74 MAKING OF A FLOWER GARDEN 



surpass them in charm and beauty. They are espe- 

 cilly adapted to growing in east window boxes and 

 in sheltered spots on the lawn. They require the same 

 quality of soil as the fancy-leaved caladiums — leaf 

 mold, sand and fibrous loam and practically the same 

 conditions of moisture when starting growth, but 

 somewhat less when growing. A good method of start- 

 ing is to pot the tubers singly in four-inch pots, care 

 being taken that they are planted right side up, as 

 there is little difference apparent between the crown 

 and the root side until growth starts, and when there 

 is any doubt at all about the matter it will be best 

 to start the roots in damp moss placed in a shallow 

 box or basket, where the tubers can be spread out 

 side by side and kept just moist, until there is suffi- 

 cient sign of growth to make planting safe. They 

 may then be potted and allowed to grow until time 

 to plant in permanent beds or boxes. Plant rather 

 shallow, not more than an inch in depth, water spar- 

 ingly until growth begins, and be sure that good 

 drainage is provided to care for any surplus moisture. 

 Tuberous begonias may be wintered in the pots in 

 which they were grown, allowing the soil to become 

 quite dry, and storing them in a cool but frost-proof 

 closet, or they may be lifted and each tuber wrapped 

 in waxed paper and stored in a drawer in a cool room. 

 Tuberous begonias that have been grown in the open 



