348 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 



assume an unshapely form, they should be so pruned as 

 to make a better head, even if it be at the expense of 

 some flowers for the following season. 



The Climbing Roses need only to have the poor wood 

 cut away, and the strongest shoots shortened in. Nail 

 and re-nail as needed, before the young growth starts. 



BORDERS. 



Early in the spring, any covering that was put on 

 these in the fall, should be removed. Do not dig the 

 soil until it is dry enough to work up loosely. Each 

 spring, at the first working of the soil, a little rich ma- 

 nure — the older and finer the better, should be dug in. 



IMPROVEMENTS. 



Any contemplated garden improvements should be 

 completed as soon as the ground will work well. Avoid 

 working the soil when it is wet, as bad effects will be 

 manifest for the entire season. Sodding may be done 

 very early in the spring. 



ANNUALS AND BULBS. 



As soon in the spring as the soil will work up finely, 

 whether now or later, bulbs of the Gladiolus for an 

 early crop of flowers, may be planted, and seeds of most 

 of the hardy annuals be sown in the open border. For 

 this purpose drills from one to two inches deep should be 

 opened, in which the seeds should be scattered along 

 quite thickly, afterwards covering them with earth. If 

 the soil where the drills are made is inclined to be lumpy, 

 cover the seeds with some light mould that has been run 

 through a fine sieve, and to which some sand has been 

 added. After covering, press the soil quite firmly with 

 the back of a hoe, or by patting it with the garden 



