HARVEST MONTH IN THE GARDEN 



attention. There is not likely to be any trouble from 

 insects. 



Gladioli. — These beautiful flowers will be near the 

 flowering stage, if not actually blooming. The stems 

 ought to be supported with stakes if they are being left 

 to develop, or they may be broken off by a heavy wind ; 

 but the amateur should never fear to cut the spikes while 

 young, on the ground of spoil- 

 ing the bed, because if the 

 plants are strong, successional 

 spikes will appear. Good judg- 

 ment should be exercised in 

 cutting. If some spikes are 

 taken, and others near them 

 left, the bed will be kept gay, 

 while at the same time the house 

 vases are kept furnished. It is 

 a great pleasure to see flowers 

 unfolding in water. Soakings 

 of liquid manure will help the 

 plants to throw up abundance 

 of successional spikes. 



Support for Dahlias. — Some Fig. 58.— Staking dahlias. 

 Dahlias are opening their first <'■ The stake so inserted as to 



^ <=> avoid damaging the tubers, 



flowers, and all are developing b. How to fasten the main stem 



rapidly. Old plants generally 



bloom earlier than young ones, and no impatience 

 need be felt if the latter do not show signs of 

 being at their best before September. We want our 

 Dahlias for late summer and autumn, and are rather 

 pleased than annoyed if they refuse to bloom early. 

 The plants ought to be looked over now, in order to 

 make sure that they are adequately supported. August 

 gales are not common, but they come sometimes, and 

 305 U 



Aug. 

 1-15 



