be able oneself to 
arrange a plant in such a way that it will 
withstand a gale of wind and a storm of rain, 
and yet to show it off* to the best advantage, 
for this is the one thing that cannot be left to 
“just anyone.” Much patience is needed, and 
year after year the same lessons have to be 
given. 
