THE JOYOUS ART OF GARDENING 



carried away, but leave a small pile near the bed in a convenient 

 place, and on very cold nights throw it Hghtly over the plants, 

 removing it the next morning. 



If there are no bulbs which might be disturbed, then manure 

 should be dug in carefully about the roots of shrubs. One 

 must remember that in a shrub, as in a tree, the spread of the 

 roots is about equal to the spread of the branches, and that 

 to do the most good the manure need not be dug in close to 

 the stem of the plant. The Scriptural injunction in the matter 

 of the fig-tree, to "dig about it and dung it," is excellent gar- 

 dening, and, unless it interferes with other planting, all yoimg 

 trees and shrubs should have well-rotted manure dug in, and 

 the soil made loose and light about the base — and March is the 

 time to do it. 



Cake op Summek-Blooming Plants and Bulbs 



All of the following plants should be allowed to rest during 

 the winter months: 



Fuchsia. — ^Into the cellar in November should go the fuchsias 

 which have been blooming all summer in window-boxes and porch- 

 boxes. During the winter give water very sparingly — even if the 

 plants get so dry that they shed their leaves no harm is done. In 

 March, bring up to the light, but do not repot until the plant shows 

 signs of new growth. 



Gloxinias. — -Treat like tuberous begonias, decreasing the water- 

 supply as the leaves begin to fall, and stop it when they have all de- 

 parted, then put the plant in a dry, warm place for its winter sleep. 

 Shake the tubers out of the old soil in the spring, pot freshly, and the 

 plant will start into growth again. 



Hydrangeas. — The pot-grown hydrangeas like a quiet winter, but 

 not absolute rest-cure. Usually in September they have completed 

 their growth, in November they should go into the cellar, and have 

 during the winter just water enough to keep from shedding their 

 leaves. Bring to the light in February. 



Dahlias, Elephants' Ears (Caladium), Gladioli, Cannas, and other 

 tender bulbs should be taken indoors for the winter. After the frost 



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