DAHLIAS, FREESIAS AND GLADIOLUS 197 



feet and encouraging branching from this tree-like basis. A high 

 stake and firm tying to it -are a necessary precaution against wind 

 injuries. 



Freesias. These are really the most joyful little bulbs known to 

 us, and they seem ready always to winter-carpet your place and to 

 give it the odor of a perfume factory. If you make a start with 

 autumn planting as soon as the ground is deeply moistened by the 

 rains, or if you wet down by irrigation if rains are late, growth begins 

 early, flowers appear in the early winter and after that the plant holds 

 possession and extends its area wherever the little bulbs are scattered 

 by cultivation or otherwise. These are the white freesias which are 

 chiefly grown, though others are coming into notice. They require no 

 particular culture-methods; they seem willing to accept all rules or 

 to thrive without any. The flowers have more delicate coloring in 

 partial shade. 



Gladiolus. Gladiolus is of two quite different types and cul- 

 tures : the "early" or "small-flowered" type, which is hardy in Cali- 

 fornia autumn and winter and therefore belongs to "bulbs for fall 

 planting"; and the large or standard, older type which is planted later 

 for midsummer bloom. Each is grand and desirable in its own way 

 and California notably pleases both of them. 



The early-flowering gladioli, the old "Bride" type followed by 

 Colvillei creations, are graceful and beautiful for boquet or small vase 

 clusters and should be planted in the autumn, with succession into 

 early winter, for they make good winter growth for spring perform- 

 ance. The late-flowering sorts need more heat in the soil to push 

 activity and prevent decay and should be planted after the soil warms 

 up through increasing sun-heat and freedom from cold rains. The 

 improved late varieties make stalwart stems of gorgeous large flowers 

 and are best suited for midsummer garden display or for cutting for 

 the grander style of decorations. In light, warm soils they may be 

 planted as early as January, but in most places later planting is better, 

 and it may be continued until June to get a succession of bloom. 



Gladioli enjoy the best one can do for them in soil preparation, 

 fertilizing with old, cool materials, and generous moisture. The large 

 sorts need light staking, for they blow over easily when reaching 

 their greatest weight of flowers, and as they have to make 

 their race in summer heat and drouth, a ground cover of light litter 

 described on page 58, keeps the surface moist and relatively cool, as 

 is desirable in midsummer. In cutting the flower stem the leaves 

 should be allowed to remain for their service to the bulb, as previously 

 stated in this chapter. It is especially^ mentioned here because it re- 

 quires some effort to separate the flower-stem of a gladiolus, but it 

 should be done. After the top growth has fully dried, the bulb should 



