PERENNIAL BORDERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 233, 14 September 1934, Page 10

PERENNIAL BORDERS

PLANTS THAT PAY TO GROW. In no department of the garden has more distinct progress been made than that devoted to tho cultivation of hardv perennial herbaceous plants. The number of plants, including Alpines, now available for this work gives a selection suitable for any position, either damp or dry, shaded or open aspect. Where room can bo afforded a specious border should be given up entirely to a collection of these hardy perennials. Whether the soil be heavy or light, chalky or clay, worthy plants in variety may be found that will gorw and flourish if a little skill and knowledge arc exercised in selecting and planting them. Groups of brilliantly coloured annuals may be effectively intermixed with herbaceous plants in a large border. There are certain positions and uses for such plants as carpet bedding, scarlet geranium, lobelia, poppies, cinerarias, antirrhinums, and such like showy species. If the border be wide enough, such shrubs as daphnes, hibiscus, hydrangeas and roses can be introduced with brilliant results. The position most suitable is one exposed to full sunshine and sheltered from strong winds. Tho soil requires 'to be well drained, trenched to a depth of two feet and' well manured. A word in this direction will not be out of place, for on the neatness and appropriateness with which this is done, in a very great measure depends the satisfactory appearance of a border of this sort. As a rule, never stake unless support is actually required. Nothing looks more unnatural than to see a procumbent plant tied to a stake and nothing worse than to see a strong stake placed where a slender one Will do. If staking be necessary, start early while the young shoots are upright in growth, and so prevent the winds from blowing them about. The arrangements of plants in a mixed border requires a knowledge of the. plants themselves and of their requirements as to position and space. For 'the main plots plants should be chosen of bold and striking beauty.