Hardy Perennial Plants 
or Old Fashioned Flowers 
Hardy Perennials are the most intensely interesting of all flowering plants, and the same plants endure from year 
to year; growing larger and blooming more profusely as the years pass by. 
Aside from lasting endurance, hardy perennials possess the convenient property of succeeding in almost all soils. 
They may be planted with profit in grounds of the most limited extent. The flowers of a large number of kinds 
remain in good condition for a long time after gathered and their long stems, together with their fragrance, render 
them very useful for decorating the dining table, the parlor and reception room. 
Hardy perennials quickly adapt themselves to almost any soil or situation. They should not, however, as a rule 
be planted where water remains upon the surface longer than a day, during any part of the year, or beneath overhang¬ 
ing trees, which produce a dense shade; although there are many varieties which will grow and bloom admirably 
even in these trying situations. In grounds of limited extent, the boundaries of the lot, (one or more sides of it) 
offer the most appropriate locations and afford the most pleasing effects when properly treated. They may also be 
placed in the corners of the lawn, beside the house or along the walks or fence. Never plant them in formal beds 
cut in the lawn. 
As the ground to be planted is to remain undisturbed for a number of years, the soil should be thoroughly 
prepared. It should be spaded to a depth of at least a foot—a foot and a half to two feet is better—given a 
liberal supply of well rotted manure and the surface carefully pulverized. Ground bone is also an excellent fer¬ 
tilizer for hardy perennial plants. Though sometimes planted as specimens upon the lawn or in the garden, hardy 
perennials are usually grouped in beds or borders, planted wholly with them or in connection with shrubbery. In a 
bed avoid straight lines as much as possible. When made at the side of a lawn or any place where the surroundings 
will permit, form the outer edge of the bed in graceful curves. A large number of hardy perennials succeed perfectly 
and present a delightful effect when properly planted in rock gardens. 
In making a selection of varieties and placing them, it should be borne in mind to produce a display of 
flowers of varied forms and colors at all times throughout their blooming season of several months; such as will 
be at no time, during that period, tame and uninteresting, but always presenting a pleasing harmony of color. A 
number of varieties are capable of being colonized to produce a natural effect—appearing as though nature had placed 
them where they stand. By all means avoid a mixed mass, without regard to color scheme and habit of growth. 
It goes without saying that the tall growing varieties should be placed behind the low growing ones; otherwise the 
latter would be hidden from view. 
It has been stated that hardy perennials can be successfully planted any day of the year when the ground is 
not frozen; however, spring and autumn are the best seasons for planting them. It is essential to give a covering 
or “mulch” of some description to fall planting. Loose, light manure is perhaps the best material, though almost 
anything that is not too heavy and soggy will answer. The mulch should be applied as soon as the earth has become 
encrusted by freezing, and forked into the soil upon the approach of pleasant weather in the spring; when all danger 
of freezing is over. The proper distance for placing each plant from its neighbor depends upon the habit of the 
variety—whether it be a strong and vigorous grower or one of more dwarf and compact habit—varying from a 
few inches to as much as two feet. Those in the front line should be planted closely, in order to cover and conceal 
the earth quickly. Varieties of creeping habit and with attractive foliage, are frequently planted with tall-growing 
sorts to cover the ground. In planting, straighten and spread out the roots, and press the soil down firmly; but 
place no deeper than the plants stood in the nursery. The only culture needed is to keep the soil loose and free 
of weeds by hoeing, to stake here and there a plant that needs support, and to remove faded flowers. By giving 
the beds and borders an annual dressing of well-rotted manure or compost in the autumn and forking it into the soil 
in the spring, the size, beauty and quality of bloom will be greatly increased. 
Suffolk Co., N. Y., May 29, 1911. 
My box arrived to-night and thank you very much for 
sending me such large plants. I am sure they will grow 
well, as have all the plants I have ever bought. 
(Mrs.) C. R. Purdy. 
(During the past two years Mrs. Purdy has sent me 45 
orders for Hardy Perennial Plants, totaling thousands of 
plants and many hundreds of dollars.) 
Berks Co., Pa., Aug. 8 , 1911. 
I got some plants of you in the spring, also som» last 
spring, and I found everything satisfactory and your 
business methods all that could be desired. 
(Mrs.) Horace W. Barr. 
Rensselaer Co., N. Y., June 2, 1911. 
We received our order which we sent in with Mrs. O. 
W. Ford’s, and wish to thank you for so many extra 
Sweet William which you sent us. The plants were all 
very satisfactory and all are coming along nicely. Your 
plants have always grown well and we have never lost 
any, so far. (Mrs.) J. D. Shroder. 
Richmond Co., Ga., April 12, 1911. 
The plants I got from you, Hollyhocks and Larkspurs, 
are growing finely. I was so pleased with them that I 
loaned your catalog to Mrs. W. H. Goodrich. I am glad 
that she gave you an order. Geo. Wm. Walker. 
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