December, 1921 
49 
The border planting should be graded upward from the front, par¬ 
ticularly where it flanks a walk or is otherwise so located that it is 
viewed from one side only. Such a sloping effect is produced not by 
grading the earth, but by planting flowers of different growing heights. 
Here delphiniums form the mass of the background flowers 
and show clearly their value as a setting for the rest of the bed 
which are suitable for the back edge of the 
border, or for the middle ground of beds which 
are viewed from all sides: 
Autumn Monkshood (Aconitum autumnale): 
A narrow upright plant with deep blue 
flowers in July and lasting until September. 
It grows to a height of from 4' to 5'. Propa¬ 
gate by seed or by division. 
Monkshood (Aconitum napellus pyramidale): 
An erect plant 3' to 5' high with deep purple 
flowers in August and September, in loose 
spikes. Leaves finely divided and very 
handsome. Thrives in rich moist soil and 
will stand the full sun, although it lasts 
longer in partial shade. Propagate by divi¬ 
sion. Mulch in spring to retain the moisture. 
This plant is poisonous if taken internally, 
so should be used where children will not 
pick it. Also variety album. 
Hollyhock (Althea rosea): Narrow upright 
biennials, which seed themselves and can 
easily be treated as perennials. They range 
in colors from yellow and white through 
pink and deep red. The single varieties are 
the most interesting. The spire-like stem 
with its rough leaves mostly at the base 
makes an excellent accent plant, and is good 
against walls and fences. Blooms in July 
and August and is subject to a fungus dis¬ 
ease, which attacks the leaves and buds. 
Spraying with Bordeaux mixture or a solu¬ 
tion of ammoniacal carbonate of copper is 
effective. Grows 5' to 7' tall, and should be 
cut down immediately after blooming. Pre¬ 
fers sunny situation and good soil. Cover 
with manure in winter. Water freely in 
summer. Propagate by seed, or healthy off¬ 
shoots. 
Alkanet (Dropmore) (Anchusa Italica): 
Grows 3 to 5' high. Each branch termi¬ 
nated with a large pyramidal spike of gen¬ 
tian blue flowers in May and June. If not al¬ 
lowed to seed it will continue to blossom. 
Leaves unsightly after blooming. If it crowds 
other plants pick off the lower leaves. Good 
garden soil and a sunny position preferred. 
Mulch in winter. Propagate by division or 
root cuttings which should be started in a 
frame in October. 
New England Aster (Aster Novce-anglice): 
Bushy, well formed plant which grows 3' to 
4' high and is covered in September and 
October with myriads of small violet blue 
flowers with yellow centers. Leaves are in¬ 
conspicuous. Should be planted in groups 
4" apart in front of shrubbery or taller 
perennials. Propagate by seed or division. 
Any soil, but it responds to good soil and 
moisture. The best varieties are White 
Queen; Novce-anglice, purple; Novce-anglice, 
rosea and also rubra; William Bowman, 
rose; and Lil Fardell, also rose. 
New York Aster (Aster Novi-Belgii): Light 
pinkish lavender flowers with yellow centers, 
3' to 4' high. Foliage better than the Novce- 
anglice species. Prefers sun, responds to 
good soil and moisture. Many horticultural 
varieties. 
Chinese Astilbe (Astilbe Davidii): Plant 
with dark green handsome foliage, which 
grows 5' to 6' high. Flowers are in very 
showy clusters sometimes 2' long in July and 
August. Excellent for cutting. Propagate 
by division. Prefers any soil, and half sun. 
False Indigo (Baptisia australis exaltata): 
Pea-shaped blue flowers in long terminal T 
spikes in June. Grows 3' to S' high. Foli- | 
age sea green and in good condition until 
August when it blackens, so it should not be 
given too conspicuous a place. Free ex¬ 
posure to the sun. Propagate by seed or by | 
division. 
Plume Poppy (Bocconia cor data ): White 
flowers in terminal clusters in July and p 
August. Plant grows 6' to 8' tall. Has 
very handsome but coarse foliage which is 
persistent. The seeds in large clusters are ’ 
very decorative. Spreads rapidly. Good 
for among shrubs and in the center of beds. 
Any soil, prefers sun. Propagate by seed 
or suckers. 
False Chamomile (Boltonia asteroides): 
Masses of white to lavender flowers which 4 
resemble the asters. Blooms in September j 
and October. Grows 5' to 7' tall. Any soil, 
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