3o6 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



The flowers are bell-shaped, closely packed with petals, like so many 

 microscopic petticoats arranged for the ' tiring ' of a fairy : they are 

 snow-white, and sometimes delicately tipped with light green. This 

 variety is as hardy as the single, and the best for growing in baskets 

 and pots. When employed in lines the planting ought to be very 

 close together, and the line should be composed of several rows, 

 making in fact a broad band. Such a ribbon when backed with 

 Sdlla sibirica is very beautiful. The best way of displaying the 

 Snowdrop alone is in large groups densely crowded together. The 

 effect is much more telling than when the same number of bulbs is 

 spread over a larger area. Put the roots in drills, two inches deep, 

 and if possible in a spot where they need not be disturbed for two or 

 three years. Snowdrops may be grown in pots, and be gently forced 

 for Christmas. But unless wanted very early, it will answer to lift 

 clumps from the border in November and pot them. 



SPARAXIS 



SEE instructions under Ixia at page 296. 



STERNBERGIA LUTEA 



A HARDY yellow Amaryllis which blooms in September and October, 

 and is one of our most useful autumnal bulbous flowers. It grows 

 freely in a light rich loam, and may be lifted every year, or be allowed 

 to occupy the same spot for two or three successive seasons. Plant 

 in patches three inches deep, either in November or December. 



TIGRIDIA 



SEE Ferraria, page 287. 



TRITELEIA UNIFLORA 



THIS little gem belongs to the spring garden, and should be the com- 

 panion of the Dog's-tooth Violet, the Crocus, and the Snowdrop. It 

 will grow in any soil, and will produce an abundance of its violet- 

 tinted white flowers, which, when handled, emit a faint odour of garlic. 



