338 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



L. cestivum, white, flowering in early summer ; and L. autumnak. 

 This last is a gem. It should be planted in August in sharp 

 sand, and in a shady position. The blossoms forcibly remind 

 one of the Snowdrop, to which, indeed, the plants are closely 

 related. The flowers are, moreover, pleasantly fragrant. These 

 bulbs may be accommodated in the mixed border, and should 

 be planted in good bold groups. For the edges of shrubberies, 

 also, they are useful, especially if partial shade is afforded in 

 the case of L. cestivum. A light and good soil should always 

 be provided. These bulbs soon establish themselves. L. vernum 

 should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary, and then it 

 should be planted at once. In grass it is a gem. 



Lilium. — To this genus belong the true Lilies, a name 

 which has been popularly bestowed upon individual species 



of" many genera. For decorative value, 

 colour-range, stateliness yet gracefulness 

 of habit, and fragrance, there are no 

 bulbous plants that can compare with 

 the Lilies proper. They extend over a 

 wide geographical area, and, as hinted 

 elsewhere, they naturally thrive under 

 very varied conditions as regards soil. 

 Taking the border kinds generally, how- 

 ever, they may be truly said to flourish 

 in any ordinary fairly rich, well-drained 

 soil, if they are planted deep enough 

 (4in. to 6in.), and at the correct time. 

 No bulbs deteriorate more quickly than 

 do the Lilies, and therefore the sooner 

 they are inserted after being purchase^ 

 or after being lifted for renovating borders or 

 beds, the better. Of late years the Lily 

 disease has told heavily against the plants, 

 and especially L. candidum, which, though 

 one of our hardiest border kinds, has suffered 

 terribly from the scourge. Reference has 

 already, been made to one means of dealing 

 with infected bulbs. Another way, which is 

 said to give excellent results, is to cover the 

 bulbs for a day in flowers of sulphur, taking 

 care that the powder gets well between the 

 scales. Autumn is the best time to plant, 

 and, if possible, home-grown bulbs should be 

 purchased from dealers of repute, as such 

 take great pains to put on the market only what is likely to 

 enhance their reputation. 



There are numerous ways in which Lilies may be grown i to 

 advantage, and the shrubbery border offers one of the best , 



Fig. 215.— Lilium 

 candidum. 



