NATURALISING BULBS IN GRASS 123 



colour. In trade lists many varieties of bulbs are described 

 as being specially suitable for naturalising. These are 

 always cheaper than those offered for forcing or planting 

 in borders, and if a large area is to be planted a great 

 many bulbs will be required. But go to a reputable 

 nurseryman or bulb merchant and pay a fair price. In 

 my own garden we usually buy fresh bulbs for the borders 

 and for forcing, using the old ones entirely for " naturalis- 

 ing." 



Planting : There is not much difficulty with the actual 

 planting. With a sharp spade partly lift a piece of turf, 

 if the soil is heavy drop some sand in, put in three or four 

 tulips, or daffodils, or half a dozen crocuses, or a couple 

 of hyacinths, arranged in an irregular manner. Then let 

 down the turf and lightly beat it firm with the back of 

 the spade. About 6 or 9 ins. away lift another piece of 

 turf and repeat the process. Then another, and so on, 

 making a large irregular patch. 



The best time to do the work is a matter of opinion. 

 We generally plant the bulbs, stems and all, immediately 

 they are lifted from the borders or knocked out of the 

 forcing pots, for it is very convenient. The soil is gently 

 removed, and the bulbs planted in the way just described. 

 The grass is never cut before June or July, by which time 

 the foliage of the bulbs has all died down. It is most 

 important never to cut off the foliage, otherwise the bulbs 

 are greatly weakened. 



Some consider it better to defer the planting of old 

 bulbs to August, and to get the new ones in at the same 

 time if possible. There is no doubt in my mind that 

 early planting is good, but I would not say that it is 

 essential. I have seen some fine results obtained in the 

 spring from plantings in the previous October or even 

 later. 



Many gardeners use a special tool called a " bulb 

 planter." This takes out a piece of turf, the bulb is 

 dropped in, the turf replaced and made firm. This takes 

 longer, but it is easier, and produces a better effect, for 



