40 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
For 
Continuous 
Bloom 
Tall 
Growing 
Perennials 
Correct 
Spacing 
and 
Planting 
Amount of 
Water 
Required 
Propagation 
by 
Division 
ones, so as the one is finished, the others will follow. This succes¬ 
sion of bloom creates a bright and changing pageant. 
Whether your herbaceous border has or has not a background 
of shrubs, place those tall-growing plants (such as Hollyhocks, 
hardy Asters, Helenium, Goldenglow, Helianthus and Larkspur) 
in the back of the bed; the medium-height plants, of course, in the 
center; and, as a border, the low-growing or edging plants of dif¬ 
ferent colors, to have a continuance of bloom. 
Do not make the mistake of planting your perennials too close 
to each other, for they must be left undisturbed for at least four 
years to acquire their full beauty, and need room to develop into 
large clumps. (A good rule to follow, I believe, is from one to two 
feet apart, according to height). For this reason, and the most im¬ 
portant one in planting perennials as well as annuals, prepare your 
beds thoroughly according to the foregoing article on soil. Even in 
a moderately mild climate, such as ours, almost all perennials or 
annuals can be grown if the beds are properly prepared, the soil 
enriched with the proper plant-food, and the plants (such as Del¬ 
phinium, Peonies, Phlox and Columbine) placed in a location 
(such as the east side of the house, garage or in front of a tall 
hedge) where they may be shielded from the burning afternoon 
sun. Good drainage is also very essential. Every fall and every 
spring put a mixture of bonemeal, dried sheep manure and wood- 
ashes around your perennials; lightly cultivate this in with a small 
hand-trowel, and then water thoroughly. 
Do not make the mistake of watering any plants every day, and 
never just sprinkle; but water thoroughly , letting the water soak 
down to the roots about twice a week in real dry weather. This 
causes the roots to go down and not to come to the top to be 
baked by the hot sun. Twice a week, soaked thoroughly , is enough 
and then only if they need it. 
Most perennials are propagated by root division, as the Peony, 
the Phlox, Delphinium, Daisies, Hardy Asters, Salvias, Achilleas, 
Chrysanthemums and others. A few, as some Pinks and all Carna¬ 
tions, are better "layered”. This is done by covering the woody 
stalk with dirt. Shortly it takes root, and then can be planted to 
