352 FLOWERS ALL THE YEAR ROUND 



SEPTEMBER 



AGAPANTHUS taxes the soil severely, and must have ample nourish- 

 ment in pots. It is also one of the thirstiest bulbs known, but is 

 quite hardy, and will thrive in the open if planted in a deep rich 

 loam at any time from September until March. 



ALSTRCEMERIA. Although related to the Ixia, this bulb may be 

 trusted to the open ground in all but the coldest districts of the 

 country. It is not suitable for pot culture, but in a dry border it 

 may be allowed to remain undisturbed for years. Plant quite nine 

 inches deep. 



AMARYLLIS. The proper time to make a commencement with 

 these superb flowers is during their season of rest, which ranges from 

 September to March. Pot them in firm loam, enriched with leaf- 

 mould, and containing a fair proportion of sand. Very little water 

 is required until growth begins, and then it must be increased with 

 the progress of the plant. Start them by plunging the pots in a 

 temperature of about 65, and when they are coming into bloom, 

 remove to a warm greenhouse or conservatory. After the flowers 

 have faded, allow the plants to complete their growth, and then 

 slowly reduce them to a resting condition, without permitting the 

 bulbs at any time to become quite dry. 



ANEMONE. The tuberous varieties are valuable as pot plants, 

 not only for their flowers, but also for the distinctive character of the 

 foliage. The roots may be potted from now up to the end of the 

 year, so that a succession of flowers can be easily insured. Plunged 

 in a pit or frame to preserve them from frost, watering is all the 

 attention they will need, but of this there must be plenty, particularly 

 when the plants begin to flower. Pot the roots between one and two 

 inches deep, in rich soil, and with the eyes upwards. A large pot 

 will accommodate several roots. 



BABIANA. Treat in the same manner as the Ixia. 



BEGONIA, TUBEROUS-ROOTED. Lift the plants which are in open 

 ground, and pot them to complete their season in the greenhouse ; 

 but if they are not wanted for this purpose, they may remain in the 

 beds until October. When the stems fall, still retain the bulbs in 

 their own pots, and store them in a dry cellar or shed, under a layer 

 of cocoa-nut fibre. They need protection from both damp and cold. 

 Neither hurry the drying off of the roots, nor attempt to force the 

 growth in spring, but wait for them to start naturally. 



