Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-09-09

state NufStfN anu Sttu W.
Herbaceous ~perennials are thos which
have roots that continue TO live for a
number of years II tops that die
down after the plants are through bl0s-
soming or when they are killed by
frost. Possibly of the various groups
of flowers these perennlals are the most
important for homegrown decoration.
Another outstanding advantage Is that
they require less care and attention.
To the herbaceous perennial group be-
long the Peony, Iris, Bleeding Heart,
etc.
OF the hardy towering plants the
| Peony undoubtedly ranks first. For size,
| coloring, and form of flowers 1t even
| rivals the newest creations In roses.
Peonies will thrive in almost any kind OF
soil and location, will increase in size
year by year, and If properly planted will
| give give a crop Of blossoms every spring.
But give YOU peonies a good sunny
| location with deeply dug soil well en-
| riched, and results difficult to realize Will
be obtained. When treated in this way
they will show to the fullest their rich
and exquisite qualities n prove beyond
| doubt that they are the finest OF the
about the grounds In single specimens,
or planted in groups Of three or more.
or massed in beds or rows, they Will
justify their place in every lawn and In
every garden.
HI simplest method of propagating
the standard varieties of peonies is by
dividing the roots Of older plants into as
many pieces as there are crowns. This
is done after the plants have reached
their maturity and just before the new
growth starts, which is usually August
to October. Then, too, is the best time
to plant peonies, although OF the roots
(dormant) are properly taken care OF,
they may be set out in early spring. How
: ever to insure more satisfactory growth
and better results set out your bulbs in
September.
AS before stated. peonies to do well
should be planted in we'll drained. deeply
dug, richly fertilized soil. that has been
well and thoroughly prepared. Care
must be exercised In handling the roots
since the fleshy o~ut-runners SNAP very
easily. When planted the top or crown
Of the root should be about two inches
below the surface Of level of the ground
Too deep burying Of the crowns will
smother the plant and cause 1t to either
rot In the ground or to send up q few
sickly looking shoots. When planting In
moss or rows allow about three feet be-
tween the plants. The peony dislikes be-
ing disturbs and sometimes takes
couple Of years before showing flower
buds OF any size.
After planting keep the soil loose by
thorough cultivation and in dry weather
give plentiful supplies OF water. 1t is o
good idea to neatly stake and tie up all
plants before the buds open, for by sc
doing the beauty OF the plant is shown
Off to better advantage. As soon as the
buds begin to form do not allow the
plant to suffer for water. During dry
weather mulch with good stable manure
about three incres deep. After peonief
are established they need no winter pro.
lection for all are perfectly hardy.
Evry gardner and flower lover should
arrange a planting of peonies and of the
many varieties now under cultivation
there is none that is not worthy OF 6
place in any garden.