GARDENING IN HEAVY SOILS 31 



Most bulbs, of course, must be planted in the au- 

 tumn even in the stiffest soils, and they should be 

 planted as early as possible, so that they may be able 

 to start into growth before the winter cold begins. 

 This applies particularly to Daffodils, all kinds of 

 Squills, Chionodoxas, Snowdrops, all Lilies that are 

 planted in autumn, and even to Crocuses. It is less 

 important in the case of Tulips, as most of these start 

 into growth later. It is, as a rule, more difficult to 

 grow bulbs well in a heavy than in a light soil, as they 

 are particularly apt to rot off from damp. It is well, 

 therefore, to put some drainage under them, and to 

 surround them with leaf-mould and grit. Particular 

 care should be taken that the soil is pressed close 

 round them, as, if it is not, water will get into the 

 empty spaces and rot them in the winter. This is 

 more difficult to ensure in stiff clay than in a light soil, 

 as the clay after being dug remains in lumps, whereas 

 the light soil crumbles away. Bulbs in a stiff soil 

 should not be planted so deep as in a light one. As 

 bulbs differ very much as to the depth at which they 

 like to be planted, it is impossible to give general 

 rules in this matter; but four inches is quite deep 

 enough for the base of Tulip, Daffodil, or Snowdrop 

 bulbs, while Crocuses can be placed not more than 

 an inch below the surface. 



There are many plants which thrive in half-shade 

 with a north aspect on light soils but which prefer 

 full sun and a southern aspect on heavy ones. This 

 applies to Pseonies, Pansies of all kinds, Phloxes, 



