78 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



A. Almost every year we hear complaints regarding Montbretias 

 failing to bloom, and questions as to the cause of this. In at least 

 nine cases out of ten this reluctance to bloom can be traced to 

 similar causes. The mistake is made of leaving the bulbs in one 

 position year after year, and as they increase so rapidly the soil 

 becomes impoverished, the result being inevitable little or no bloom. 

 But if they are lifted, divided, and replanted about every three years, 

 very different results will be obtained. Choose the sunniest position 

 possible. 



About Anemones 



Q. The best soil, position, and time to plant Anemones. G. E.> 

 Surrey. 



A. The Anemones about which, we presume, you require inform- 

 ation are the Poppy Anemone (A. coronaria), the Scarlet Windflower 

 (A. fulgens), and the St. Brigid varieties. The position must be a 

 sunny one, the best time to plant is September and October, although 

 it may be done as late as the end of January. They thrive in well 

 drained, light sandy soils, which should be freely manured. A mulch- 

 ing of leaf mould is very beneficial early in the year. Plant the roots 

 about 3 inches deep, and 4 to 6 inches apart according to size. 



Keeping Dahlias Through the Winter 



Q. Can you tell me how . to keep Dahlias through the winter ? 

 Alpha, Bermondsey. 



A. Do not cut the plants down until the frost has well 

 blackened them, and sever them about 1 foot above the ground, 

 attaching the label of each securely to the stem. The lifting of 

 the roots should be very carefully performed, using a fork. Do not 

 be particular about removing too much soil ; it affords little protection 

 to the tubers. The roots should be thoroughly dry before storing, 

 but this must not be accomplished by artificial means ; if there 

 is no sun place them in a cool, airy position, free from damp, and in 

 a day or so they should be ready for their winter quarters. A 

 dry, frostproof cellar is the best position for them, but those not 

 possessed of this accommodation will find a cupboard or some similar 

 place answer the purpose quite well, so long as it is dry, cool, and 

 frostproof. During winter an occasional examination is necessary 

 to remove any roots that may by chance have decayed. 



