Those who are finding that the herbaceous border is occupying too much of their spare time, for these are days when but few of us can afford a gardener, would do well to consider planting a border of the small-flowering bulbs. By using a strip of ground sheltered by a wall or hedge, or by planting in shortly cut grass under a row of deciduous trees, it will be possible not only to enjoy a most charming display throughout the summer months entirely from the small-flowering bulbs, but all the year round.
Provided the perennial weeds are removed as soon as they can be seen, there will be little else to do but to enjoy the display, which will be both varied and interesting. A yearly mulch with peat or leaf mould will keep down most of the annual weeds so making hoeing and digging completely unnecessary.
There will be no need for any staking and tying of tall-growing plants for none need be planted that will flower above 15 in. high. No one loves an herbaceous border more than myself, but the everlasting digging and dividing, staking and tying whenever a strong wind blew took up far too much time and rather than see the border take on a neglected, untidy appearance, it was removed entirely and planted with as large a variety of the small-flowering bulbs as possible.
With flowering trees and shrubs for a background, the result has far exceeded my expectations – the bulbs produce a riot of colour and there is at least some variety in bloom throughout the year. A large border is not necessary for the enjoyment of a wide range of plants. I have seen an equally delightful effect when the small beds at the side of a garden path have been planted with an all-year-round selection, with the Juliae primroses and various saxifrages for a soil covering.
