PROPER time for planting herbaceous perennials is largely consequent upon the soil and the climate.

Generally speaking, the mass of vigorous-growing ones may be planted at any time after growth is nearly matured and while in a dormant state. With skill and extra precautions,' many that may be lifted with balls of earth, so that their roots will not be injured by removal, may be transplanted at any time short of, or soon after, the period of their greatest activity. Many bulbs, especially lilies, if carefully lifted and if the balls are preserved, may be managed in this way even when in full flower; but such a course is not advisable, or often necessary; but the knowledge that it is practicable may ofttimes prove valuable. For purposes of propagation, our rule is to take up, divide and replant as soon as convenient after the first frost in autumn.

If hardy herbaceous plants are grown in pots - as they should be for the trade - then they can be put out in the spring, or in fact, at any time without fear of loss. Our methods, or rather the method of planting in this country, is to make the garden in the spring, and what is not planted then is not likely to be planted at all. This, of course, does not apply to large gardens where a skilled gardener is employed ; in such places the best time is always selected for such work. The following species and varieties should be found in every garden, and planted whenever opportunity affords; they will keep up a constant supply of flowers from May until December.

Achillea

Of the genus, all that is desirable and all that is indispensable in a collection of hardy plants, is the species, A. Ptarnica, variety florepleno, which is one of the best hardy white flowers known. It grows about two feet high, branching, and if kept cut, will produce from June until October, trusses of white flowers that are useful in any floral arrangement. This plant is perfectly hardy, increases rapidly, and will grow anywhere.

Aconitum (Monk's-Hood)

Aconitum (Monk's-hood) makes a stately clump, particularly adapted for shrubbery borders or any situation where a tall-growing, dark flowering plant is wanted. A. Napellus, which, in a favorable spot grows five feet high, is one of the best species. It is perfectly hardy, and is freely propagated by division of its tuberous roots.

Anemone

Of this numerous family there are almost innumerable species and varieties. A. Japonica, a tall autumn-blooming species, is the best. The flowers are large, rose-colored, and the plants are strong growing and branching. A variety of this, named Honorine Jo-bert, has pure white flowers; beautiful and effective. Both of these should be grown in quantity for cut-flowers in autumn, and there are but few more beautiful subjects.

Anthericum

Of this species of liliaceous plants, A. litiastrum (St. Bruno's Lily), is a grand plant for summer flowers, which are pure white, two inches across, and produced in long spikes like the early gladiolus, only the flowers are more scattered. This plant increases rapidly, and takes kindly to division. It should have a moist situation, and requires a mulching of leaves both in summer and winter to protect it from cold and heat.

Clematis

This genus affords many of the most desirable plants in cultivation for trellis or pillar decoration and none are more valuable than some of our native species. Of these, C.flammula (the Sweet-scented Virgin's Bower) is to be greatly admired for its grace of habit, delicious fragrance and poetical associations. C. recta (Upright Virgin's Bower) is a grand border plant, growing from two to four feet high, with dense panicles of small white flowers in early summer.

Coreopsis Lanceolata

Coreopsis Lanceolata is a generous flowering plant, and has no superior in the garden. The flowers are rich yellow and produced in abundance. It can be treated as an annual if desired, but it flowers as early from seed and continuously in either case until killed by frost.

Delphinium (Larkspur)

The perennial, or Bee larkspurs, have no rivals in the hardy border. They grow anywhere, but prefer a deep, rich and moist soil. If cut back immediately after flowering, they will flower again in autumn. Seeds sown in a hot-bed in early spring make charming flowering plants in autumn. Among this class the florists have made great improvements by cross-fertilization. Now we have every shade of color that white, dark blue and purple will produce. While we prefer the dark blue with a white center, all the varieties are desirable.

Dielytra (Bleeding Heart

Dielytra (Bleeding Heart is an old garden plant that everybody knows, and a grand plant it is, particularly in heavy soils, for there the flowers have more color and the racemes are longer. It is rapidly increased by division in autumn. D. eximium, a native species, is ever-blooming, and the foliage is nearly as handsome as that of the Maiden's Hair fern, which makes it one of the most desirable border plants.

Digitalis (Fox-Glove)

Some of the many varieties are very desirable, and worth growing.

Eulalia

Eulalia, an ornamental grass from Japan, is valuable for clumps or masses on the lawn, and the plumes are first in the list of ornamental grasses for bouquets in winter. E. Japonica variegata has firm but graceful leaves, alternately striped with green and creamy-white. E. Ze-brina, or Zebra Grass, in in all respects similar to the former, excepting that the alternate stripes run crosswise, and varying in width, give the plant a very singular appearance. When grown in deep, rich soil and well established, the plants will attain a height of from four to six feet.

Helianthus Multiflorus

The double-flowering form of this is decidedly the best of the sunflowers, and is a plant well worthy of a place in the border. The claim that it is hardy is not well founded. The roots should be wintered in a cold-frame or greenhouse, and divided in the spring when planted out. It is advisable to cut a portion of the plants well back about the first of July, as this will extend their period of bloom.

Funkia Subcordata

Funkia Subcordata is a grand border plant, popularly known as Day Lily. It must be well established to flower well; then it produces its pure white, fragrant flowers in profusion. After planting it can remain undisturbed for years.

Hemerocallis Flava

Hemerocallis Flava, the best of several species, is a fine hardy plant with clear yellow, very fragrant flowers, produced on long, slender scapes in June. These handsome lily-like flowers are very useful for cutting.

Hibiscus

These showy plants are only suitable for large borders or for massing. H. Moscheutos, a native species, common in marshes along the sea-coast, is a noble plant. The flowers are six inches, across and of a bright rosy-pink. Although a native of marshy districts, it improves by cultivation on dry soils, H. Californica is a strong growing species, producing large, pure white flowers. All the varieties are propagated readily from seeds, and the plants can remain undisturbed for many years without injury.

Liliums

Liliums of every denomination have their home in the border, some doing well, others fairly well, a few not well at all; while all thrive in places suited to them, all will not do equally well in the same soil and situation. Plant such as are congenial to the place you have for them, and these will embrace at least a majority of the species.

Platycodon Grandiflorum

This genus has been, and still is listed under a variety of names, campanula, wahlenbergia, etc.; but it has no superior in the border. Its flowers are about two inches across, of purple or white, and of both double and single forms. It is readily propagated by division or from seed.

Spiraea

There are several herbaceous spiraeas worthy a place in any border. The best is S. Japonica, known also as astilbe and hotiea, which grows about two feet high, with branching spikes of pure white, feather-like flowers. S. lobata (Queen of the Prairie), a native species, is one of the most stately of the spiraeas. The flow-' ers are very handsome, of a deep peach color, and produced in clustered panicles on long, naked peduncles.

Tricyrtis Hirta (The Japanese Toad Lily)

Tricyrtis Hirta (The Japanese Toad Lily) is an indispensable plant for the hardy border, as its flowers are the culmination of the season, appearing with the first frost, which, if not severe, does not injure them. They are axillary, produced in panicles about six inches long, bearing from their peculiar markings the appearance of orchids. The plants may be taken up when the flowers first appear and put in pots or boxes, and they will develop their flowers perfectly in the house,after which they may be returned to the border.

Trillium (American Wood Lily, Indian Shamrock, Three-Leaved Nightshade)

A deep, well-drained bed of peaty soil, in a somewhat shady position, is the most suitable for these plants. Plenty of water is essential in summer. The varieties grandiflorum (see illustration, page 213), erectum, cernuum and sessile are all desirable and can be readily cultivated in the north.

Yucca Filamentosa (Adam's Needle)

Yucca Filamentosa (Adam's Needle) is an evergreen perfectly suited to the herbaceous border. The flowers are produced on an erect, branching spike from four to six feet high, proceeding from the heart of the plant. It is not uncommon for a single spike to furnish 300 blossoms, which are creamy-white and three inches in diameter. The variety is propagated by offsets or from seeds, the plants of which flower the second year.