260 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



must never suffer from lack of moisture, for if they become really 

 dry failure is inevitable. 



Staking will be required as the leaf and flower stems lengthen. 

 When the flowering period approaches a slight stimulant of liquid 

 manure may be applied with beneficial results. 



It is wel to bear in mind that once they have been used for 

 forcing bulbs are never of any value for the same purpose again. 

 They should not, however, be thrown away. If they be ripened 

 off in the warm greenhouse, and then planted in a border out of 

 doors, they will supply fair-sized blooms for cutting in subsequent 

 years. 



The practice of growing bulbs in the dwelling-house for the 

 decoration of rooms, windows and porches is becoming increasingly 

 popular as each season comes round. Nor is this to be wondered 

 at when it is once realised how easily the thing may be done if a 

 few s r mple ules be observed. There is the further advantage that 

 it is not necessary to confine one's attention to one kind of bulb. 

 There are numerous varieties, all of which lend themselves to, 

 and thrive under, practically the same cultural treatment. The 

 stately hyacinth, rising in sweet-scented profusion from tall 

 window glasses, is familiar enough. But there are others, such 

 as snowdrops, crocuses, chionodoxas, polyanthus narcissi, and 

 tulips, all of which may be grown in the house with success ; and 

 the process has been rendered easier and more cleanly than ever 

 by the introduction of the plan of growing them in prepared fibre 

 instead of in garden soil and the ordinary drained flower-pot. 



Bowls and pans in a multitude of artistic designs, which are 

 especially contrived for this method of bu 7 b culture, may be 

 obtained cheaply at any reputable florist's. The prepared fibre 

 can be purchased at the same time that the bulbs are obtained. 



These preliminaries hav ng been completed, the planting of 

 the bulbs should be proceeded with in September, since no time 

 must be lost if it is desired to secure an adequate floral display 

 for Christmas. 



The prepared fibre will be found to contain a number of pieces 

 of charcoal Two or three of these should first of all be picked 



