Balcony and Area Gardening. 145 



of all for balcony display. Nothing can excel the 

 effectiveness of a mass of its magnificent blooms. They 

 can be had for a few pence per dozen. The Tulip is 

 closely followed in the order of merit by the Crocus. 

 Every one knows and loves the charming little Crocus 

 with its yellow, blue, white and variously coloured 

 flowers. They are very cheap, from 2/6 per 100, so 

 you could have masses of them in bloom on the balcony 

 with little expense, and they make a really gorgeous 

 display in connection with the Hyacinths and Tulips. 

 There is also the Polyanthus narcissus, of sorts, the 

 Daffodil and the Muscarias ; all very good, but not 

 so showy as the gorgeous trio, the Hyacinth, Tulip and 

 Crocus. And last but not least we have the virgin 

 white Snowdrops, single and douple, the harbingers of 

 of Spring — the firstling of the year — the little friend 

 we all welcome so gladly. All these Spring flowers 

 and bulbs usher in the season of balcony and window 

 gardening with a burst of freshness and beauty. They 

 begin with the Snowdrops in February and continue 

 in rotation through March, April, and May, till the 

 summer flowers come in to take their place. 



Hardy Spring plants can be purchased in Spring 

 and planted in boxes when you get them. But Spring 

 bulbs should all be planted in their boxes in October 

 or November, and kept in any convenient closet or 

 cellar till the days begin to lengthen out again, when 

 they can be placed in their proper quarters ; or better 

 still, if you have any convenient place to grow them 

 in till they are nearly in flower, and they will make a 

 grand display on the balcony at once when placed there. 



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