26o PLANT CULTURE 



strange is that when the flowers are fully open, although zero 

 weather be experienced later on, it has no bad effect on the flowers; 

 they are usually prostrate during the cold spell, but they lift up their 

 heads after it has passed and even bear seeds. This happens fre- 

 quently before the common G. nivalis has pushed through the soil. 

 We ought to see more of these harbingers of Spring, especially in 

 our public parks. 



GALTONIA (Summer Hyacinth). G. candicans is a bold, 

 stately, bulbous plant which is very admirably used in the back 

 line of a border. The tall spikes of inverted white bells give a very 

 pleasing effect, and seem to contrast most exquisitely with many of 

 medium, tall growing perennials, such as Monarda and Coreopsis, 

 or with annuals such as Bachelor's Buttons and Snapdragons. The 

 bulbs are not strictly hardy and must be dug each Autumn and 

 planted the following Spring. Placing the bulbs about 5 inches deep 

 serves to give the tall stems the proper support. After blooming 

 one year the bulbs frequently rest a year before blooming again. 

 It is advisable to buy a new stock each year. 



Propagation. They are easily grown from seed. 



GLADIOLUS (Sword Lily). The modern Gladiolus is a regal 

 flower stately enough for the finest mansion, as well as a democratic 

 flower charming enough for the home garden and cottage window. 

 Each year finds new uses for the Gladiolus, which now holds first 

 place among the Summer blooming bulbs. First, because of the 

 great range of color; secondly, because of wonderful keeping quali- 

 ties, each spike keeping over a week; thirdly, because of its easy 

 cultivation, primarily the same as that for Potatoes; and, fourthly, 

 by the proper choice of established varieties they can be commended 

 because of their cheapness. This flower is extensively utiUzed for 

 all kinds of decorative work. Large vases or baskets of the stately 

 flower spikes fill a place quite distinct from any other flower. As a 

 garden subject the Gladiolus is unexcelled for furnishing a long 

 season of bloom, extending from mid-July until frost, either in a bed, 

 in which case the plants should be very close, or in clumps in the 

 herbaceous border. 



The best soil for the Gladiolus is a medium loam. It appreciates 

 good fertility, but seems sensitive to any manure in contact with 

 the bulbs. Manure is good if applied in the Autumn previous to 

 planting. The best fertilizer for general use is one that would be 

 called a Potato fertilizer, rich in potash and phosphoric acid, both 

 chemicals being useful in the proper formation of good bulbs. Bone- 



