n8 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



grace that the taller and later flowering cottage and Darwin 

 ones have. These latter fill an important and necessary place 

 in the first three weeks of the month of May. Daffodils are then 

 over, and there would be a distinct interregnum in the garden as 

 far as colour is concerned had we not these brightly coloured 

 flowers to come along after the yellow and white of the Nar- 

 cissus family. We strongly recommend them for this purpose, 

 more especially as their culture is simple, and their cost by 

 no means prohibitive. Before giving any general principles 

 of management out of doors, we must remind readers that 

 the early singles and doubles are very good for pot culture, 

 and what may be news to some we must call attention to the 

 adaptability of almost the whole of the Darwin family for the 

 same purpose as valuable succession plants to come in during 

 the latter part of March and April. All they need is very cool 

 treatment. Pot culture will, however, be found dealt with on 

 page 314. 



The following directions as to successful Tulip-growing are 

 obviously only general. Details of culture must be sought for 

 in more specialised works, and also a trade catalogue, many 

 of which supply much valuable information. 



Soil. Any good garden soil will grow Tulips. The best results are 

 usually obtained where it is on the stiff side, and where there is a certain 

 amount of lime present, and where the subsoil is moist and cool. 



Position. Tulips like a fairly sunny position which is sheltered 

 from cold winds, and where the early rays of the morning sun do not 

 strike the buds too early in the day. If possible it is best not to plant 

 them for two years running in the same bed or border. It cannot be too 

 widely known that cold winds and cold draughts are very detrimental. 



Protection. It is impossible to do much in this way in the flower 

 garden, but where Tulips are grown for cutting or for show, some idea of 

 how to protect and shade may be gleaned from the two illustrations 

 given here. A slight shade either as a wind-screen or as a covering 

 lengthens the flowering period considerably. 



Planting. The latter half of October and the first half of November 

 is the best time for planting, although the operation may be delayed 

 until early December with no very harmful results. Put the bulbs in the 

 ground and allow from two inches to four inches of soil over them, accord- 

 ing as they are large or small varieties. As to the distance from each other 

 at which they should be planted,this must be leftto the ideals of the planter 

 and the depth of his pocket. The dwarf early varieties must be put in 

 fairly thickly to look well. It is less imperative in the case of the later 

 ones, and in addition ground or carpet plants can be suitably introduced. 

 Never, if it can be avoided, put Tulips two years running in the same 

 ground. If this is necessary double dig and enrich with old cow manure, 

 bone meal, or basic slag. 



