l62 BIGGLE GARDEN BOOK 



with a sharp knife; see that a part of old stem, with 

 a bud, is attached to each tuber.) 



Gladiolus : Plant the bulbs any time in May or 

 June, about four inches deep and six inches apart. 

 The flower stalks often need some support. Succes- 

 sive plantings may be made until July ist, if a long 

 season of bloom is desired. After frost comes, dig 

 the bulbs, and when well dried in the sun cut off 

 each stalk about six inches above the bulb; store in 

 a dry, frost-proof place. The bulbs increase rapidly 

 each year. 



Larkspur : The annual kinds are easy to grow 

 pink, red, blue, white, etc. The double stock-flowered 

 larkspur is especially good. Sow in late April ; trans- 

 plant or thin out; look for flowers in July-August; 

 plants grow about two feet high. 



Marigold : The African varieties grow about 

 two feet high and bear large yellow or orange-col- 

 ored flowers ; the French kinds are more dwarf in 

 habit, usually with striped colors. Raise plants in- 

 doors or in frames in early spring and transplant to 

 open ground in May ; or sow seed outdoors in May. 



Moonflower : Large white flowers opening in 

 the evening. A strong climber. Best to start seeds 

 in the house in March and transplant in May, or 

 buy plants of a seedsman. The seeds germinate 

 slowly and uncertainly. File or cut a small notch 

 through the hard coat or shell of each seed, keeping 

 away from the germinating point, and the seeds will 

 sprout more quickly. (This hint also applies to 

 canna or other large hard seeds.) Note: There is 

 a variety of moonflower which is a hardy perennial , 

 but the foliage is not attractive. 



Morning-glory: A climbing favorite. Sow in 

 early May, and give the vines something to run on. 



