208 CALIFORNIA GARDEN FLOWERS 



starts up in the early fall, from the underground stems. Violets should 

 be re-set about every second year to keep the roots from becoming too 

 matted, and also to renew the soil. The usual custom of planting 

 winter growing plants like the violet in the springtime is not good, as 

 such newly-set plants require constant watering throughout the sum- 

 mer to keep them from dying. Far better it is to set them in the fall 

 just as growth begins naturally. This is a safe rule to follow with 

 all plants. 



The various kinds of narcissus furnish excellent cut flowers for 

 winter and early spring, though they are often shy bloomers. The 

 more common of these are the Chinese sacred lily, poets' narcissus, 

 trumpet narcissus, paper white narcissus, common daffodils, and jon- 

 quils, though several others of the group do equally well. September 

 and October are also good months to set out such other bulbous plants 

 as the star of Bethlehem, Roman hyacinths, the several varieties of 

 oxalis, and the ranunculus. The latter furnishes an abundance of 

 bright-colored, daisy-like flowers. Irisis represent another group of 

 valuable spring bloomers. The German iris is planted more than any 

 other, and always with good results. A clump of these plants is a 

 feature in any spring landscape. Though remarkably tolerant to arid 

 conditions the German iris does best in deep soil with an abundance 

 of moisture. A somewhat similar though less showy plant, is the 

 sweet flag iris. The Spanish iris also does well. Bulbous species like 

 the above, and perennials in general need little attention when once 

 established, but continue flowering in season year after year. For this 

 reason they are more economical in the long run than annuals which 

 need re-sowing, though the latter make a quick showing which is 

 always desirable on new grounds. 



Carnations, verbenas, and periwinkle or trailing myrtle, likewise 

 are best planted in the early fall. Carnations in particular, should be 

 given a moderately well enriched, sandy loam. These and verbenas 

 are nearly continuous bloomers at the lower altitudes, while the 

 varieties of periwinkle are evergreen trailers, with blue bell-shaped 

 flowers appearing in the spring. Periwinkle is a general purpose 

 plant, growing almost wherever planted, and thriving in both poor and 

 rich soil, and in shade and sunlight. 



Varieties for Summer and Fall Blooming. On account of heat and 

 aridity, only the hardiest garden plants will grow through the summer 

 season with any degree of success, and even these require frequent or 

 moderate irrigation. Of the annuals the following have been found 

 to be the most successful: zinnias, globe amaranth, prince's feather, 

 cockscomb, hyacinth and scarlet runner beans, golden feather, summer 

 chrysanthemums, cosmos, asters, four-o'clocks, castor beans, garden 

 sunflower, balsam apple (Momordica), cypress vine, and the various 



