Herbaceous Plants 293 



The mixed border Is an admirable place for most hardy 

 bulbs, since they may be planted in small colonies among 

 herbaceous perennials and hardy shrubs. Twenty-five to 

 a hundred bulbs may be planted in each patch. Among 

 the important bulbs for this purpose are the various 

 narcissi, daffodils and jonquils, cottage and parrot 

 tulips, hyacinths, trilliums, erythroniums, crocuses, snow- 

 drops, etc. 



Hardy bulbs should be planted about six weeks before 

 regular freezing weather. The depth to plant bulbs depends 

 upon the kinds. Hyacinths, tulips, and narcissi, or similar 

 large bulbs, are planted from 4 to 6 inches deep, smaller 

 bulbs much shallower. If planted at the proper season 

 and at the proper depth, the bulbs make a good root system 

 preparatory- to flowering in the spring. If planted too 

 shallow, there may not be sufficient moisture for root growth, 

 and of course late planting may prevent proper development. 

 When a light crust is frozen, cover the bulbs with a 4- or 

 6-inch mulch of leaves, marsh hay or stra\^y manure, and 

 this should be gradually removed in the spring. 



Lily-of-the-valley {Convallaria majalis). — This little 

 flowering plant, usually classed among the hardy flower- 

 ing bulbs, is much sought for on account of its beautiful 

 flowers. It is easily grown in shaded places. It spreads 

 rapidly and should be taken up, divided and reset occasion- 

 ally to insure an abundant bloom. One method employed 

 to accomplish this is to cut out blocks or squares from the 

 center of the beds and fill in with rich soil. A better 

 method is to remove all the plants and replant the largest 

 and strongest divisions. A light dressing of compost in the 

 fall will improve the size and increase the number of flowers 

 produced. 



