BULBS IN BEDS AND BORDERS, 23 



the soil all the year round. For ordinary purposes the 

 average border soil will suffice, but it must be clearly 

 understood that to get the best results with choice kinds 

 the special soils for each one recommended in the list of 

 hardy bulbs and tubers must be provided. Special atten- 

 tion must also be given to kinds that require full sun, par- 

 tial shade, or complete shade. The times for planting and 

 the depth to plant will also be found in the list on p. 43. 

 Anemones and ranunculi require a rich, well-manured soil 

 to grow them well. The soil, therefore, should be dug 

 two spits deep, and have plenty of rotten manure and leaf- 

 mould mixed with it. If heavy, add a free supply of grit. 

 Gladioli like a rich soil also, but in this case the manure 

 must not be in direct contact with the corms, but placed 

 six inches below. Mulchings of manure on the sur- 

 face are, however, most beneficial, and should be given 

 without hesitation. Lilies require special treatment, and 

 so we shall deal with them in a separate chapter. 



General Treatment Regarding the treatment of 

 bulbs generally in borders, all except gladioli, tigridias, 

 anemones, and ranunculi, and cottage tulips may be left 

 all the year round in the borders, lifting and replanting 

 every third or fourth year, as explained in the chapter on 

 lifting and storing bulbs and tubers. In no case should 

 the foliage be removed until it has withered. The foliage 

 is indispensable to the last moment for enabling the bulb 

 to store up its reserve food for next year's growth and 

 flowering. 



Carpeting Bulbs in Borders. A very pretty effect 

 will be obtained by planting the various bulbs wider apart 

 than usual, and then placing polyanthuses, forget-me-nots, 

 silenes, double daisies, primroses, double arabis, aubrie- 

 tias, violas, violettas, and pansies between, to come into 

 flower at same time or a little later than the bulbs. See 

 remarks in connection with bulb culture in beds. 



