Gardening in California 



in fresh soil in which no worms or other vermin are to be found. 

 The soil should be rich and soft with no rocks or hard clay in its 

 composition. Plant so that the top of the bulb will be two or 

 three inches under the soil. 



Tuberous Begonias, which have ceased to grow or flower, 

 should have their stems cleared of all decaying leaves, and their 

 tubers lifted and shaken clear of soil ; place them in boxes half- 

 filled with sandy leaf -mold, and store in a cool dry place where 

 they may be kept until required for replanting in the Spring. 



Dahlias also, as soon as their tops are ripe and their flowering 

 ceases, should have their stems cut down to within a foot of the 

 ground and their roots lifted and freed from all soil. After 

 attaching labels to each, place them in a cool, dry shed for a few 

 weeks and then store them away for the Winter. 



Montbretias, where they have got matted too thickly, should 

 be taken up and the best bulbs selected and replanted in other 

 quarters, or, if in the same ground, after the soil has been dug 

 over two feet deep and enriched by a heavy layer of manure well- 

 mixed through the soil. 



Other hardy bulbs, such as Iris Ksempferi, and Iris Ger- 

 manica as well as the Spanish and English varieties, should be 

 closely examined, and, if the bulbs are at all crowded, taken up. 

 Have the ground spaded and enriched by a heavy coating of 

 manure and the plants replanted. Most of the Iris prefer a moist 

 situation and a rich soil. 



Lobelia cardinalis. Cut down old flower-stems and divide 

 the crowns; replant them, where they are desired to bloom, in 

 good rich loam. This same treatment may be given to the her- 

 baceous plants such as perennial Phlox, Doronicums, Delphi - 

 nums, Tritonias, etc. Vacant spaces may still be planted with 

 Tulips, Hyacinths, Daffodils and other Spring-flowering bulbs, 

 planting as recommended in a former month. 



Myosotis should be planted freely in any dry bank as soon 

 as the rains have sufficiently moistened the soil. 



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