62 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



the beautiful white N. alba. Doubts have been frequently 

 expressed as to their hardiness by those who have not grown 

 them, not, however, by those with practical experience of 

 their behaviour in even severe winters. 



When grown in tubs it is necessary to give some protec- 

 tion from frost, more so than in the lake or pond, where the 

 ice in winter acts as a protective agency unless under excep- 

 tional circumstances, when, as an example, the water is frozen 

 through solidly. The way to proceed in commencing 

 Nymphaea growing in tubs and it is a fascinating pastime 

 is to sink the receptacles in the soil. The plants are then 

 less exposed to danger, and when very hard weather sets in, 

 a covering of straw or bracken will make them safe. When 

 the tubs are on the level it is wise to bank up the sides with 

 soil during the winter, applying an overhead covering accord- 

 ing to the weather. 



The size of the garden is a matter of small consideration. 

 Quite amateur gardeners may grow Nymphaeas in tubs, and 

 they give little trouble. Procure sufficient casks or barrels to 

 hold the plants. Cut each into two in the middle, and make 

 sure each part is fairly water-tight. A hole must be made and 

 plugged up, as it is necessary to have a means of letting off 

 the water. It is an excellent plan also to have some larger 

 tubs, so that they may be of varying widths, from eighteen 

 inches to three or even twenty feet. For the strong growing 

 hybrids large tubs are essential, but it is a mistake to grow 

 very robust Nymphaeas in this way, as they are too vigorous 

 and seldom give satisfaction. 



When the tubs are ready place them if possible at different 

 levels, and arrange for an overflow of water from one tub to 

 those below, and this may be managed by providing a tap 

 from which water is allowed to drip into the highest tub. A 

 constant stream of water is provided, flowing downwards very 

 slowly, but sufficiently fast to prevent stagnation. The water 

 must flow slowly and remain exposed to the air for some 

 time to gain warmth. It will, of course, be found that the 

 water is very cold in the highest tub, but gradually becomes 

 warmer on the way down. This is as it should be, as a 

 regular rise of temperature all the way down is essential. 



If the water runs through too fast the plants will not 

 flourish, the temperature being too cold and the water too 

 hard. 



Preparing the Tubs. In preparing the tubs to receive the 

 plants, drainage first claims some attention. As it will some- 

 times be necessary to remove the plug and allow the water 

 to run off, drainage must be provided. It should be about 



