GARDENING FOR LITTLE GIRLS 
satisfactory of all the hardy plants. It grows in 
almost any soil, and any situation, but does best 
in rich ground, with plenty of water. It may be 
planted either in early spring or after August. 
The dwarf varieties, from 6 to 18 in. high, bloom 
during March, April and May; the German iris, 
standing often 3 ft. high, in May; and the mar- 
velous Japanese kinds, sometimes 4 ft., with blos- 
soms 8 to 10 in. across, closing the season in July! 
(In heavy soil they are not so tall.) When used 
alone in beds, one prominent grower suggests that 
the German iris be combined with hardy asters (set 
in between), and the Japanese with gladioli, to 
keep a succession of bloom until late fall. 
Lilies for the garden are of many varieties, re- 
quiring different kinds of treatment. As a general 
rule, however, when the soil is heavy, set your bulb 
in a nice little nest of sand, and give a blanket of 
the same before filling in with the ordinary earth. 
Lilies-of-the-valley will grow almost anywhere, 
but do well in a half-shady position. They should 
be planted in masses, and fertilized in September. 
When too thick, they can be transplanted in the 
early spring. They increase rapidly. 
The gladiolus (accent on the i, please,) can get 
along in almost any kind of soil,—though it does 
best in rich,—if only it is planted in the sunshine. 
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