THE ORNAMENTAL PLANTS — BULBS 



287 



of 4 inches or more, according to the latitude and the kind of 

 material. If leaves are used, 3 inches will be enough, because 

 the leaves lie close together and may smother out the frost 

 that is in the ground and let the bulbs start. It will be well 

 to let the mulch extend 1 foot or more beyond the margins of 

 the bed. When cold weather is past, half of the mulch should 

 be removed. The remainder may 

 be left on till there is no longer 

 danger of frost. On removing the 

 last of the mulch, lightly work over 

 the surface among the bulbs with a 

 thrust-hoe. 



If the weather happens to be very 

 bright during the blooming season, 

 the duration of the flowers may be 

 prolonged by light shading — as 

 with muslin, or slats placed above 

 the beds. If planted where they 

 have partial shade from surrounding 

 trees or shrubbery, the beds will not 

 need attention of this kind. 



Lilies may remain undisturbed 

 for years. Crocuses and tuhps may 

 stand two years, but hyacinths 

 should be taken up each year and 

 replanted; tulips also will be better 

 for the same treatment. Narcissus may remain for some years, 

 or until they show signs of running out. 



Bulbs that are to be taken up should be left in the ground 

 till the foliage turns yellow, or dies down naturally. This 

 gives the bulbs a chance to ripen. Cutting off the fohage 

 and digging too early is a not uncommon and serious mistake. 

 Bulbs that have been planted in places that are wanted for 

 summer bedding plants may be dug with the foliage on and 



261. The Belladonna lily. — 

 Amaryllis Belladonna. 



