Round the Year in the Garden 



bulbs in fibre, though Daffodils are generally most 

 satisfactory. Tulips especially are liable to prove dis- 

 appointing, because they make so much leaf growth- 

 The fibre is moistened before use and the bowls are filled 

 to within about an inch of the top ; the bulbs are then 

 pressed slightly in the fibre and covered as far as 

 possible. Many failures occur owing to the bulbs being 

 placed in a dark, stuffy cupboard, and to overwatering. 

 The best position is a cool airy, semi-dark room ; there 

 the bulbs form roots quickly, and in two months or so 

 will be ready for removal to a light window or green- 

 house. If the fibre is thoroughly moistened before use, 

 little water will be needed until the bulbs are well 

 rooted ; it should, however, be examined weekly, for to 

 allow it to become dry is to court failure. Perhaps the 

 greatest charm attaching to bulb growing in fibre is that 

 it may be practised by those possessing little or no 

 garden space. The shallow bowls that are sold by bulb 

 dealers are admirably adapted to the purpose, though 

 one may use any vase or bowl that is of a size suited 

 to the bulbs. 



The simplest of all methods of flower growing in 

 the home is that by which both soil and fibre are 

 dispensed with, water alone being used. Hyacinths 

 thrive admirably under this treatment and give little 

 trouble. The water should be changed occasionally, or 

 a lump of charcoal may be put in to keep it " sweet." 

 The bunch-flowered or Polyanthus Narcissi are also 

 well suited to this treatment, or they may be grown 

 in bowls filled with pebbles and water. Small pebbles 

 must be used, otherwise it is difficult to fix them firmly. 

 Even Daffodils may be grown in vases filled with water, 

 though they are less reliable than Hyacinths. It is 

 necessary to use vases having a wide mouth and a narrow 

 neck, so that the base of the bulb is kept just above 

 water. Instead of filling the vases with water one may 

 use fibre. The possibilities of flower growing in fibre 



38 



