CHAPTER XLV 



SPRING-FLOWERING BULBS 



Nothing in the garden gives more satisfaction 

 than a bed of bulbs, because they give us flowers long 

 before we can expect any from other plants, with the 

 exception of some of the very early shrubs. The 

 Snowdrop and Crocus bloom almost as soon as the 

 snow is gone, followed closely by the Hyacinth and 

 later by the Narcissus and Tulip. Bulbs enough to 

 fill quite a bed will not cost much. The money invested 

 in them is slight, but the pleasure afforded by them is 

 not to be reckoned in dollars and cents. 



The time to plant these bulbs is in the fall, for, if 

 put out early in the season, or at any time between 

 the last of September and middle of November, they 

 have a chance to become established before severe win- 

 ter weather sets in, and are ready for the season's work 

 when spring comes. From the last of September to 

 the middle of October is probably a better time for 

 doing this work than later, because the ground is 

 generally warmer and drier then than afterward, and 

 can be worked more thoroughly; but any time in the 

 fall will do if the bulbs are kept in good condition, 

 and the ground is not frozen. 



In making beds for bulbs two things are of the 

 greatest importance. These are : 



First rich soil. 



Second good drainage. 



If the soil is heavy or compact make it light by 

 stirring it well before you plant your bulbs in it. 

 Spade it up and mix manure with it thoroughly. The 

 finer and mellower it is the better flowers you will have. 

 If the soil is clay, add loam and sand, then manure. 



