NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 25 



tulips, and Spring flowering bulbs of all kinds : also the 

 early flowering varieties of gladioli. In the mixed herbace- 

 ous border all old flower stems, withered leaves, in a word 

 everything unsightly and objectionable should be re- 

 moved ; the surface between the plants lightly dug over, 

 and then, provided the appearance is not an objection, have 

 a sprinkling of mulch or decomposed manure. 



Dahlias are destroyed by the first frost. Cut the stalks 

 near the ground and lift the roots, selecting a warm day, 

 doing the work in the morning that the roots may dry all 

 day in the sun. Be sure to securely label the different varieties 

 before putting them away ; any place suitable for keeping 

 potatoes will answer. 



See about potting the general collection of such bulbs as 

 are required for Winter and Spring flowering, especially 

 hyacinths, which, in common with all plants of a similar 

 nature, evince by their roots beginning to develop that they 

 want to be placed in soil. It frequently happens that the 

 indifferent way in which hyacinths and other bulbs flower is 

 attributed to some deficiency in the strength or maturity of 

 the bulbs, when, in reality, their unsatisfactory blooming is 

 caused by the first efforts of the bulbs to develop roots 

 taking place before they are put into soil, by which neglect 

 the tender fibres are injured. In selecting hyacinths, 

 amateurs should rely upon the good and well proved older 

 varieties : foi although they are offered at prices very much 

 below that of the comparatively new and scarce kinds, the 

 difference in price is far from an indication of any superiority 

 in the flower. 



The first planting of anemones may be made early in 

 May. Plant in clumps of two or three inches deep ; also 

 hyacinths, crocuses, tulips, gladioli, and all other hardy 

 bulbs. Geraniums, if not already attended to, should be 

 lifted and heeled in in boxes or frames, where they may 

 receive the little ittention and protection from frost which 

 they will require during the next four months they must, 

 however, be kept free of withered or mouldy leaves. Rose 

 stocks should now he planted ready for budding or grafting ; 

 plant eighteen inches apart, in rows two feet six inches 

 apart. Rose beds should now be dressed with rotten 

 manure, to be forked in in the Spring. Never use a spade, 



