THE GARDEN 



extremely brittle, and a sudden strong wind 

 a heavy shower, even may break them down. 

 Set a stout stake by each plant and tie the main 

 stalk to it firmly. Use strips of soft cloth for 

 this purpose in preference to strings. I have 

 frequently had Dahlia-stalks half cut off in 

 windy seasons by the strings with which I fast- 

 ened them to their stakes. It is a good plan 

 to paint the stakes a dull green, that they may 

 not show among the foliage. 



If the season happens to be a dry one, be 

 sure to water your Dahlias well. A pailful of 

 water, daily, is not too much for each plant. 

 Pour it about the main stalk to make sure of 

 its getting just where it will do the most good. 

 If simply poured over the soil about the plant, 

 a good deal of it will be wasted. If the soil is 

 not rich, apply some reliable fertilizer at mid- 

 summer. The Dahlia is a gross feeder, and 

 must be liberally supplied with nutriment if 

 you want it to do itself justice. 



The Gladiolus is another plant that must be 

 given support. Its flower-stalks are tall and 

 slender, and very top-heavy when in bloom. 

 They are easily beaten down by wind and rain- 

 storms, and, if once prostrated, they seldom 

 straighten up again. This misfortune can 



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