Flowers all the Year Round 



Lilies are an ornament to the cottage garden, and they grace the 

 grandest conservatory. Many of the most superb varieties, including 

 the king of all the race, L. auratum, can be magnificently flowered in 

 the open border ; and we have seen fine specimens of the Lancifolium 

 varieties grown in pots without the aid of pit or frame. It is there- 

 fore obvious that there are no difficulties in the culture of Lilies. 

 In borders the best soil for them is a deep, rich, moist loam. Peat 

 and leaf-mould also answer ; but a stiff clay will not do unless it has 

 been cultivated and mixed with lighter stuff. Plant the roots at 

 least six inches deep, at any time they are in a dormant state, or can 

 be obtained in pots. Their position in the border should be clearly 

 marked, or the roots may sustain injury when the soil is forked over. 



The noble appearance of L. auratum will always command for it 

 a prominent place in the conservatory or greenhouse. It will grow 

 in sandy peat, or in a mixture of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. The 

 bulb should be put into a small pot at first. When this is full of 

 roots, transfer to a larger size, and shift occasionally until the flower- 

 buds appear, when re-potting must cease. A cool house will bring 

 the plant to perfection, although it will bear a high temperature if 

 wanted early. During growth water must be given freely, and be 

 gradually reduced when the flowering season is over. 



The Lancifolium varieties require the same treatment, but it is 

 usual to put several in one large pot. After the flowering is 

 ended, instead of allowing the bulbs to become quite dry, keep them 

 moist enough to prevent the fibrous roots from perishing, and they 

 will start with all the greater vigour when the time arrives for re- 

 potting next season. 



Lily of the Valley. The forcing of this favourite flower 

 generally begins in November, and it is important to secure roots 

 which are thoroughly matured for the purpose. They must be 

 finished in a high temperature, and if managed with judgment there 

 will be plenty of foliage to set off the long spikes of charming white 

 bells. When planted in the open ground a shaded spot should be 

 chosen, which must be freely enriched with leaf-mould, and the 

 plants will not need to be lifted for four or five years. 



Ranunculus. On a light dry soil, where there is no danger of 

 the roots sustaining injury during winter, this is a suitable time for 

 planting all the varieties. To do them justice the land must be 

 liberally dressed with decayed manure, and the longer the bed can 

 be made ready before planting, the better will it answer. Put the 

 roots in drills drawn six inches apart and two inches deep and 



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