68 THE COMPLETE GARDEN 



the bulbs. The finer pieces of mulch may be worked into the soil, if 

 the cultivating is done cautiously. 



Reproduction of Bulbs. Many bulbs, like the varieties of crocus 

 and certain varieties of narcissi, will continue to multiply by devel- 

 oping small bulblets and in that way produce a flower effect for 

 a considerable number of years. Other bulbs, like certain varieties 

 of the tulips and other varieties of narcissi, will have their energy 

 sapped during the first one or two years. They will not reproduce 

 bulblets and the result is that in order to continue the flower effect 

 new bulbs must be purchased and planted in their place at the end 

 of two or three years. Spanish iris and also the English iris will, 

 under ideal conditions of soil and cultivation, continue to develop new 

 bulbs and to multiply. For this reason they can be left in the ground 

 during a number of years. In cutting flowers from bulbs it is quite 

 necessary that some leaf surface should remain after the flower stalk 

 has been removed. This leaf surface provides a "stomach" for the 

 plant, in which digestive functions continue and new food is supplied to 

 the bulb for the purpose of enlarging it and for the purpose of forming 

 new bulblets. The gladiolus is the best example of bulbs which are 

 reproduced in the average garden by new bulblets. Many varieties of 

 gladioli, however, will not reproduce bulblets if the flowers are re- 

 moved. None of the varieties of the gladiolus will produce new 

 bulblets or make strong bulbs if, when the flowers are cut, all of the 

 leaves are removed. 



Treatment of Bulbs After Flowering. Bulbs will not ripen if 

 the tops are cut very soon after flowering. For best results, do not 

 remove the tops before late June, or until leaves turn brown. When 

 cutting flowers cut as few leaves as possible, and do not cut the entire 

 stem of a lily. Never lift any bulbs, if it is possible to wait, before 

 the tops are brown and limp. If bulbs must be removed to make way 

 for other plants, take roots, top and all — some soil also with the roots. 

 Heel-in, not too close together, in a shady spot until the tops commence 

 to die. Autumn-flowering bulbs also should be allowed to ripen be- 

 fore removal for winter storage. 



Oftentimes it becomes necessary in the renovating of the flower 

 garden to dig up bulbs during the month of September or October. 

 This is not desirable. Wherever it is foreseen that the soil in the 



