268 PLANTING THE ORNAMENTAL GROUNDS 



the beds. When cold weather is past, half of the mulch 

 should be removed. The remainder may be left on till 

 there is no longer danger of frost. Upon removing the 

 last of the mulch, lightly work over the surface of the 

 soil among the bulbs with a thrust -hoe. If the weather 

 happens to be very bright during the blooming season, 

 the duration of the flowers may be prolonged by light 

 shading as with muslin, or slats placed above the beds. 

 If planted where they have partial shade from surround- 

 ing trees or shrubbery, the beds will not need attention 

 of this kind. 



Lilies, and other flowers which will be mentioned below, 

 may remain undisturbed for years. Others will be greatly 

 benefited, and afford more satisfactory results, if taken 

 up and replanted every two or three years. Crocuses 

 and Tulips may stand two years, but Hyacinths should 

 be taken up each year and replanted, as will be ex- 

 plained. Tulips also will be better for the same treat- 

 ment. 



Bulbs which are to be taken up, or removed in the 

 spring, should be left in the ground after flowering, till 

 the foliage turns yellow, or dies down naturally. This 

 gives the bulbs a chance to ripen. Cutting off the 

 foliage and digging too early is a not uncommon and 

 serious mistake. Bulbs which have been planted in the 

 border, or in beds, and which are wanted for summer 

 bedding-plants, may be dug with the foliage on and 

 "heeled-in" under a tree, or along a fence, to stand till 

 ripened. The foliage should be injured as little a^s possi- 

 'ble, as the foliage of this year makes the flowers of the 

 next. When the foliage has turned yellow or died down, 

 the bulbs after cleaning, and curing them for a few 

 hours in the sun may be stored in the cellar or other 

 cool, dry place, to await fall planting. 

 ^ Following are the chief kinds of bulbs for setting in 

 the fall: 



