642 



Gardening for Amateurs 



large-flowered sorts should be planted about 

 1 foot apart and covered with 3 to 4 inches 

 of soil. Plant the bulbs from March 20th 

 to the end of April ; a succession of blooms 

 may be obtained by dividing the bulbs 

 into three lots and planting at intervals of 

 about a fortnight. Though thick and sturdy 

 the spikes must be supported by a stake, 

 otherwise w^hen in flower they are liable to 

 fall down. In late autumn when the foliage 

 turns yellowish green lift the plants, foliage, 

 stems, and all, and lay these out on the floor 

 of a frost-proof shed or fairly dry cellar ; in 

 time the stalk and bulbs will separate readily, 

 and the latter can be cleaned and stored in 

 bags for the winter. Numerous small bulbs 

 or " spawn " surround the base of many of 

 the bulbs. These provide a ready means 

 of increase, and during winter may be stored 

 in dry soil. In spring prepare a bed of sandy 

 soil and scatter the tiny bulblets over the 

 surface, covering with an inch of fine soil. 

 These take two or three years to reach the 

 flowering stage, as also do seedlings, which 

 may be raised in a similar manner, or sown in 

 boxes in a cool greenhouse or frame. There 

 is an annual race of Gladioli, but the flower 

 spikes of these, though very fair, do not com- 

 pare with the ordinary sorts. 



Early -flowering Varieties. Plant these in 

 groups or masses on a warm border during 

 autumn or in January and February. In- 

 sert 3 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches 

 apart. Protect from frosts with light litter, 

 leaves or bracken. It is even worth while 

 placing a temporary glass light or two over 

 the border to throw off heavy rains in winter. 

 The flowering season is June and July. The 

 spikes average from 15 inches to 2 feet or 

 rather more in height. There are numerous 

 sorts, six of the best being Ackermani, 

 Blushing Bride (Delicatissima), Colvillei alba, 

 Crimson Queen, Fairy Queen, Peach Blossom. 



Late Summer and Autumn Varieties. 

 It is difficult to mention a plant grown in 

 gardens to-day that shows so great an im- 

 provement on the wild types from which the 

 florist has evolved the present-day strain of 

 Gladioli. They provide a gorgeous display 

 of colour from July to October. The four 

 species to which we owe the large-flowered 

 Gladioli are G. cardinalis, G. psittacinus, 

 G. purpureo-auratus and G. Saundersii, all 



South African wild flowers. It is possible 

 to distinguish to some extent between the 

 different groups of varieties. These are 

 sold respectively as Gandavensis, Lemoinei, 

 Nanceianus, Childsii, Kelwayi and Groff's 

 American Gladioli. These various types, 

 however, are now being so freely intercrossed 

 that it is increasingly difficult to distin- 

 guish them. They grow from 3 to 5 feet in 

 height. For general cultivation in gardens 

 the mixed varieties may be grown, or selec- 

 tions to colour can be obtained. Some of the 

 named sorts are cheap to purchase, others, 

 the newer sorts, are expensive. Half a dozen 

 of the best American sorts are Afterglow, 

 America, Blue Jay, Dawn, La Liona and 

 Peace. Other attractive Gladioli for the 

 border are Brenchleyensis, byzantinus, prin- 

 ceps, and the lovely primulinus (Maid of 

 the Mist) varieties. The latter comprise 

 delicate yellow, buff and apricot shades, the 

 spikes of prettily-hooded flowers reaching a 

 height of about 30 inches. These should be 

 grown on a warm border similar to that 

 described for the early-flowering section. 

 Plant the corms (bulbs) early in April. 



Habranthus (Scarlet Amaryllis). 

 Habranthus pratensis is a Chilian bulb with 

 brilliant scarlet flowers on stems 1 foot high, 

 in shape suggesting those of a small-flowered 

 Amaryllis. Those who grow the Belladonna 

 Lily successfully should give this bulb 

 similar treatment. Plant in early autumn 

 in sandy loam, old cow manure, and leaf- 

 mould, at the foot of a sunny south wall 

 or fence. The border must be well 

 drained. It is increased by offsets in 

 September. The flowering season is early 

 summer. 



Hyacinthus (Hyacinth). This is one 

 of the most popular of all spring-flowering 

 bulbs. The reason is not far to seek the 

 glistening, wax-like flowers are borne on 

 sturdy stalks, and their rich colours make 

 them of inestimable value for beds and 

 borders. For providing a brilliant display 

 during April in a small garden, beds of 

 Hyacinths in distinct colours are unsurpassed. 

 Suppose, for instance, one has a group of five 

 beds on the lawn ; a circular or star-shaped 

 central bed and four surrounding ones. 

 Fill the centre bed with white Hyacinths, 

 two opposite beds with blue Hyacinths and 



