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WINTER FLOWERING BULBS. 



HE time is at hand for arranging winter and 

 spring gardens. Nothing is more pleasing than 

 a few choice plants in the window, and among all 

 the many beautiful flowers none are easier of cul- 

 ture than the winter flowering bulbs. Before say- 

 ing more about winter flowers let us notice those 

 that require immediate attention for next spring 

 and summer bloom. Lilies are extremely pleas- 

 ing. One variety in particular should have atten- 

 tion at once if it is to flower in the garden next 

 June — Lilium candidum. This lily makes its 

 growth in early fail and should not be planted out later than October i. Earlier 

 planting is better. It must get its growth in the fall in order to flower the fol- 

 lowing spring. 



The best lily bed I ever had was made by throwing out all of the soil to a 

 depth of 1 8 inches. The bottom of this bed was a little higher in the centre, 

 the first eight inches was extra rich soil made by mixing good loam and old cow 

 manure thoroughly rotted. Then came a layer of two inches of sand. On this 

 were set the bulbs about nine inches apart each way. Sharp sand was used to 

 cover these bulbs, and above this I put more good rich loam. This left the 

 crown of the bulbs about six inches or a little more under the surface. This 

 distance apart would be a little close for the large growing sorts, but for the 

 smaller kinds it will be about the thing. All lilies are better if a foot of leaves 

 or rubbish is raked over them about December, as hard freezing will injure some 

 varieties. 



Crocuses also should be planted in September. Dealers will tell you they 

 can be planted at any time. So they can, but they may never flower if planted 

 too late. They must get a root-hold before the ground freezes, so get them in 

 before October. A few crocuses in the lawn look very pretty in early spring. 

 With a sharp knife cut the turf in the form of a triangle, making a hole large 

 enough to put the crocus bulb into. Loosen the soil a little, then place the little 

 bulb in, so it will be about two inches under the surface. Now place the turf 

 back, pounding it firmly in place. The sod will not know it was ever disturbed, 

 and the little plant will find its way through at the proper time. 



Snowdrops may be planted the same way. The lawn mower will not be 

 wanted in the spring until after these early messengers are through blooming. A 

 few other bulbs that are in the market early should be started in pots for the 

 house. Roman hyacinths, freesias, narcissus (poiyanthuMype and Van Sion), 

 allium (not of much account), jonquils, anemones and oxalis, all should be pot- 



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