SITE AND SOIL 83 



cases the blooms rising above the foliage, and in others 

 the blooms attain to so large a size as to render it difficult 

 to utilise them with success in arrangements other than 

 those of the boldest character. 



SITE AND SOIL FOR EXHIBITION DAHLIAS 



Dahlias are so accommodating in their requirements both 

 as regards position and soil that there are but few gardens 

 in which they cannot be grown with success for exhibition 

 purposes, without special preparations being made for them. 

 Some gardens are better adapted to their requirements than 

 others, and it is therefore advisable that cultivators should 

 fully inform themselves as to the conditions by which they 

 attain to the highest state of development, and be thus in a 

 position to strengthen the weak points in their practice. 



In the first place, it cannot be too distinctly understood 

 that the position should be sufficiently open for the plants 

 to enjoy a full exposure to the rays of the sun and a free 

 circulation of air about them. Without such exposure the 

 growth will be soft and the blooms have a tendency to 

 coarseness. Sites that are partially shaded by tall trees are 

 unsuitable, for the branches will deprive the plants of some 

 portion of the sunlight, and the roots will push freely into 

 the enriched soil and deprive the Dahlias of a large share 

 of their food. 



The question of shelter is of considerable importance, 

 as Dahlias when grown in rich soil suffer more or less 

 when exposed to high winds. This being the case, it is 

 an advantage to give them a site where they will be 

 sheltered somewhat from winds, especially those from the 



