3 io ] The Fascination of Flowers 



shallow dish with pebbles or bits of broken shell, and given just 

 enough water to show through the pebbles. 



Unaided, a youngster can easily prepare a dish for a narcissus 

 bulb, and will be thrilled at having something his very own. To 

 enhance his enjoyment, a narcissus grows rapidly and thus re- 

 wards daily watching. Care should be taken when watering that 

 water does not leak in where old leaves have broken off, as this 

 causes a bulb to rot. 



When it is first planted, the bulb should be kept in a dark 

 cool place until its roots have formed. Outdoors this would take 

 from eight to twelve weeks, but indoors only a few weeks are 

 required. The plant should then be brought into sunlight gradual- 

 ly, being kept away from drafts. Two or three weeks will elapse 

 before a flower appears. 



Hyacinth, Tulip, and Crocus Bulbs: Such bulbs as hyacinths and 

 tulips do better in soil. As bulbs have a built-in food supply, the 

 soil need not be rich. Sandy garden soil well mixed with peat 

 moss is excellent. A hyacinth bulb should be placed so that its 

 top projects over the top of the pot; a tulip bulb should have 

 its top level with the top of the soil. As for crocus and other small 

 bulbs, they should be covered with an inch of soil. 



If you keep the bulbs in a cool dark place for several weeks, 

 the roots will be well developed before the leaf stalks begin to 

 grow. When the roots press against the sides of the pot or show 

 at the bottom opening, you know that the plants are ready 

 for a sunny window. 



OTHER EASY INDOOR GARDENING TECHNIQUES 

 You need not limit your indoor gardening to bulbs. You 

 have the choice of plants growing directly from roots, such as the 

 sweet potato; from stem cuttings begonia, geranium, or cactus, 

 among others; and from certain fleshy leaves, such as those of 

 the African violet. Also, many seeds thrive when they are planted 

 indoors. 



A wooden cigar box will do to give stem cuttings or leaves 

 their start. Bore holes in the bottom and spread pebbles or chips 

 from broken flowerpots. Then fill the box with clean sand to with- 



