28 THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



in case a new one is to be started, or the present one en- 

 larged. The gardener will thus avoid the rush of spring 

 work, and, especially if manure is to be dug in, will give the 

 frost a chance to mellow the ground. For the work of plan- 

 ning, see the chapter on that subject. Study now the chap- 

 ter on Hot-beds and Cold-frames, if they are to be used next 

 spring. 



Late September or early October is the time to plant 

 bulbs. 1 They are usually planted in the borders, the edges 

 of the flower beds, and sometimes in the lawn. If planted too 

 early, they will sprout and be injured; if planted too late, they 

 will make no growth ; but if planted just about the time when 

 the heavy frosts begin, they will make root growth but no 

 leaves, and will then be ready for an early spring start. 



All bulbs should be plump and firm. If you cannot 

 rely on your seedsman, examine the bulbs carefully before 

 buying. 



The easiest bulbs for a beginner to use are the snowdrop, 

 crocus, scilla, tulip, narcissus, hyacinth, lilium candidum. 2 

 All of them may be set in ordinary garden soil ; the richer the 

 better if well drained, and if manure is not allowed to touch 

 the bulbs. All bulbs should be planted in groups or rows 

 of the same kind. If you have but few, do not try to make 

 them cover much space; they look better when together. 

 Study the seedsman's catalogue, and get several of every 

 kind you order. ' ' Mixed ' ' bulbs are likely not to harmonize. 



Snowdrop may be planted in the grass or borders, or under 

 overhanging shrubs. 



Scilla and crocus may be similarly placed, although I do 



1 Bulbs are the leaves and flower-buds of certain plants, all drawn and 

 folded close together for the winter above the thin, flat, coin-shaped stem, 

 and often protected by a husk. In this condition they will keep a long time ] 

 when planted, they root and grow. See the next chapter, and the chapter 

 on Bulbs and Tubers. a Madonna lily. 



